If one thing was learned from the NFL Combine, the Green Bay Packers are certainly doing their due diligence in scouting this year’s best prospects.
Green Bay interviewed players of multiple positions anticipated to be selected over the first two days of the draft, including several tight ends, running backs and offensive linemen. With pass rusher a priority for the Packers this offseason, Florida’s Jachai Polite was among the players most scrutinized by Green Bay during the NFL Combine.
The full exchange with Florida's Jachai Polite when he was asked about his meeting with the #Packers. pic.twitter.com/OD49VbAx8x
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) March 3, 2019
Around the NFC North, Green Bay’s rivals were also busy meeting with players of interest. While the tight ends were hot commodities throughout the division, the three kickers represented at the Combine received their fair share of attention from two teams in desperate need.
Some of those interviewees from the past week are detailed in today’s rundown.
Detroit Lions (Pick #8 Overall)
Lions meet with Josh Allen at NFL Combine
Looking to replace Ezekiel Ansah on the edge, Detroit interviewed Kentucky’s Allen. Although he figures to be a top-five selection, Allen could be a player that piques the Lions’ interest in a trade-up scenario.
Lions meet with first-round tight end prospects T.J. Hockenson, Noah Fant
Drafting a tight end at the eight pick seems unlikely, but Detroit spoke with Iowa’s dynamic duo of tight ends. Each could potentially have moved their way into the top 15.
Lions have formal combine interview with NFL draft’s top OL prospect
Jonah Williams could make the third offensive lineman drafted in the first round by the Lions in four seasons.
Minnesota Vikings (Pick #18 Overall)
Report: Vikings meet with top 2019 tight end prospect at the Combine
The Lions have company. Minnesota also sat in with one of Iowa’s top tight ends.
Vikings interview 3 kickers at combine
After striking out on Daniel Carlson last year, the Vikings formally met with a trio of this year’s top kickers in search of a quality addition.
Report: Vikings interviewed tackle Dalton Risner on Wednesday night
A possible guard or tackle for Minnesota, the Kansas State product Risner is a rising name that met with the Vikings.
Chicago Bears (First Pick in Round 3)
Chicago Bears: Recapping day two of the NFL Combine
Picking for the first time late in day two, the Bears have targeted a slew of running backs to complement Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen.
Bears meet with newest Notre Dame offensive line prospect at NFL combine
Chicago met with the latest Irish offensive lineman to enter the draft after being coached by current Bears and former Notre Dame offensive line coach Harry Hiestand.
Bears meet with all the kickers at the NFL Combine
After confirming that Cody Parkey will be released, Chicago cast its net on the Combine’s kicking prospects and might be battling Minnesota for the top specialist on the market.