The sixth in a series on division needs leading up to the April 26-27 NFL Draft:
AFC East | NFC East | AFC South | NFC South | AFC North
Don't tell the Minnesota Vikings the NFL Draft can't complete your team. A year ago they sat at the seventh position and had running back Adrian Peterson fall to them.
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| Will the Lions go for a back like Felix Jones? Who knows with them. (Getty Images) |
But it's not the Vikings we're watching here; it's the Chicago Bears, with fans wondering when they reach for a quarterback. Minnesota probably will take one, too, but guaranteed it won't be early.
Chicago needs the draft to fill holes created by the losses of wide receivers, an aging offensive line and the play of its quarterbacks. If they can do that, they could challenge Green Bay and, yes, Minnesota for the top spot.
Detroit? Don't ask. For the first time in six years the Lions don't have a top 10 draft pick, and this time they're not looking for a wide receiver with their first choice. Hallelujah.
Chicago Bears
The skinny: After a disappointing season punctuated by injuries and subpar quarterbacking, the Bears try to reclaim the top spot in the division. They re-signed Rex Grossman, but there's no guarantee he starts at QB. Kyle Orton? Maybe. The more pressing issue is: Where is there a running game to help these guys out? Ah, that's why they have a draft, people.
Primary needs: Offensive guard or tackle.
Secondary needs: Wide receiver, running back, quarterback.
Possible targets: Vanderbilt's Chris Williams, Pitt's Jeff Otah or Virginia's Branden Albert.
Summary: The Bears aren't the monsters of anything. They can't run. They can't block. They can't throw. They can't win. Find a running game, and they can navigate their way back to the top. When Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson split carries it was good. Once Jones left, Benson couldn't find holes, and the offensive line couldn't make them. Not good.
