Draft needs team by team (NFC North)

Everyone knows that the draft for many teams is very important, not only does it address certain key needs it also can set the stage to acquire a franchise player. Now as we have seen in the past there are many touted as ‘can’t miss prospects’ but they end up missing and many that fly under the radar and become solid players for a very long time. The key for many teams will be filling obvious needs that could eventually send them to the Super Bowl championship. Needless to say, this is not an easy task but what we want to do in these articles is to setup the immediate team needs and possible free agents for each. With the lockout in place, it could be a tough time for many players and teams but this could be an important time to find the missing piece of the puzzle that will lead to the big prize.

Chicago Bears

During the 2010 season the Bears were up and down in many aspects, with the electrifying Devin Hester as the super return man they often ‘wowed’ teams with special team play, but the offense struggled to say the least. The defensive side of the ball showed once again that they run the show in Chicago.

Immediate Needs: Wide Receiver, Offensive Tackle, Offensive Guard, Center, Outside Linebacker, Strong Safety

Most Important: Wide Receiver, Offensive Tackle, and Outside Linebacker

Top 2010 Free Agents: Kreutz (C), Manning (S), Tinoisamoa (LB), Adams (DT)

Detroit Lions

The Lions were a surprise team in 2010 the progression seems to be going along nicely; if they can keep Stafford healthy at quarterback the future is bright for Detroit. They are young and dangerous with the likes of Johnson Jr., Best, and Stafford.

Immediate Needs: Tight End, Offensive Guard, Outside Linebacker, Inside Linebacker, Strong Safety, Cornerback

Most Important: Offensive Guard, Cornerback, Strong Safety

Top 2010 Free Agents: Scheffler (TE) and Brown (S)

> Check out the great selection of NFL apparel & jerseys as well as NFL Fatheads and more!

Green Bay Packers

The Packers didn’t start off with the best record but they really put it all together to become Super Bowl Champions. Aaron Rodgers really came into his own as an elite quarterback in the NFL and that fierce Packers defense really showed their toughness. The Pack will be looking to make a repeat run at the title.

Immediate Needs: Offensive Tackle, Offensive Guard, Outside Linebacker, Cornerback

Most Important: Offensive Guard and Outside Linebacker

Top 2010 Free Agents: Colledge (G), Peprah (S), Jenkins (DT), Jolly (DE)

Minnesota Vikings

The ‘one more year’ chant really lost its steam mid-season, as Favre and the Vikings couldn’t reclaim that magic from a year ago. With many injuries and off the field issues the Vikings are looking to rebound in 2011.

Immediate Needs: Quarterback, Center, Defensive End, Defensive Tackle, Outside Linebacker, Strong Safety, Free Safety

Most Important: Quarterback, Defensive End and Center

Top 2010 Free Agents: Greenway (LB), Edwards (DE), and M. Williams (CB), P. Williams (DT), Sheppard (CB), Leber (LB)

By Sam Adams
Pro Football Fans Staff Writer