Offseason Low Down: NFC Team Needs
By Gregg Rosenthal
Senior Editor, RotoWorld.com
March 30, 2006

NFC North

Chicago Bears

1. TE – This is a great draft for tight ends, and the Bears look likely to take advantage early. Good night, Desmond Clark.
2. WR – With Bernard Berrian and Mark Bradley, the Bears probably have enough young wideouts. Most of them remain unproven.
3. OL – It’s odd to write, but the Bears don’t need a quarterback. The backfield is also packed, so that leaves depth on the offensive line as the only other issue.

Defense

1. DB – Jerry Azumah retired and the team is thin at safety, so the Bears have a couple of options in the secondary.

Minnesota Vikings

1. QB – New coach Childress should look to groom a young QB with a first-day pick.
1. WR – We had a harder time coming up with offensive needs for Minnesota than almost any team. It’s debatable, though, whether Marcus Robinson or Travis Taylor are long-term bets.
3. OL – The backfield should be set, so Minnesota can continue to revamp their offensive line.

Defense

1. LB – Minnesota’s greatest need on either side of the ball is here. Their talented D-line covers up a lot of problems.

Green Bay Packers

1. OL – New coach Mike McCarthy expects to implement a zone blocking scheme which will require more athleticism in the mold of Denver and Atlanta.
2. WR – Donald Driver is the only sure thing on a team full of question marks at wide receiver.
3. QB – It would take guts for GM Ted Thompson to pull the rug out from under Aaron Rodgers this quickly.

Defense

1. LB – It’s Nick Barnett and a lot of slop. Cornerback may also supersede any offensive team needs.

Detroit Lions

1. QB – Matt Millen isn’t likely to have the patience to draft another top quarterback, but neither Jon Kitna nor Josh McCown are long-term solutions.
2. OL – Underachieving unit looks better on paper than on the field.
3. WR – Matt Millen will internally combust if he doesn’t take a wideout.

Defense

1. CB – Currently, it’s Dre’ Bly and his crew of JAGS (Just a Guy). Detroit could also use a defensive end and a linebacker. With Rod Marinelli in town, expect a defensive-minded draft.