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 Draft Day Needs: NFC North
by Chris Brophy
23/4/2008
Chicago Bears: Age along the offensive line is a major concern and given where the Bears pick, they should be able to add an impact youth along the line, most likely at OT. The whole offense needs help though and with the passing of time, Cedric Benson has managed to make himself look more and more like a bust so a runner at #14 is not impossible. WR could also use somebody who can make an impact given they lost Bernard Berrian to a divisional rival.
If the Bears were to turn their attention to the defense, then safety is the likely spot for some day one action but overall, I see this as a draft where the Bears will want to load up on offense. A QB could also be added, but mostly likely after round one unless the Bears can find a trade partner and move down to the bottom end of round one.
Assuming it’s all offense early then the late rounds will see some defensive projects added.
Detroit Lions: In a Cover 2 defense, you are always looking for players who can rush the passer so if the likes of Derrick Harvey are still on the board at #15, don’t rule the Lions out of the running for taking him. More likely is an addition in the offensive backfield, where the departure of Kevin Jones leaves a gaping hole and if the Lions, now Martz-less, do want to be more balanced, then they need a runner who can hold his own and produce enough plays to help make the passing game more effective.
Offensive tackle could be another tempting addition for the Lions to make early as both their OTs could be improved upon. Flipping back to the defense, the loss of Boss Bailey could see linebacker as a spot that also gets looked at for day one attention. The linebackers would be helped by a presence to replace the departed Shaun Rogers at DT.
Lower down, it’s a case of filling what couldn’t be addressed earlier on. My guess is RB and OT get attention in the top two rounds leaving LB and DL for lower down the draft.
Green Bay Packers: The King is dead, long live the King. However, with Favre now gone, the Pack were wise enough to get a prospect in place several years ago so this leaves them able to concentrate on improving their defensive backfield on draft day. Both Al Harris and Charles Woodson can’t go on for ever so a young guy to learn behind them makes a lot of sense. Safety is also a place that could get some help early. On the DL, with the loss of Corey Williams and KGB likely in his last year as a Packer, some type of prospect here makes sense.
Offensively, their bookend tackles are in a similar state to their corners, both are still solid and will be fine for the near future, but long term replacements should be sort out. At TE, Bubba Franks moved to the Jets so a prospect to pair with Donald Lee is also something the Pack could well be looking for.
The Pack are a young team so can just take the BPA as we get lower down in the rounds but a QB prospect, just in case, could be a possibility.
Minnesota Vikings: Considering the amount of high picks spent on the position in recent years, defensive end remains a need for the Vikings and is highly likely in round one. The problem they have is where they pick, likely to be out of reach of the very best prospects and too early for the second tier of talent so if the options don’t appeal, an addition at CB could well be the call.
If they turn their attention to offense, offensive tackle could get a look, given Bryant McKinnie is in a bit of bother and Ryan Cook could be improved upon. A real option at TE could also be in their thinking because they have added at WR in recent years and a real threat at TE would make those additions all the better.
Lower down, the Vikings will be looking for the BPA.
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