It appears that two NFC North teams will have highly-regarded rookie punters in 2013.
We noted earlier that the Minnesota Vikings drafted UCLA's Jeff Locke with the No. 155 overall pick Saturday afternoon, a move that will probably prompt the release of veteran Chris Kluwe.
Eleven spots later, the Detroit Lions drafted Appalachian State punter Sam Martin. The move provides what the Lions hope will be a long-term solution after their initial decision to part ways with Nick Harris after the 2010 season. The Lions ran through two other punters before bringing back Harris early last season, but Martin is a strong-legged youngster who might also handle kickoffs for the Lions.
His arrival will complete the Lions' offseason overhaul of specialists. Earlier this month, place-kicker Jason Hanson retired and was replaced by veteran David Akers.
