Introducing the 2009 All-NFC North Team

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After looking at the North, this division has perhaps the league's best running back, the league's best defensive tackle tandem, and one of the best free-agent pick-ups.

In the end, this was still not an easy team to compile, especially at quarterback.

Here is the preseason All-NFC North team.

Oh, before we get started, Jay Cutler is actually not the top QB. I'll explain later, especially to Cutler and Bear fans.

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay- Yes, even on a 6-10 team, and his performances late in games, Rodgers still had a higher passer rating than Cutler, and his touchdown-to-interception ratio was 28-13. Plus, he knows he has a pro bowl receiver to throw to in Donald Driver.

RUNNING BACK: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota- It won't be long until we see him rush for 2,000 yards.

FULLBACK: Jason McKie, Chicago- Not only is he a solid lead blocker, he can run and catch as well. He is one of the league's most versatile fullbacks.

WIDE RECEIVER: Calvin Johnson, Detroit- On a team that did everything wrong, he did almost everything right with 1,331 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.

WIDE RECEIVER: Greg Jennings, Green Bay- He is an emerging star with 80 receptions and 16.2 yards per catch last season.

TIGHT END: Greg Olsen, Chicago- He's a 255-pound guy who has very good speed and hands. He'll be one of Cutler's new favorite targets.

LEFT TACKLE: Orlando Pace, Chicago- The Bears hope he can provide a good two to three years of play before he calls it a career.

LEFT GUARD: Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota- He is the best at what he does, even after nine years in the league.

CENTER: Olin Kreutz, Chicago- He may not be a pro bowl caliber player anymore, but he still remains a strong presence in the huddle and in the locker room.

RIGHT GUARD: Stephen Peterman, Detroit- He may not be dominant, but he's competitive and fiery.

RIGHT TACKLE: Breno Giacomini, Green Bay- If this massive, 6'7", 311-pound tackle can block out Aaron Kampman well in practice, he can block almost any good rusher.

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE END: Alex Brown, Chicago- He has been a high-motor guy for the Bears throughout his career, and he led the team in sacks last season.

DEFENSIVE END: Jared Allen, Minnesota- He was the boost the Vikings' defensive line needed with 14.5 sacks.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE: Kevin Williams, Minnesota- His 8.5 sacks was his best total since the 2004-2005 season. He even has two career touchdowns, off of interceptions.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE: Pat Williams, Minnesota- The massive 317-pound defender is an immovable force and a key reason why the Vikings are always good against the run.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER: Lance Briggs, Chicago- He's emerged as the Bears' best all-around linebacker, even with Brian Urlacher alongside him.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER: Julian Peterson, Detroit- Jim Schwartz gets his Keith Bulluck type player on the outside. The versatile five-time pro bowler should be used in a variety of ways.

INSIDE LINEBACKER: Brian Urlacher, Chicago- He's getting older, plus he has missed the last two pro bowls. But he can still make impact plays.

CORNERBACK: Antoine Winfield, Minnesota- He still remains a physical corner and one of the league's fiercest hitters in the secondary.

CORNERBACK: Charles Woodson, Green Bay- He's still not showing his age. He tied for the conference lead in picks at age 32.

FREE SAFETY: Nick Collins, Green Bay- Like Woodson, he tied for the NFC lead with seven interceptions.

STRONG SAFETY: Daniel Bullocks, Detroit- He can hit you hard. Schwartz should love his aggressiveness.

SPECIALIST

PUNTER: Brad Maynard, Chicago- 40 of his punts were placed inside the 20-yard-line.

KICKER: Jason Hanson, Detroit- He's still reliable and still loyal to the Lions after 18 seasons.

RETURN MAN: Devin Hester, Chicago- Last season was a disappointment because he focused more on being a receiver. But when you put him back on returns, he can still make special team units cringe.

SPECIALIST: Korey Hall, Green Bay- If he's not considered a good fullback, he's better at handling special team duties.

HONORABLE MENTION

Jay Cutler, quarterback, Chicago- Yes, he has pro bowls and a rocket-arm. But he doesn't have a go-to-receiver right now. He must prove himself after his Rocky Mountain fallout and elevate this slow-moving Bears offense.

Matt Forte, running back, Chicago- Maybe he can be Cutler's best offensive option. He's a do-everything back for the Bears.

Donald Driver, wide receiver, Green Bay- He's averaged over 74 catches in the last five seasons. The former pro bowler still has great speed at 34.

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