NFC North Draft Recap

Chicago Bears: The Bears are focused on winning now and the addition of Greg Olsen is a big step forward on the offensive side of the ball.  Olsen has the speed and athleticism to bring an added dimension to the passing game that was much needed.  The biggest question is whether he’ll quickly adjust to the physical side of the pro game. 

The Bears reached on value for Dan Buzuin and Michael Okwo.  Buzuin is a high motor defensive end who displays excellent toughness, but is limited as a pass rusher.  Okwo is being counted on eventually taking the weakside job – depending on the Lance Briggs situation.  Okwo is smart and athletic, but has a lot of durability questions with his size limitations.  Josh Beekman brings some youth to the offensive line, but has only limited upside as an interior player.  He could become a dependable starter who overachieves solely on toughness.  Kevin Payne will make an impact on special teams in 2007, but also has the tools to an eventual starter at one of the safety spots in the next couple years. 

Detroit Lions: Mike Martz is very excited with the addition of Calvin Johnson.  Johnson is not only the best player in the draft, but creates a lot of interesting possibilities within the passing game.  Opposing defensive coordinators will struggle to find ways to contain both Johnson and Roy Williams.  And let’s not forget the Lions also have Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald working out of the slot. 

Rod Marinelli has a new pet project in Ikaika Alama-Francis at defensive end.  He’s raw, but has all the attributes to become a productive pass rusher in the Lions’ scheme on defense.  Marinelli, who is also known as one of the top defensive line teachers in the game believes in his ability to mold Alama-Francis into an impact player off the perimeter. 

At quarterback, the Lions clearly had Drew Stanton graded higher than most teams.  Stanton has solid physical tools, but made bad decisions with the football in college and didn’t display much leadership.   Most teams also had Gerald Alexander graded lower than the Lions, but he does possess the smarts and physical tools to eventually become a fixture in their defense. 

Green Bay Packers: The Packers have a lot of questions on the offensive side of the ball.  They are in desperate need of playmakers, but Ted Thompson likes to build his team around defense.  If Justin Harrell stays healthy, he has the ability to create a strong presence inside against the run.  The Packers could be on the verge of having their most talented and deepest front four since the days of annual Super Bowl runs. 

The Packers don’t trust handing the run game to Vernand Morency.  That prompted the additions of Brandon Jackson and Deshawn Wynn.  Jackson is an instinctive runner with solid vision for the cutback lanes, but is on the small side.  Wynn has tremendous physical tools, but has a spotty track record in his approach to the game.  David Clowney and James Jones likely won’t make much of an impact at wide receiver, though Clowney does possess some downfield potential.  I don’t see any of these guys making major impacts in the run or pass game for the Packers.  And the tight end position remains a major concern. 

Minnesota Vikings: Passing on Brady Quinn again confirms Brad Childress commitment to building around Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback.  Adrian Peterson was a tremendous addition for the Vikings.  There are some who question his durability and upright running style, but this could be a special player.  Chester Taylor had a nice year in 2006, but there are long-term questions about his durability and lacks the skills of a special back.  And despite his background with Andy Reid in Philadelphia, Childress is committed to building a strong ground game in Minnesota. 

The Vikings addressed the need for numbers and athleticism at wide receiver with the additions of Sidney Rice and Aundrae Allison, but both are raw and carry somewhat of a bust factor.  Rice is very intriguing with his blend of size and athleticism, but there are concerns whether he’ll find a comfort level within the mental aspects of a pro scheme and beating press coverage off the line of scrimmage.  If Rice and Allison flop, this will be a significant setback in Childress’ blueprint. 

Marcus McCauley had a vanilla senior year, but was a good pickup in the third round as the Vikings needed to solidify their depth at cornerback.  He’s a good athlete who plays smart. 

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