Draft 2019: NFC North Needs

posted March 21, 2019 in

NFC North teams are in need of clutch draft pick ups this April, after a less then stellar year for the conference altogether. While some off-season trades have been made, here is what each team still needs heading into the 2019 NFL Draft:

Green Bay Packers

A consistent running game is a big need for the Green Bay Packers. Their struggle to establish a running game directly affected their offensive production. A good offense is directly established through a solid running game and this is something the Packers will definitely want to establish.

Help at wide receiver would also be good for the Packers. With a true number one already established in Devante Adams, depth at the position would be good to have, especially with the loss of longtime Packer Randall Cobb in free agency.

At tight end the Packers do have Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis, both under contract and on the wrong side of 30. Drafting a young tight end would definitely be a solid move to incorporate youth at the position.

Minnesota Vikings

Guard remains the biggest need for the Vikings. Their offensive line was absolutely atrocious last season and directly contributed to the struggles of quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins needs a clean pocket to operate effectively and the Vikings could not provide that for him last season. Guard will definitely be something the Vikings will address in the draft.

Tackle is also a need for the Vikings. The offensive line last season was just an overall train wreck and directly contributed to their very disappointing season. The position can definitely be addressed in the draft with the likes of Alabama tackle Jonah Williams being available.

Inside linebacker is probably the Vikings weakest position on defense, while they do have Eric Kendricks, he did not have a very good season last year. There is also a lack of depth here as well. Inside linebacker is not very deep in this draft, although Michigan’s Devin Bush and LSU’s Devin Bush are both very intriguing prospects. Improving the inside linebacker position will help complement a terrific defense line and secondary.

Detroit Lions

It definitely has to hurt the Lions to see former tight end Eric Ebron light it up with the Colts after struggling so heavily during his time in Detroit. Tight end has been a weak point in Detroit for quite some time and giving Matthew Stafford a big body target would definitely go a long way in helping the quarterback get back into form.

A cornerback to play opposite of Darius Slay would be a good addition to this Lions defense. Slay is considered one of the best lockdown cornerbacks in the NFL and giving him a solid number two to play alongside will solidify a defense that can really come into its own this upcoming season.

Depth at skill positions would also be good for Detroit. Adding young players at multiple positions can never hurt.

Chicago Bears

Strong safety is a big need for Chicago after the departure of Adrian Amos to the Green Bay Packers. Eddie Jackson and Amos combined to make one of the best safety duos in the NFL last year and the departure of Amos definitely hurts the Bears defense. With most free agent safeties signed already, adding one through the draft will probably be the route the Bears go with.

Chicago should as pick up a slot cornerback as well, with former starter Bryce Callahan departing into free agency. Callahan was one of the best slot cornerbacks last season and losing him will definitely hamper the Bears ability to cover slot receivers. Although the Bears did sign Buster Skrine to come in and play slot corner, he is a walking penalty machine and Bears fans will probably find that he harms a defense more than he helps.

Lastly, they need a true wide receiver to go along with Allen Robinson. Robinson has already shown he can be a number one receiver in the NFL and now Chicago should look to add a true number two to go alongside him. Having two dynamic receivers on their team would really allow the Bears to open up their passing attack and also help further the development of young quarterback Mitch Trubisky.

 


David Saggio is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email
davesag12@gmail.com.