Inside the War Room - NFC North
by Dave Gardner
Writers Luke Paul Chandler and Dave Gardner will be describing each team’s last draft class, top needs and draft strategies daily until the draft. Today, Dave looks at the NFC North.
Chicago Bears
A Look Back
- Picks: Greg Olson (1), Dan Bazuin (2), Garrett Wolfe (3), Michael Okwo (3), Josh Beekman (4), Kevin Payne (5), Corey Graham (5), Trumaine McBride (7), Aaron Brant (7). Grade: C
- Comments: The Bears added a potential franchise tight end in Greg Olson, who flashed his abilities this year, averaging more than 10 yards a catch while bringing in two touchdowns in 14 games. Outside of him, Garrett Wolfe was a bit of a disappointment, averaging a pedestrian 2.7 yards per carry on just 31 carries. They may have found a couple of late-round gems in cornerbacks Corey Graham and Turmaine McCbride. The latter started nine games, made 41 tackles and had five passes defensed.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: Bernard Berrian (WR), Brendon Ayanbadejo (ST)
- Key Additions: Marty Booker (WR - Miami), Lance Briggs (LB - Chicago)
- Top Remaining Needs: Quarterback, wide receiver, running back, offensive tackle, offensive guard
Draft Strategy
The Bears generally prefer to fill needs in the draft, rather than taking the best player available. The season after they appeared in the Super Bowl, it became clear that they have many positions of need. With loss of Berrian, the Bears may look for a wide receiver as early as the first round. They will also look to add a quarterback as soon as possible to compete with Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman. This draft is deep with offensive linemen and running back, so those needs will be addressed as the draft unfolds.
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The Detroit Lions
A Look Back
- Picks: Calvin Johnson (1), Drew Stanton (2), Ikaika Alama-Francis (2), Gerald Alexander (2), A.J. Davis (4), Manuel RamÃrez (4), Johnny Baldwin (5), Ramzee Robinson (7 - Mr. Irrelevant). Grade: C+
- Comments: The Lions elected a to take a receiver in the top-ten for the fourth time in the five years of the Matt Millen era. Outside of Calvin Johnson, and safety Gerald Alexander, playing time was slim from this class. lama-Francis, Manny Ramirez and Ramzee Robinson could still develop into starters for the team, but two players never even made the roster. This season will also be huge for quarterback Drew Stanton as he comes off of an injury to attempt to succeed Jon Kitna.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: Damien Woody (OT), Boss Bailey (LB), Shaun Rogers (DT)
- Key Additions: Leigh Bodden (CB - Cleveland)
- Top Remaining Needs: Cornerback, defensive tackle, running back, inside linebacker, offensive tackle
Draft Strategy
The Lions have struggled under Matt Millen’s tenure as general manager. Not only are his later picks typically busts, he is only 50 percent successful with his first and second round picks. A slip up here and there is expected, but your first day picks are supposed to be long-term starters for your team. The problem is that Millen likes to make the “sexy” pick and build from outside into the lines. This is a team that is expecting to turn the corner, but they are too weak on both lines. There are two things to be sure of, though: The Lions won’t pick a receiver in the first round, and, if they do, Matt Millen will finally be fired.
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The Green Bay Packers
A Look Back
- Picks: Justin Harrell (1), Brandon Jackson (2), James Jones (3), Aaron Rouse (3), Allen Barbre (4), David Clowney (5), Korey Hall (6), Desmond Bishop (6), Mason Crosby (6), DeShawn Wynn (7), Clark Harris (7). Grade: B
- Comments: The Packers draft class was not exceptional, but it was deep. They had 11 picks, and nine of those players made the opening day roster. Converted linebacker Korey Hall stood out as a fullback in his rookie season, and Mason Crosby was a kicking ace - both shored up huge needs for the Packers. A couple of players should make a bigger impact this year. Last year’s No. 1 pick, Justin Harrell, is expected to be a starter at defensive tackle and DeShawn Wynn out of Florida should be in the mix for the second running back job.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: Some guy named Brett Favre (QB), Corey Williams (DT)
- Key Additions: Brandon Chillar (LB - St. Louis)
- Top Remaining Needs: Cornerback, tight end, defensive tackle, offensive tackle, quarterback
Draft Strategy
The Packers have benefited from a surplus of picks in the last three drafts, and have wasted a couple of those picks. A lot of people credit Ted Thompson for his drafting, but the pressure will be on him this season as the Packers only have seven selections. The Packers appear to have very few needs right now, but it only takes one bad draft class to ruin a team in just a few seasons. The goal in this draft will be to add more playmakers on both sides of the ball (especially for new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers) and to provide depth for the future.
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The Minnesota Vikings
A Look Back
- Picks: Adrian Peterson (1), Sidney Rice (2), Marcus McCauley (3), Brian Robison (4), Aundrae Allison (5), Rufus Alexander (6), Tyler Thigpen (7), Chandler Williams (7). Grade: A
- Comments: Really, if the Vikings had only selected Adrian Peterson, this grade would still be an “A.” However, all of their first five picks were solid contributors. Sidney Rice is a burner who looks like he has the potential to be a No. 1 receiver and will stretch the field along with Bernard Berrian next season, allowing Peterson and Chester Taylor to run wild. McCauley will likely assume a starting cornerback role next year, Brian Robinson will become a bigger part of the defensive end rotation, and Allison will continue to contribute on special teams.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: Tony Richardson (FB), Spencer Johnson (DT),
- Key Additions: Bernard Berrian (WR - Chicago), Madieu Williams (S - Cincinnati)
- Top Remaining Needs: Cornerback, tight end, wide receiver, defensive end, quarterback
Draft Strategy
After back-to-back unspeakable draft classes in 2004-05, the Vikings hired Rick Spielman to be their vice president of player personnel and to help call the shots with Brad Childress - at the time, the new head coach - on draft day. The last two Vikings drafts have been extremely good, producing seven starters. The Vikings, unlike most teams, are looking to be able to pass and defend the pass. They are already the best in the business at running and stopping the run. As such, they’ll look to add to their crop of young receivers, bring in some playmakers in the secondary, and beef up their pass rush.