2010 NFL Draft Grades: NFC North

The 2010 NFL draft is now in the books and the staff members of NFLDraft101.com have each submitted their grades.  We will go division by division recapping each team's draft and presenting our staff grades. Click on the team name for pick-by-pick analysis.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

Had the misfortune of having several needs and lacking first and second round picks to fill them due to the Jay Cutler and Gaines Adams trades but managed to have add some solid players with their remaining five picks. 

Safety Major Wright and defensive end Corey Wooten highlight the team's selections as both fill major needs.  Wooten in particular was an excellent value in round four.  He struggled in 2009 coming off a knee injury but has the size and athleticism to fill a need at left end if he is 100 percent. 

Sixth-round pick Dan LeFevour could challenge for the backup job and has the moxie to be a good fit for Mike Martz's offense.  On the negative side, it was surprising to see the Bears wait until round seven to add an offensive lineman.

Grade: C

Detroit Lions

One of the biggest differences between the Matt Millen era and the new regime is the team's focus on needs and value.  No longer are they tantalized by great athleticism or reaching to fill holes but rather they are focusing on adding the best player at a position of need. 

Granted it is much easier to follow this method when the cupboard is as bare as the Lions was two years ago but after a second straight solid draft the team should be poised to take a major step forward this season.  Number two overall selection Ndamukong Suh was the best player in this year's draft at a position of major need.  With his combination of size, athleticism and determination the Lions hope he can do for their defense what Albert Haynesworth once did for Jim Schwartz in Tennessee.  

Third round cornerback Amari Spievey should combine with Suh to give the Titans two defensive starters out of this draft.  On the offensive side of the ball, the Lions added a speed back in Jahvid Best whom they can only hope can be a poor man's version of Chris Johnson.  He is not an every down back but is a rusher and receiver who can take pressure off of Matthew Stafford.  

Fourth-round tackle Jason Fox was a tremendous value pick and while he is not a tremendous physical specimen he is technically sound and could challenge for a starting job down the road at right or left tackle.   When you add in the additions of multiple veterans for late round picks (Rob Sims, Chris Houston, Tony Scheffler and Corey Williams), you can argue no team has improved itself as much as Detroit this off-season.

Grade: A-

Green Bay Packers

Offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga falling to 23rd overall was a welcome surprise for the Packers.  Some question his short arms and lack of athleticism, but Bulaga is one of the most polished offensive tackles in this year's class and fills the team's need for a young left tackle to keep quarterback Aaron Rodgers upright.  

The team's day two selections, defensive end Mike Neal and safety Morgan Burnett, upgrade the talent on the defensive side of the ball.  Burnett in particular was a good value as he is one of the better all-around safeties in this year's class—a big hitter with excellent range.  

Sixth rounder running back James Starks could be a late round gem as he is a dual threat with above average size who could be an nice complement to Ryan Grant.  Defensive end CJ Wilson is a good scheme fit and was one of the best values in round seven.  On the negative side, the Packers may regret not addressing their need at cornerback. 

Grade: B+

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings saw the need to address the cornerback position with its first pick especially in light of the run on corners in the second half of round one.  By doing so they reached a little to add the physically gifted but up and down Chris Cook.   He has size and ball skills but needs to display better instincts in coverage and use his size to his advantage. 

Power back Toby Gerhart was a surprise selection in round two but could end up a perfect fit as he is a completely different back than Adrian Peterson and provides insurance in short yardage if AP's fumbling continues to be a problem.  Pass rusher Everson Griffen feel due to work ethic and motor concerns but he has pass rushing talent and was well worth the risk in round four. 

Of the late round picks, guard Chris DeGeare provided the best value as he is the mauling type of guard the team appears to like on its right side.  Quarterback/wide receiver Joe Webb is an intriguing developmental prospect as well.  Overall, a solid draft but not addressing a depth issue at defensive tackle given Pat Williams advancing age was a negative.

Grace: C+

(Please note: grades are based on how team's utilized their picks on draft weekend.  Trades made prior to the draft are not accounted for in these grades)


Chris Maier is Senior Editor for NFLDraft101.com .  He can be reached at [e-mail].  Follow me on twitter: nfldraft101 .