We're Black and Blue All Over:
Here's an interesting development and possibility. The Chicago Bears recently put Syracuse offensive lineman Justin Pugh through a private workout. As Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com points out, Pugh played left tackle in college but projects as an inside player in the NFL -- and possibly a center.
As we've discussed, the Bears seem headed toward a transition at center in the near future, conceivably as early as 2013 if they draft someone who is ready to start and allows them to move Roberto Garza back to guard. Pugh was a good enough college player to earn the anticipation that he could be drafted in the second round, but his arms measured only 32 inches at the NFL scouting combine and thus wouldn't be projected as a tackle. (Alas.)
The Bears have an immediate need at guard, where Pugh could begin his NFL career. Gabe Carimi, Matt Slauson, Edwin Williams and James Brown are among the competitors for the two starting spots.
Continuing around the NFC North:
Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune looks at the Bears' safety position relative to the draft.
Dickerson examines the Bears' linebacker prospects in the draft for ESPNChicago.com.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press dives into the Detroit Lions' remaining needs at running back.
Josh Katzenstein of the Detroit News profiles Central Michigan left tackle Eric Fisher, whom the Lions would surely love to draft at No. 5 overall.
Lions receiver Nate Burleson told the NFL Network, via Mlive.com, that he is "healed up" from last season's broken leg.
Discerning true rushing prospects in the draft this year is complicated, writes Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The Green Bay Packers are still, as always, in search of a running back, notes Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Outside linebacker remains a need for the Packers, writes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
History suggests the Minnesota Vikings will have a hard time finding a receiver that can contribute instantly as a rookie. Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com explains.
Ben Goessling of the St. Paul Pioneer Press: "[The] pre-draft evaluation process has tossed some dirt on just about all the receivers the Vikings might consider."
Dan Wiederer of the Star Tribune looks back on how the Vikings put together their 2012 draft class.