Analyzing the Chicago Bears Offseason vs. Rest of NFC North

So far, the Chicago Bears have addressed their most glaring need this off-season, and that is acquiring a legitimate number one wide receiver. New GM Phil Emery accomplished that by trading for Brandon Marshall.

But, the other needs that remain are yet to be fully satisfied. Fortunately for Chicago, there is this thing called the NFL Draft coming in April and it will be interesting to see how that fleshes out.

Meanwhile, free agency did nothing to help the offensive or defensive lines. It is unlikely that the draft will produce immediate starters at both areas of need, especially left tackle and a defensive end to compliment Julius Peppers.

That said, the real issue is that, when the dust settles, will the Bears have closed the gap on their division rivals? To determine that will require a crystal ball, since we don't know who the Bears and their competitors will take in the draft.

But, we can certainly examine what each team has done so far, and make some predictions on where else each team will add before camp opens.

So, it is with that mission in mind that I assess where the NFC North teams are at, so we can determine where the Bears stand, relatively speaking.

Chicago Bears

Key Gains

The most obvious impact was the acquisition of Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall, acquired in a trade with the Miami dolphins for two third round picks in the drat (one this year, another one in 2013). Marshall not only gives the Bears the true No.1 wideout they had been seeking, but it reunites QB Jay Cutler with his favorite receiver from his Denver days.

Running back Michael Bush was acquired via free agency and gives the Bears a solid backup to Matt Forte, as well as leverage in the unlikely event that Forte decides to hold out. Bush rushed for just under 1,000 yards in only nine games in 2011.

The Bears also strengthened their backup capabilities at another key spot, signing former Raiders QB Jason Campbell to be the backup to Cutler. We all remember last season when Cutler's injury resulted in the end of the Bears contention. Well, Campbell isn't Cutler, but he will be better than what they had in 2011.

Linebacker / special teams player Blake Costanzo adds depth and helps aid special teams, where the Bears lost their best player, Corey Graham. Receiver Devin Thomas and receiver/returner Eric Weems were among the other additions for Chicago.

The Bears re-signed cornerback Tim Jennings, who figures to start alongside Charles Tillman next season. Israel Idonije was also re-signed but here's hoping that they can draft a defensive end that will compete with Idonije to collaborate with Julius Peppers. 

Tight end Kellen Davis was retained, and that's key because new offensive coordinator Mike Tice is expected to use the tight end position as a receiving threat this year, unlike his predecessor, Mike Martz.

Losses

Running back Marion Barber retired, but in reality, he was facing his release with the signing of Bush. Cornerback Zack Bowman left as a free agent, but he hadn't done anything for Chicago since his rookie season.

But the main loss was Corey Graham, who played surprisingly well in the nickle package late last season. But more importantly, Graham was a special teams star, having been selected for the Pro Bowl.  

Draft Prediction

The Bears have the 19th selection in the first round and while many Bears fans would like to see them draft a wide receiver like Michael Floyd or Stephen Hill, I think they will go in another direction.

A left tackle, such as Jonathan Martin, would be nice, as J'Marcus Webb was one of the worst in the NFL last year. But a defensive end like Melvin Ingram (if he slips) or Whitney Mercilus would help improve an inconsistent pass rush.

In addition to the offensive line and defensive end, the Bears will also be targeting a cornerback, strong safety and a wide receiver in the draft.

Green Bay Packers

Key Gains

The Packers surprisingly signed a couple of free agents. Center Jeff Saturday, who was Peyton Manning's center in Indy, was one. He has some age on him, as he turns 37 in June. He replaced Scott Wells, who signed with the Rams.

The Pack also signed defensive end Anthony Hargrove. the former Seattle Seahawk should be a good fit with Green Bay's 3-4 defense, as he is big enough to play end in the base and quick enough to be a inside pass-rusher in the nickel.

Hargrove's addition is key because Mike Neal will serve a four-game suspension to open the season, and the Packers never found a successful replacement last season for the departed Cullen Jenkins. 

The Packers also re-signed tight end Jermichael Finley to a two-year contract.

Losses

QB Matt Flynn signed with Seattle, but with Aaron Rodgers, they should hardly miss him.  Center Scott Wells was replaced by Saturday, as was detailed above.

Draft Prediction

Despite the signing of Saturday, the Packers are expected to look for a center in the draft, so Wisconsin's Peter Konz is a possibility for them in the first round. They will also pursue a pass rusher in the draft.

Detroit Lions

Key Gains

The Lions added defensive end Everette Brown and cornerback Jacob Lacey. Brown played for the Chargers last season and while he is a talented player, he has been a disappointment since he was taken by the Panthers in the 2009 draft.

He totaled six sacks in two seasons with the Panthers, then was released after training camp in 2011. He caught on with the Chargers but played in only three games last year.

Lacey, meanwhile, is a candidate to replace the only player not returning from Detroit's 10-6 team last season, Eric Wright. Lacey spent three seasons with the Colts, and did not receive a restricted free-agent tender from the rebuilding team.

Among the Lions who re-signed: Tackle Jeff Backus, safety Erik Coleman, defensive end Andre Fluellen, quarterback Shaun Hill and linebacker Stephen Tulloch. Also, receiver Calvin Johnson signed a new eight-year contract worth $132 million.

Losses

As indicated previously, Wright left the Lions, signing a lucrative five-year contract from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers early in free agency. 

Draft Prediction

The Lions appear interested in adding competition at safety, having hosted free agent O.J. Atogwe earlier this month. If they don't sign one in free agency, expect them to draft one.

They are also expected to look for an offensive tackle in the draft.

Minnesota Vikings

Key Gains

The Vikings signed Zack Bowman from the Bears. While the cornerback hasn't played well since his rookie season, Minny hopes a change of scenery will help him. 

Former Seahawks tight end John Carlson signed a five year deal, and they are looking to use a two tight end set, similar to New England. But he missed all of 2011 with an injury, so it is a surprising commitment for Minnesota.

But Carlson wasn't the only injured player to sign as a free agent with Minnesota. Offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz is another player who missed last season with injury. The Vikes also added running back Jerome Felton.

Losses

The Vikings lost nose tackle Remi Ayodele (released), guards Anthony Herrera (released) and Steve Hutchinson (released) and tight end Jim Kleinsasser (retirement),

Draft Prediction

General manager Rick Spielman wanted to stop seeking big names from free agency and instead count on the drafts for his difference-makers.

But they need a deep threat for QB Christian Ponder. Cornerback and safety are two other positions the Vikings will target in the draft.

Final Prediction

Predicted Final Standings - NFC North

Green Bay Packers  12-4

Detroit Lions              11-5

Chicago Bears          10-6

Minnesota Vikings      6-10

The Packers return a very good team that is once again a favorite to win the division. The Lions continue their up-and-coming dash to the top of the North, making the playoffs as a wild card. The Bears also have a winning season, making three playoff teams from the same division.

The key for the Bears is good health. Even though they have upgraded the backups at the quarterback and running back positions, without Cutler the Bears aren't going anywhere. And with their defensive stars (Peppers, Brian Urlacher, Tillman and Lance Briggs) on the wrong side of 30, keeping them healthy will be a concern as well. Urlacher's knee injury is still not completely healed.  

The Bears are going to be a good team. They were 7-3 and rolling when Cutler went down last year. But this is a very tough division. Thank God for the Vikings.