NFC North 2020 Off-Season Review
By: Jerry Martinez
The NFC North teams are some of the most legendary teams in NFL history with each having some form of historical times. As of recent the Green Bay Packers have always found a way into the playoffs and be true contenders as they are led by their Quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This division is a prime example for the entire NFL of the importance of establishing a Franchise Quarterback. I will lead you through the North covering Key Offseason Acquisitions and Departures for each team.
Detriot Lions
Key Additions: CB Desmond Trufant, OL Oday Aboushi, WR Geremy Davis, LB Elijah Lee, LB Reggie Ragland, WR Geronimo Allison, CB Daryl Roberts, DB Duron Harmon via trade with New England Patriots
Draft Picks: CB Jeffery Okudah, RB D’Andre Swift, OLB Julian Okwara, OL Jonah Jackson, OL Logan Stenberg, WR Quintez Cephus, RB Jason Huntley, DL John Penisini, DL Jashon Cornell
Key Departures: S AJ Howard, QB Kyle Sloter, LB Devon Kennard, TE Paul Butler, WR Jonathan Duhart, LB Steve Longa, RB Tra Carson, LS James Fisher, P Matt Wile, and CB Darius Slay traded to the Philadelphia Eagles
The Lions lost their QB Mathew Stafford to injury during the regular season making their season difficult to stay competitive. The Lions were able to surprise some teams with wins however, their record and draft spot indicates the importance of having a QB that can give you the best option to win. Mathew Stafford is healthy now and the Lions showed their willingness to give Stafford more protection and more weapons with this year’s draft class. This will be an important year for Head Coach Matt Patricia who is still attempting to run a similar style defense as the New England Patriots. With the re-signing of Defensive Tackle A’Shawn Robinson and drafting OLB that can rush the passer in Julian Okwara and a very promising Cornerback Jeffery Okudah, could this be the year the Lions Head Coach can get this defense to compete at the same level as their offense.
Chicago Bears
Key Additions: QB Nick Foles (Trade), Edge Robert Quinn, TE Jimmy Graham, CB Artie Burns, OL Germain Ifedi, LB Barkevious Mingo, S Deon Bush (Re-Sign), LB Danny Trevathan (Re-Sign)
Draft Picks: TE Cole Kmet, CB Jaylon Johnson, WR Darnell Mooney, CB Kindle Vildor, OLB Trevis Gipson, OL Lachavious Simmons, OG Arlington Hambright
Key Departures: OLB Leonard Floyd, QB Chase Daniel, S HaHa Clinton-Dix, LB Aaron Lynch, OL T.J. Clemmings, OL Rashaad Coward, TE J.P. Holtz
The Bears strength lies with their Defense as through the test of times has been their identity however, with the ever-changing league the Quaterback is the one player that can shift your momentum to either a win or loss. The Bears have given their current Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky every opportunity to turn around his up and down young career until this offseason. They decided to trade for Nick Foles in hopes of making a strong push into the playoffs and use Foles experience to a potential Superbowl birth. Many want to know how long before the front office and Head Coach make the switch in their QB’s as their new pass rushing duo has the potential to help the Bears win the division and make a strong push into the playoffs with the right QB at the helm.
Minnesota Vikings
Key Additions: DT Michael Pierce, LB Demarquis Gates, DL Anthony Zettel, WR Tajae Sharpe, QB Sean Mannion, FM C.J. Ham, K Dan Bailey (Re-Sign), RB Ameer Abdullah (Re-Sign), OG Dakota Dozier, Anthony Harris (Franchise Tag)
Draft Picks: WR Justin Jefferson, CB Jeff Gladney, OL Ezra Cleveland, CB Cameron Dantzler, DE D.J. Wonnum, DT James Lynch, LB Troy Dye, CB Harrison Hand, WR K.J. Osborn, OL Blake Brandel, S Josh Metellus, DE Kenny Willekes, QB Nate Stanley, S Brian Cole, G Kyle Hinton
Key Departures: WR Stefon Diggs (via Trade), DE Everson Griffen, DT Linval Joseph, CB Xavier Rhodes, CB Trae Waynes, CB Mackenzie Alexander, S Andrew Sendejo, S Jayron Kearse, WR Laquon Treadwell
The Vikings as of late have been one of the grittiest teams in NFC North led by an attacking Defense, with a balanced offense. Their Quarterback Kirk Cousins has been able to keep the Vikings in contention complimented with brilliant running game led by Dalvin Cook. The Vikings have done great work finding late round gems in the later rounds most notable Danielle Hunter, their draft class from this year looks to do the same.
Green Bay Packers
Key Additions: TE Marcedes Lewis, LB Christian Kirksey, WR Devin Funchess, OT Rick Wagner
Draft Picks: QB Jordan Love, RN A.J. Dillon, TE Josiah Deguara, LB Kamal Martin, G Jon Runyan, C Jake Hanson, OT Simon Stepaniak, S Vernon Scott, DE Jonathan Garvin
Key Departures: TE Jimmy Graham, CB Tramon Williams, OT Jared Veldheer, WR Ryan Grant
The Packers have had continued success making strong pushes into the playoffs led by their QB Aaron Rodgers playmaking ability, they ended one game short of making another Superbowl run. During the offseason other teams as well as their fans were expecting the Packers to add more weapons on offense and defense however the Packers drafted Aaron Rodgers predecessor in Jordan Love and adding another RB in A.J. Dillon seeing the success they had with their current RB Aaron Jones. These moves shocked the entire league including all fans with unanswered questions. If Aaron Rodgers has been playing with a chip on his shoulder all these years what should we expect this season. If anything, Green Bay understands the importance of having a Franchise Quarterback that can help you pull out crucial wins and are sold on Jordan Love being able to take over once Aaron Rodgers era is over in Green Bay.
