NFC North Mailbag: Letters from the Frozen North—Pre-Draft Nonsense

Hey folks, we're back with another installment of the Mailbag.

It's the last one before the draft, so we've got two NFC North-centric draft questions.

I'll be around all weekend at the draft in Radio City, so if you aren't following me on twitter (@andrew_garda), do so. Hit me up with questions and I will answer them when not sprinting to get interviews or harassing Aaron Nagler, Matt Miller or other B/R luminaries (and a few non-B/R luminaries).

Actually two of the questions are very similar, but Dream asked first so here goes:

I'd say you could see a running back as early as round two, if the value is there. More than likely, from round three onward the Lions will be looking at value to fall.

Early, I'd like to see Doug Martin in a Lions jersey, but he will probably be off the board by their second pick. However, Lamar Miller and David Wilson are two backs I like as well and worth a look.

A little later you can grab someone like LaMichael James from Oregon. He's be a complimentary back, but one who is a playmaker.

Quarterback, unless they see someone they love, will not be until at least day three. So figure anytime from the fourth round onward.

Guys like Russell Wilson on the high side, BJ Coleman or if they really wait, Kellen Moore.

The next question is actually three.

I feel like I answer that first question all the time. It can be both a lower need and an earlier pick. If it was a huge need, the Lions would have to pick a running back first round. They don't.

However, they need a healthy answer in the backfield and one they could trust to stay out of trouble. Plus, and many teams can tell you this, you can't have too many running backs.

I'd say, as I told Dream, that the second round is where they should start looking, but I expect them to really focus on it from the third round onward.

I like the second question, but I don't think it's very likely. The Bears love their defensive picks, the Lions might take a lineman, but could also go multiple other ways, and the Packers will probably go defense as they need pass-rushers badly.

It could happen but I'd put it at no greater than 38%.

As for the Bears, well, I'd say they could target a wide receiver as early as round one. However, this is a very deep wide receiver class so why jump early? I expect that the second round is the earliest they really are a threat to grab a target for Cutler.

Not saying they couldn't grab a first-round guy if someone like Notre Dame's Michael Floyd is there, just that it's unlikely.

And that does it for the last mailbag before the draft starts.

We'll have plenty to talk about next week I bet.