NFC North first-round draft picks

Vikings: Trae Waynes — No. 11, cornerback, Michigan State

NFL scouts like Spartans cornerbacks because they are skilled in playing press man and can be plugged in and put on an island from the get-go. Coach Mike Zimmer places a great priority on the position and had one big corner in Xavier Rhodes; now he has two. Choosing the first corner in the draft fills a need and was a safe pick. With bump-and-run ability and 4.31 speed in the 40-yard dash, Waynes improves the Vikings defense.

Lions: Laken Tomlinson — No. 28, guard, Duke

The Lions doubled down on the offensive line, trading the 23rd pick to the Broncos to move back to No. 28 and adding a fifth-round pick this year, a fifth next year and interior lineman Manny Ramirez. Then, the Lions selected Tomlinson, a Lane Tech product. Defensive tackle figured to be a real need, but the Lions also were seeking a player to plug in at left guard and they need to protect quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Packers: Damarious Randall — No. 30, safety, Arizona State

The Packers made Randall the first safety selected, adding a physical performer to their secondary. At 5-11, 196 pounds, he’s a little undersized for the position even though he projects as a box player. General manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy could have plans to move him to cornerback. If he makes the move outside, the Packers will have an aggressive and physical performer there.