It's finally time, we are just hours away from the 2014 NFL Draft. After waiting for months, people going back and forth over prospects and plenty of crazy ideas suggested, the draft has finally arrived. In preparation for eDraft's live coverage this year, we take a look at some of the biggest rumors in the NFC North that cold shape the outcome of the draft.
Green Bay Packers:
Derek Sherrod's Fifth-Year Option Not Picked Up
As teams across the league rushed to pick up their fifth-year options on players like J.J. Watt, Prince Amukamara, Aldon Smith and Cam Newton, a few teams opted to decline the team option. The Packers were one of those teams, making the decision not to pick up Sherrod's final option, just a few years after drafting him 32nd Overall.
Sherrod showed promise in his rookie season but a broken right leg ended his season. It was a gruesome injury that kept him out for the entire 2012 season and kept him on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the 2013 season. While he was activated in November, he saw limited snaps two years removed from his last action. Sherrod will return in 2014 as the Packers' backup left tackle, but faces uncertainty after that. Look for the Packers to draft another tackle at some point in the draft.
Packers Considering Trade Up for TE Eric Ebron
Dan Pompei of Bleacher Report suggested earlier this week that the Packers' could be one of a few teams looking at trading up for Ebron. North Carolina's star tight end last season quickly emerged as the top player at his position, displaying rare size and speed that drew comparisons to Vernon Davis.
If Green Bay really wants to get Ebron and give Aaron Rodgers another top weapon, they may have to move into the top-12 in order to get him. Tight end is certainly a need for the Packers, but the coaching staff has shown confidence in Brandon Bostick to step up in 2014 and they brought back Andrew Quarless. While both players are relatively unknown, tight end is likely a position the Packers will wait to address until Round 2.
Minnesota Vikings:
Minnesota Showing Interest In Sam Bradford?
Jason La Canfora reported earlier this week that rumors are swirling around the league about the Vikings talking to the St. Louis Rams about Bradford.
It's surprising given the countless times Jeff Fisher has stood by Bradford as the Rams' quarterback and the number of choices the Vikings could choose from amongst the rookie group. Bradford still comes with a hefty contract and is coming off a knee injury, but he still has talent. While the rumor was squashed, Minnesota continues to be connected to quarterbacks around the league and might be looking for a veteran to compete with Matt Cassel.
Vikings Have Interest in Aaron Donald
Everything sounds quiet in Minnesota in terms of their interest about taking a quarterback with the eighth pick. In a class that features Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel, the Vikings seem focused on improving the rest of their roster.
New Vikings coach Mike Zimmer comes from Cincinnati, where the team dominated thanks to their defense. Zimmer will be looking to bring that style over to Minnesota and may have found his Geno Atkins in Donald. While some may view Donald as a reach in part because of his size, he is one of the best defensive players in this class.
Detroit Lions:
Lions Focused On Trading up for Sammy Watkins
In the months leading up to the draft, there was a report that the Lions had serious interest in Watkins and were interested in trading up for him. The rumor died down but is back once again less than 24 hours before the draft.
The thought of a wide receiver trio of Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and Watkins would make Lions fans drool. Pairing three great wide receivers is simply impossible for opposing defenses to stop. But something fans must consider is the price it would take to move into the top-five. Not only would the price be high, but it also would give them fewer opportunities to address needs for their defense. If the Lions want to get back into the thick of things for the NFC North they need to make smart moves not make a splash that draws attention. Detroit should focus on improving their defense and getting ready to compete in the NFC North.
Chicago Bears:
Aaron Donald or Disappointment?
The Vikings aren't the only team interested in Donald, as reports have come out that Chicago is itching to get their hands on the defensive tackle out of Pittsburgh. The Bears desperately need help at defensive tackle and Donald would be a tremendous fit, but what if they have to move up for him?
Picking 14th Overall, it's unlikely the Bears would win the lottery and have Donald fall right in their laps. So their front office will have to way value versus price in determining if they should trade up for him and what they are willing to give up. Chicago might have to move up into the top-10 in order to secure him, potentially trading with a team like the Buffalo Bills or even Vikings. Moving up at least five spots will cost them, but it could be worth it to get a premier talent who fits perfectly in their defense.