The Green Packers have owned the NFC North in recent years however that domination was put on hold last season when the Minnesota Vikings won the division. The rest of the division is closing the gap on the Packers but there is still a gap there. All four teams in this division have significant needs. Here are my thoughts.
Chicago Bears: DT, CB, WR, TE
Needs Breakdown: The Bears need an impact defensive end or outside linebacker that can add some juice to their 3-4 defense. Chicago was rumored to be in on Josh Norman but they didn’t make him an offer. A young corner who can step in and play in sub-packages as a rookie is a must. The Bears have Alshon Jeffrey, Marquise Wilson and Kevin White at wide receiver but they could use more depth at the position. The trade of Martellus Bennett created means the Bears are in the market for a second tight end that can play opposite Zach Miller.
Detroit Lions: WR, DE, ILB, CB
Needs Breakdown: The Lions need to replace the retiring Calvin Johnson. They have Golden Tate and they signed free agent Marvin Jones however they need a third receiver that can team up with them and tight end Eric Ebron to keep the Lions passing game on schedule. The Lions need to get more of a pass rush out of their front four. They’ll be shopping for a defensive end who can rush the passer in this draft. With Stephen Tulloch likely to be cut, the Lions will be looking for a young middle linebacker who can step in and start. Rashaun Mathis retired earlier this off-season so the Lions could use a nickel or a dime corner.
Green Bay Packers: ILB, NT, DE, OG
Needs Breakdown: The Packers have a plethora of weapons on offense but they need to upgrade the defense if they want to get to a Super Bowl. Ideally, Alabama inside linebacker Reggie Ragland falls to them at 27 but that’s not likely to happen. If Ragland isn’t there, I think GM Ted Thompson will go defensive line. With BJ Raji taking the year off, the Packers need a nose tackle so they could go that route as well. Josh Sitton and TJ Lang are both free agents after next season so the Packers will need to address the guard position.
Minnesota Vikings: WR, OT, S, DE
Needs Breakdown: The Vikings need a wide receiver that can compliment Stefon Diggs. Minnesota needs a receiver that can get vertical and take the top of coverage. Offensive tackle has been an issue for the Vikings in recent years. Matt Kalil has been a bust and Phil Loadholt is older. Look for the Vikings to go tackle early in this draft. The Vikings are set at corner but they need a free safety that can get over the top. They’ll address that position on day two. A pass rushing defensive end is also a priority.