2010 Offseason Breakdown: NFC North Needs
Throughout the month of February, Bump and Run will break down the needs of each NFL team as free agency and the draft approaches. Today, we tackle the NFC North:
Chicago Bears: The Bears have some holes to fill on both sides of the ball, but getting Jay Cutler a stud WR is priority #1. New offensive coordinator Mike Martz will want to stretch the field, but he’ll need the toys to do so. On defense, plain and simple: that secondary needs a fixin’. The return of Brian Urlacher should give the linebacking corps the jolt they were lacking in 2009.
Key Unrestricted Free Agents: Adelwale Ogunleye, DE; John Tait, OT.
Key Restricted Free Agents: Danieal Manning, FS.
Needs: WR, OL, DE and Secondary
Detroit Lions: Any team coming off a two-win season is going to analyze every position with a fine tooth comb. I really like head coach Jim Schwartz, the guy just needs a couple seasons to get it right. Matthew Stafford showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie season – keeping him upright in 2010 will be vital. And hey, how many times does Megatron need to be triple teamed before the brass in Motown gets a clue? A legit #2 WR needs to be addressed in free agency.
Key Unrestricted Free Agents: Daunte Culpepper, QB; Jon Jansen, OL; Anthony Henry, CB.
Key Restricted Free Agents: Cody Spencer, LB.
Needs: OL, WR, RB, DL, Secondary
Green Bay Packers: Ted Thompson, you want a chance at the Super Bowl next year? Surround Aaron Rodgers with an offensive line that can actually protect him, draft a change-of-pace running back to complement Ryan Grant and shore up that secondary. Do these three things and we may just see your team in Dallas next year.
Key Unrestricted Free Agents: Chad Clifton, OT; Aaron Kampman, LB; Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, DL; Ryan Pickett, DL.
Key Restricted Free Agents: Johnny Jolly, DL; Will Blackmon, CB; Nick Collins, FS; Atari Bigby, SS.
Needs: RB, OL, Secondary
Minnesota Vikings: It’s uncertain how long Brett Favre will hold the Vikings hostage this offseason. Regardless, the most complete team in the NFL is built for another Super Bowl run. Whether Chester Taylor stays or goes will be one of the more intriguing free agency storylines. Adrian Peterson’s nine fumbles last season, including two in the NFC Championship, can’t be ignored.
Key Unrestricted Free Agents: Chester Taylor, RB; Benny Sapp, CB; Jimmy Kennedy, DL.
Key Restricted Free Agents: Tavaris Jackson, QB, Naufahu Tahi, FB.
Needs: QB?, LB
