2012 NFL Draft Grades: Assessing Matt Kalil and NFC North 1st-Round Picks

Each NFC North team added a new player to their roster in the first round of the NFL draft, but it will remain to be seen how those players will fare as they make their transition from the college game to the NFL.

The Minnesota Vikings arguably have the most to work on in this draft, as they appeared to be the farthest thing from a playoff team amongst their divisional foes this past season. They are young though, and will continue to build around what they hope will be a future stud in quarterback Christian Ponder.

That doesn't mean the rest of the division can just sit back, but here is how they did following the first round.

Minnesota Vikings

Pick No. 4: Matt Kalil, OT - USC Trojans

The Vikings made a major score Thursday night, moving back just one spot in the draft as they traded the Cleveland Browns their No. 3 pick for the No. 4, as well as getting a fourth, fifth and seventh round pick.

The selection of Kalil was the right move, despite some questioning if they'd go for a receiver in Justin Blackmon or defensive back in Morris Claiborne. To say the least, the team made the right choice as they continue to build protection for Ponder.

Kalil isn't a sexy pick, but he will get the job done. In the end, you can't complain about that.

Grade: A

Chicago Bears

Pick No. 19: Shea McClellin, OLB - Boise State Broncos

The Bears needed quite a few things Thursday night, but not quite sure another linebacker was one them—especially a guy like McClellin who could have been easily taken in the second round.

There were still a few strong picks left on the board, including Alabama's Dont'a Hightower, Illinois' Whitney Mercilus and Stanford offensive guard David DeCastro. This was general manager Phil Emery's first pick with the Bears, so he better hope he proves to fans that he isn't just another Jerry Angelo making foolish picks.

While there isn't anything wrong with McClellin, the fact that he can play both as a linebacker as defensive end makes him an appealing option considering the age of the Bears' veteran leaders.

Grade: B

Detroit Lions

Pick No. 23: Riley Reiff, OT - Iowa Hawkeyes

The Lions still need to make sure they can protect quarterback Matthew Stafford and their running backs, so selecting another piece to add their line is a safe pick.

Reiff has a ton of potential to thrive in the Lions' aging offensive line depth, giving him time to pick things up. The team could have taken a running back here, but considering the drop off in talent after the Cleveland Browns' Trent Richardson, the team can address the position later on the in the draft.

Grade: A-

Green Bay Packers

Pick No. 28: Nick Perry, DE - USC Trojans

It looks like at least twice a year, two former teammates will be going at each other, as Perry and Kalil will both be playing the same division.

The Packers really could have used some added depth to their secondary, but injecting this youth into their defense should keep the team above the division as their offenses continue to improve.

Green Bay still has some other areas to address this draft—most notably their secondary—so watch for them to target some players to fill those needs in the next few rounds.

Grade: B+