NFC North Daily Hot Links for May 1st, 2012

It's Tuesday, and the aftershocks can still be felt from the NFL draft, as much of the news is dominated by free-agent signings and rookie interviews.

We're going to mix in some non-draft related news (What?!?!?!) with the usual draft stuff as well.

I know, it's crazy talk. One piece per team isn't too much to ask for, right?

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose suffered a devastating injury which Bears all-time great Gayle Sayers had some advice on how to cope with. One of my favorite athletes, Sayers continues to be a class act.

Mark Potash of the Sun-Times says GM Philip Emery may have made some picks that seemed questionable, but he deserves a chance to prove he was right. Potash also points out that none other than the Grandfather of Draftnicks, Mel Kiper, liked the pick of Shea McClellin.

Do with that what you will.

Finally, Dan Pompei of the Tribune talks about how the other NFC North teams fared in the 2012 NFL Draft. I like Pompei, but the idea that the NFC North picked people to attack the Bears' weaknesses or counter their strength ignores the fact that 1) the Packers' defense was atrocious against everyone, not just the Bears and 2) the Lions and Vikings need offensive line help, period.

That said, the detailed breakdown is about the most concise and accurate I've read—beyond mine, that is.

Minnesota Vikings

ProFootballTalk reports that despite (or maybe because of) the inability of the Minnesota Legislature to approve or finally kill the Vikings' stadium bill, the current session has been extended.

Star Tribune writer Chip Scoggins talks about how Vikings line coach Jeff Davidson is looking towards a bright 2012 after having lost weight, enduring hip surgery and drafting a franchise left tackle.

The Pioneer Press has an interview with GM Rick Spielman on his thoughts post-draft. Apparently he was exhausted, but there's no rest as he sets up for the rookie camp.

I know the feeling, brother.

Green Bay Packers

CheeseheadTV's Brian Carriveau has an interview with new Packers QB B.J. Coleman from back at the combine in February. 

The Journal-Sentinel hopes that the addition of Jerron McMillian will help clear up the foggy safety issues.

The Press-Gazette has a nice piece on how two local Green bay guys got their shot in the NFL, including one with the home team.

Detroit Lions

MADDEN INJURY WATCH UPDATE: Calvin Johnson delivered the top-10 list on Letterman and did not injure himself walking offstage.

Philip Zaroo of MLive.com talks to Dan Shonka of Ourlads Scouting services, who says the second-round pick of Ryan Broyles wasn't as insane as it seemed because Broyles is so talented. (There is a print piece and a podcast—check out both)

My response to that continues to be—1) when healthy and 2) you still didn't need a wide receiver. As Zaroo points out, they just spent a second-round pick on a wide receiver last year.

It's not the player—Broyles has talent—it's the pick and when it happened that baffles people. I've yet to hear an explanation of how a team with three good (one great) wide receivers needed to draft yet another one when they have other issues. It's hard to imagine he was that high on their board.

Of course, that's why it's their board, not mine.