Now that the dust has largely settled on free agency and the virtual NFL Draft is only a little over two weeks away, we’re beginning to get a better look at the NFC North. Which rosters improved? (The short answer might be none of them.) What glaring weaknesses still remain for each team? That’s what we’re here to talk about today. 

Green Bay Packers

We’ve talked at length about this roster and how Brian Gutekunst could approach draft night, so I’ll try to be quick here. Green Bay said goodbye to its starting inside linebacker and stud right tackle in free agency, signing in their places a new starting inside linebacker and right tackle. While both Christian Kirksey and Rick Wagner come with injury concerns, their contracts allow the Packers a ton of flexibility in the draft and beyond, even if both are viewed mainly as bridge players these next one or two seasons. As is always the goal, now Gutekunst is able to draft the best player available, not for a glaring roster need. And that’s not to say he won’t still prioritize either of the positions listed, because they very well may be the best players available when the Packers are on the clock, but the point is it’s no longer a necessity. 

We know the Packers need a wide receiver, and the team has said as much. They aren’t going into the 2020 season with the current unit, despite signing Devin Funchess in free agency. So expect a receiver to come off the board early for Green Bay. Lastly, with Tramon Williams still an unsigned free agent, expect the Packers to look for some help behind Jaire Alexander and Kevin King. Not only is King entering free agency in 2021, but the remaining stable of guys are still unproven to a large extent, with Williams having played 73% of defensive snaps at 37 years old. Guys like Chandon Sullivan, Josh Jackson, and Ka’dar Hollman certainly can take a jump, but expect the Packers to draft another corner as competition for that starting role. 

While Green Bay didn’t take any massive steps forward in free agency, the team didn’t really get worse, either, and with a strong draft the Packers should still be right in the mix come playoff season. 

Roster needs in no order: OT, WR, ILB, IDL, CB

Detroit Lions

The glaring needs on the Detroit Lions roster fall on the defensive side of the ball. The Lions said goodbye to Darius Slay in the secondary, arguably the team’s best corner, in favor of bringing in Desmond Trufant, Darryl Roberts, and Tony McRae. Of course, this need could immediately be remedied at the third overall pick in the draft if Detroit stays put and lands star corner Jeff Okudah. But at least for now, the secondary needs some work.

Next let’s talk about the defensive line, where the Lions lost Mike Daniels, A’Shawn Robinson, and Damon “Snacks” Harrison. They did add Danny Shelton, but given head coach Matt Patricia’s connection to the Patriots, it’s hard not to be skeptical of every former Patriot that finds their way to Detroit. (The same argument can be used with Jamie Collins at linebacker, another free agent signing for the Lions.)

There are still weapons on offense for Matthew Stafford, with Danny Amendola being re-signed to continue playing alongside Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr, though his protection will look a little different in Rick Wagner’s absence. The Lions instead opted to sign Halapoulivaati Vaitai to a massive contract (5 years, $45 million). But despite having solid protection along the line and weapons in the passing game, the Lions could use another running back to complement Kerryon Johnson, especially after Johnson missed half his season to injury in 2019. 

Perhaps the most intriguing signing came in the form of quarterback Chase Daniel who leapfrogs David Blough as the backup behind Stafford on the roster. While the Lions could still draft a quarterback early, bringing in Daniel alleviates some of that thought. 

Roster needs in no order: CB, DL, EDGE, S, RB

Minnesota Vikings

I hope Lizzo’s new man can play safety, that’s all I’m saying. 

Beyond Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris there are no safeties on the current Vikings roster. Yes, you read that right. And there are plenty of rumors swirling around that after franchise tagging Harris, he could be part of a trade on draft night. The Vikings also lost cornerbacks Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, and released Xavier Rhodes who all went to AFC teams this offseason, so the Minnesota secondary is getting a complete overhaul. To round out the defense, the Vikings swapped big bodies on the defensive line, releasing Linval Joseph to help clear cap space and signing Michael Pierce. 

Switching to offense, Minnesota traded away its top wide receiver in Stefon Diggs, sending him to the Bills for a crop of draft picks, including an additional first round selection. And while the Vikings did bring in Tajae Sharpe in free agency, it’s all but a given the team will be drafting a receiver high to pair opposite Adam Thielen in Diggs’ place. 

Amidst all of the roster churning taking place in Minnesota, the Vikings did manage to sign Kirk Cousins to a two-year, $66 million extension, so the Vikings have that going for them, which is nice. 

Roster needs in no order: CB, WR, S, OL, DL

Chicago Bears

Finally let’s talk about the Chicago Bears, who had one of the most interesting offseasons to follow. The team traded for quarterback Nick Foles and is now declaring an open competition between Foles and Mitchell Trubisky in training camp. 

The Bears are in a tough spot given the team’s remaining draft capital. While seven picks is an adequate amount, the team has two of those picks in the second round with the remaining five selections coming in the fifth, sixth, and seventh rounds. 

A big priority for Chicago in this draft has to be wide receiver. Whoever starts at quarterback is going to need help, even if Anthony Miller continues to improve alongside Allen Robinson. The team already released Taylor Gabriel, so the need for another receiving threat is there. The tight end position is also entirely up in the air for the Bears, who signed Jimmy Graham to a two-year, $16 million contract with $9 million guaranteed. That brings the number of tight ends on the roster to 10. No, seriously. 

With Kyle Long retiring this offseason, the Bears will also need to find some help along the interior of the offensive line. It’s not going to matter who’s throwing the football in Chicago if they don’t have any protection. 

The Bears brought back Danny Trevathan at inside linebacker and said goodbye to Nick Kwiatkoski in free agency. Additionally, safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix joined the Dallas Cowboys, leaving safety as another position of need for Chicago opposite Eddie Jackson. 

The biggest splash made by the Bears in free agency had to come in the form of pass rusher Robert Quinn. Quinn had a pretty dominant year for the Cowboys and now will be paired opposite Khalil Mack. Of all the moves made by the rest of the NFC North this offseason, the Bears landing Quinn is one of the best. 

Roster needs in no order: CB, IOL, WR, S, QB