NFC North Draft Needs

Detroit Lions (pick #1, #20)
Where do we start? It's been well documented by now that the Lions plan on having a deal in place with their first round pick before the Draft starts, but do we know who that's going to be? All signs point to QB Matt Stafford (Georgia), but Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry and his agents met with Detroit brass last weekend, and word is that Lions management is high on Baylor OT Jason Smith, as they should be. We know that nothing is really out of bounds here.

What else can we say about their needs, without giving a position by position breakdown of the entire roster? Honestly, it's not as bad as their 0-16 record, receiver Calvin Johnson is one season away from breaking out as the dynamic go-to guy they hoped they were getting two years ago, and the defense is only a couple of pieces away (a pass rusher and some help in the secondary) with LB Paris Lenon manning the middle. They have five picks in the first three rounds thanks to the Cowboys, and new head coach Jim Schwartz should have a better product on the field. Expect the Lions to get their quarterback #1, and perhaps some help on the offensive line at #20.

Needs: OL, QB, WR, DB, DE

Green Bay Packers (pick #9)
Lambeau faithful saw a new starting quarterback for the first time in 16 years last season, and even though the Pack only won 6 games, Aaron Rodgers had a solid season. Green Bay is set at QB. They let him get put on his butt 34 times last season, though, so they might want to upgrade that offensive line. Some depth at running back would be nice as well, and eventually WR Donald Driver will start slowing down, and no one is sure that James Jones, Martin Ruvell, or anyone else is ready to be a #2 to Greg Jennings.

The other side of the ball isn't quite as set, but still isn't a shambles. Both Aaron Kampman and Cullen Jenkins are still to be reckoned with up front, and linebackers A.J. Hawk and Nick Barnett do their job as well. With DB's Al Harris and Charles Woodson both getting older, it's time to improve the secondary.

Needs: OL, WR, DB

Chicago Bears (no first round picks)
Now that the Bears have a good (if annoying) quarterback in Jay Cutler, we know what position they won't be looking at this year. We also know that the cost of doing business with the Broncos was their 1st and 3rd round picks this year, plus another 1st rounder next year, so they won't doing much on Day One. They should be looking for some help at receiver in the 2nd round, because their Pro Bowl quarterback doesn't have anyone to throw to.

The defense is getting old, as was exposed last year in the passing game. Addressing this concern would mean getting better in the secondary, and adding some youth along the defensive line. Lucky for them, they received a compensatory 3rd round pick, and will be able to address the defense at #99. There weren't a lot of standout DBs at the Combine this year (there won' t be any Leodis McKelvin in this Draft) but help shouldn't be hard to find.

Needs: WR, DB, DL

Minnesota Vikings (#22)
The Vikes and their fans certainly aren't resting on their proverbial "laurels" after winning the vaunted North on the last day of the season, nor should they be. They have a lot of holes in their lineup. No #1 receiver (their two best wideouts combined for 101 receptions) a shaky quarterback situation (shaky is being kind), and an offensive line that have given up 81 sacks the last two years. We know that they won't be looking for a running back early, but every other position on offense needs an upgrade. Badly.

But, ah, the defense. Well, what about it? DT Pat Williams will be 37, and he and his counterpart (the other Williams, Kevin) are both facing possible league suspensions. An undisciplined bunch, the defense gave up a league-worst 1,002 yards in penalties, and was mediocre against the pass (6.5 yards per attempt, 49 plays of 20 yards or more). Their defensive core is set, but could use some help at the second level.

Needs: WR, OL, QB, DB