2012 NFL Draft: Day 3 Predictions for the Bears, Packers, Lions and Vikings

We've somehow survived the first two days of the 2012 NFL draft, and folks, the third day is the longest.

It's also the day where your best analysis will be on the Internet, not the television.

Sadly, both ESPN and NFLN refuse to talk about the picks being made 99 percent of the day, instead rehashing the same three rounds over and over and over and over again. So make sure you lock it in here for the scoop on these guys as they get picked.

It's time for some Day 3 predictions.

Green Bay Packers

Ted Thompson and the Pack have been doing very well for themselves in this draft, adeptly moving up and back but never panicking and never overpaying. So far, it's been all defense, though.

My guess is that they'll take some value picks on the offensive side, especially with the compensatory picks they can't trade. Still, the plan is what it was yesterday and Thursday: catch the value that drops.

There are some good offensive line guys, some solid pass-rushers, some outstanding wide receivers and solid running backs. Lamar Miller has dropped a ton, Alfonzo Dennard is could become a late-round value for a team who believes in him, Markelle Martin would be a great safety grab and, my personal favorite, Cal WR Marvin Jones is still around.

There is plenty of offensive value here for Day 3. Expect Ted Thompson to either pick it or take advantage of other teams and get more value picks perhaps for 2013.

Chicago Bears

Like the Packers, the Bears are allowing value to drop to them. I love McClellin, even as a defensive end. Alshon Jeffery also has a great deal of upside, and while I don't love Brandon Hardin, he's a solid third-round pick.

So, what now? The Bears will continue to pick value as we go, adding depth along the offensive line—perhaps a value wide receiver (there are plenty of good candidates here) and some more defensive depth.

Keep an eye out for a Day 3 quarterback too, somewhere between the fifth and six round in all likelihood. Behind Cutler and Campbell, there's not a lot, and developing a quarterback to step in down the road is a must.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikes have a lot of picks today, though not quite as many as the Packers. Will they keep them all? I don't think so, but they'll keep most of them. The team continues to have so many needs, they can't go wrong in almost any direction.

They've addressed the secondary, so that's likely not a focus. More offensive line, more overall defensive help and a playmaker opposite Percy Harvin would be good. I mentioned Marvin Jones above with the Packers, and I think he'd be a great fit here as well.

So far, they've been solid, but today could go a long way towards turning this franchise around on a speedier pace.

Detroit Lions

I feel like the Lions had a decent draft, but it could, and should, have been much better. Reiff is virtually a steal, but as much as I like Broyles, there were better value defensive back picks there.

Bentley is OK, but they could have done better.

The Lions will probably look at both the secondary and the offensive line for depth. Watch out for a running back pick as well—especially if Miller keeps dropping.