Posted in: NFL, Sports | Tagged: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, entertainment, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, nfl, sports

Needs Around The League – NFC North

The NFC North looked like a division that no one wanted for a while. Detroit started off strong but petered out down the back stretch while Green Bay got their second wind. Minnesota was sent scrambling with their franchise QB going down early and having to trade for a new gunslinger. Chicago just had an ugly season, but I expect John Fox to restock the cupboard and turn the team around… or he'll be looking for yet another new team. Plus, there is the elephant in the room… or out of the room… as Adrian Peterson is no longer in the division. That should make defensive coordinators lives just a little bit easier.

CHICAGO BEARS
2016 Record: 3-13
First Pick: #3
Needs: Defensive Back, Offensive Line, Tight End, Wide Receiver
Analysis: The Bears have moved on from Jay Cutler to Mike Glennon, who has some experience starting but is still an unknown commodity. But taking the chance with QB frees them up to address their needs at corner and safety as well as the left side of the offensive line. With this high of a pick, expect to see them take one of the top corners here and maybe look at a tackle or guard in round two. I could also see them trying to trade out of their position and stack picks if there isn't someone their heart is set on.

DETROIT LIONS
2016 Record: 9-7
First Pick: #21
Needs: Pass Rusher, Linebacker, Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Runningback
Analysis: The Lions need to focus on their defense in the draft. Their anemic pass rush has to be the team's top concern. Finding some pressure from either the D tackle or end position… or both… could add a couple more wins to the record. After that a linebacker that can cover would be next on the list. On offense, their only real need is depth at wideout and runningback, both can be addressed late day two or early day three.

GREEN BAY PACKERS
2016 Record: 10-6
First PIck: #29
Needs: Pass Rusher, Cornerback, Running Back
Analysis: This team turned in one of the best second half efforts in recent memory, pushing through the regular season and taking the division after a poor start. The team is pretty solid and is using an ex-wideout at running back with success. The main focus here is going to be depth at some key positions. A back-up RB to Ty Montgomery can be grabbed in the second or third rounds. Adding some more defensive line pressure and another big cornerback will probably take precedent. Another receiver late would be a good move here as well.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
2016 Record: 8-8
First PIck: #48
Needs: Offensive Guard, Linebacker, Defensive Tackle, Running Back
Analysis: The Vikings are in pretty good shape, which is good since they don't have a first-round pick. The injury to Teddy Bridgewater last year forced them to use this year's number one to get Sam Bradford. The fact the team signed Case Keenum means that it's not looking good for Bridgewater to get back on the field any time soon. But Bradford played well enough to keep the team from needing to draft a quarterback. They've made some big changes at offensive line, so adding some depth at guard will probably be their first priority. Depth is also needed at running back, defensive tackle and linebacker.

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