2010 NFL Team Needs: NFC North

Chicago Bears: OG, OT, S, WR, DT, CB depth

Though Cutler deservedly took most of the blame for the Bears’ struggles last year after being the hope that would finally turn around Chicago’s historic woes at quarterback, the rest of the offense still requires much work. It must start up front with the line, which was pitiful a season ago in both protection and run-blocking. Both Cutler and Forte had to play behind Frank Omiyale and later Kevin Shaffer who aren’t starting caliber players. The Bears have limited themselves in the draft, but need to miraculously find a guard and a tackle before they expect to see great dividends on their investment at quarterback. While the receiver position seems a bit better now, they still need a true number one to open up the offense and let Cutler achieve at his ceiling. Defensively, the Bears will hope on the addition of Peppers to not only improve the pass rush from the outside, but reinvigorate Tommie Harris to reach his playing potential as well. That would take the pressure off a shaky secondary which needs a reliable free safety and depth at corner.

Detroit Lions: OT, DT, CB, RB, OG, DE, S

Jeff Backus must be benched or moved because he’s not any answer at left tackle. If they want to see Matthew Stafford succeed, not only do they need to draft a left tackle, but also a left guard to solidify the entire line. Secondarily, they should continue searching for a running back that can take the pressure off of Kevin Smith and the passing game. However, their biggest concerns still exist on the defensive side. In fact, few defenses were worse over the last decade of football than the Lions last year. They’ve made some nice low risk/medium reward investments this offseason, but still need to land a key piece to build around. Suh or McCoy would solve a big need as well as bring some swagger back to defense. Even with Vanden Bosch, they should still search for another pass rusher to take the pressure off of a secondary that can cover for only a short period of time before a hole opens up. Look for the organization to address that as well by looking for a number one cornerback and a safety to play alongside last year’s impressive rookie, Louis Delmas.

Green Bay Packers: LT, CB, S, 3-4 OLB, RB/WR

After re-signing several of their young, key pieces over the last several years, the Packers have removed a lot of uncertainty, and with that, lessened the team’s “needs.” The offense will bring back both of their veteran tackles, but both are on their last legs. At RT, the Packers have several candidates who could nestle into the position, but after the failed Colledge experiment last year, no candidates have emerged on the left side behind Clifton. While the team has fielded a consistent offense over the last 3 years, they could use an explosive WR or RB to add another weapon to the offense, but more importantly someone that could double as a returner. Even though the pass defense ranked 4th last year (Defensive QB Rating), the secondary will need depth and a future starter to replace Charles Woodson. Tramon Williams played well in Al Harris’s place and figures to be a piece of the long-term puzzle, but the team needs to find nickel and dime help to guard against stacked receiver sets employed by Pittsburgh and Arizona that shred apart the defense. At safety, Atari Bigby has been solid, but unspectacular, and can be counted on to miss time each season. At OLB, depth is thin, though they do have a prospect or two lined up.

Minnesota Vikings: CB, FS, OL, DT depth, RB depth, QB

Adding insult to injury, starting corner Cedric Griffin tore his ACL in the Championship game, which means he won’t be ready until mid-season at the earliest. Depth was a concern anyway, but this injury bumps corner up to the top of their priorities. In the secondary, the Vikings have also struggled at free safety for years now. Pat Williams could retire any of these years, but behind him is Jimmy Kennedy who seems to have rejuvenated his career with his stint in Minnesota. Even if he becomes the starter, depth will be an issue inside. On offense, Favre’s retirement in the next months or years will make for an interesting situation. I like Tarvaris Jackson and they have a back-up in Sage Rosenfels even if he does hang ‘em up sooner rather than later. Still, they could continue to look for a young, developmental type. With Chester Taylor gone, depth at running back is a concern, especially knowing how much Childress loves to run the ball. Their biggest concern on offense though will be just improving the offensive line in general. This may come from a new starter inside, or surprisingly even a player to push the inconsistent Bryant McKinnie at left tackle.

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