2009 NFC North Preview: Pre-Draft Edition

Yes, we are over four months away from the 2009 regular season. It seems too early, but that's why it's called a "pre-draft edition."

This division is up for grabs at this point.

The Green Bay Packers finished 6-10 last year after the departure of Brett Favre after the 2007 season.

The Detroit Lions didn't win a single game all season long. It's official, they are the worst team in the NFL.

The Chicago Bears went 9-7, but failed to make the playoffs.

The Minnesota Vikings had a 10-6 record and made the playoffs, but went on to lose to the Eagles in the first round.

Let's take a look at the preview for each one of these teams:

Detroit Lions (2008 record: 0-16, Predicted 2009 record: 2-14)

Key losses:
WR Mike Furrey, CB Leigh Bodden, S Dwight Smith, QB Dan Orlovsky, QB Jon Kitna, DT Shaun Cody, DT Cory Redding

Key additions:
RB Maurice Morris, CB Eric King, CB Anthony Henry, WR Bryant Johnson, CB Philip Buchanon, DT Grady Jackson, LB Julian Peterson

Detroit made the right moves in free agency. Philip Buchanon is a good cornerback, and trading for Anthony Henry was the right move. The secondary should be much improved.

Trading for Julian Peterson upgrades the Lions linebacking core including Ernie Sims.

Draft Focus:

Needs (In order): QB, OT, DT, S, DE

The Lions need to focus on getting a franchise quarterback. Matthew Stafford seems like the best option for the No. 1 overall pick.

Detroit should look to get an offensive tackle with the twenth ,that they received from the Dallas Cowboys, either Michael Oher or Eben Britton.

Green Bay Packers (2008 record: 6-10, Predicted 2009 record: 8-8)

Key losses:
OT Mark Tauscher

Key additions:
S Anthony Smith, C Duke Preston

The Packers stayed basically the same with their off-season moves, only losing Mark Tauscher isn't a big deal at all.

Anthony Smith should provide good depth in the secondary behind Atari Bigby and Nick Collins.

Draft Focus:

Needs (In order): DT, DE, OT, OLB, CB

The Packers have the ninth overall pick in the first round. They need to find immediate help on the defensive line.

B.J. Raji would be the perfect fit at defensive tackle. He is a good run-stuffer that the Packers desperately need.

Chicago Bears (2008 record: 9-7, Predicted 2009 record: 9-7)

Key losses:
QB Kyle Orton, QB Rex Grossman, WR Brandon Lloyd, S Mike Brown, OT John Tait, OT John St. Clair

Key additions:
QB Jay Cutler, S Josh Bullocks, OT Kevin Schaffer, OT Orlando Pace

The trade for Jay Cutler made sense, but will it put Chicago over the top in the NFC North? My guess is that it won't.

Signing Orlando Pace is exactly what the Bears needed to do, a 33-year-old veteran that can still play at a high level.

Draft Focus:

Needs (In order): WR, DE, OT, OLB, CB

Chicago does not have a first round pick. It was traded in the Jay Cutler blockbuster deal.

In the second round they should look for a receiver like Ramses Barden from Cal Poly. He is a 6"6 phenom with good hands.

Minnesota Vikings (2008 record: 10-6, Predicted 2009 record: 11-5)

Key losses:
C Matt Birk, S Darren Sharper, OT Marcus Johnson, QB Gus Frerotte

Key additions:
CB Karl Paymah, WR Glenn Holt, QB Sage Rosenfels

The loss of Matt Birk is going to hurt the Vikings running game. John Sullivan must be prepared to take over for the future hall-of-famer.

Minnesota traded a fourth round pick for Texans back-up quarterback Sage Rosenfels. He will likely compete for a starting job with Tarvaris Jackson.

Draft Focus:

Needs (In order): OT, WR, CB, DT, C

The Vikings own the 22nd overall pick in the first round. Will they look to draft a big-name receiver like Hakeem Nicks or Darrius Heyward-Bey?

A dominant right tackle is also needed. Ryan Cook failed miserably there last year. Artis Hicks also wasn't very impressive either.


Where we stand, Minnesota has the best chance to win the division. Perhaps that will change after the draft.

I will be posting a post-draft edition of this as well.

Do you agree with me or disagree? Let me know! Thanks!