Post Draft Preview—NFC North
Now that the NFL Draft is over, we're moving closer to the start of the new NFL Season. It seems a good time to take a look at these teams, post draft, to see where they're at. Over the next eight weeks, I'll be looking at one division at a time. Today, it's the NFC North.
Chicago Bears
Key Draft Picks: David Montgomery, RB, Riley Ridley, WR
About: The Bears rose up and won the NFC North last season, and they look poised to compete for years to come. The defense will have to contend with the loss of Vic Fangio, but is still loaded. On offense, the team moved Jordan Howard, but re-loaded with Montgomery and Mike Davis, alongside Tarik Cohen. And with Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Anthony Miller and Ridley, along with Trey Burton, they have plenty of weapons for Mitch Trubisky. But they won't catch anyone by surprise this year.
Minnesota Vikings
Key Draft Picks: Garrett Bradbury, C, Irv Smith, TE, Alexander Mattison, RB
About: With Kirk Cousins aboard the Vikings were supposed to be a Super Bowl contender. But instead, they fell short of the playoffs. This season, the Vikings will try to improve their offensive line play and hope that Cousins can get them there in year two, along with weapons Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook. The Vikings are looking to bounce back in 2019.
Green Bay Packers
Key Draft Picks: Rashan Gary, DE, Darnell Savage, S, Jace Sternberger, TE
About: The Packers had a miserable 2018 season, which led them to part ways with Mike McCarthy. Now they have to hope new coach Matt LaFleur can get the most out of Aaron Rodgers, and make the most of weapons like Davante Adams and Aaron Jones. And the Packers spent most of their high draft capital on defense to hope they can be a balanced squad as they try to make it back to the playoffs.
Detroit Lions
Key Draft Picks: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Jahlani Tavai, LB, Will Harris, S
About: The first year with Matt Patricia didn't pay dividends. The Lions were the least powerful team in a loaded division, and they weren't a lot of fun to watch. The hope is Patricia can improve the defense, while Matt Stafford looks to get the offense back on track with Kenny Golladay, Kerryon Johnson and rookie Hockenson providing the bang at the key skill positions. I think it's gonna be tough for Detroit to get to the top in this division in 2019.
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