Most Regrettable NFL Off-Season Decisions: The NFC North

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Josh Sitton (71) and T.J. Lang (70) against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

It might seem a little too early to make assessments, but that’s what the NFL off-season is about. Making projections based on the data available.

In that context it’s likely that every team around the league made at least one decision they’re going to regret. Maybe it will be during this season or a couple years down the road. It’s hard to be perfect in an imperfect game. So looking at the landscape, what were some regrettable decisions or indecisions that could potentially harm the Super Bowl aspirations? A good place to start would be the NFC North, long a division filled with big rivalries and competitive playoff participants.

Green Bay Packers: Playing it cheap on interior offensive line

There’s no doubt that GM Ted Thompson is banking on team depth to cover up the significant losses suffered over the past two offseasons with Josh Sittion, T.J. Lang and J.C. Tretter all leaving for other teams. In that time the Packers haven’t really invested much at guard or center. Their two most significant moves were signing veteran guard Jahri Evans and adding 6th round pick Kofi Amichia via the draft. Other than that, it’s pretty much the status quo.

Detroit Lions: Failed to grab an interior pass rusher

Defensive line is the absolute driving force behind success on defense for the Detroit Lions. They’ll never admit it, but losing Ndamukong Suh as an interior pass rusher is still something they haven’t gotten over. Word is they’re hoping former 2nd round pick A’Shawn Robinson can fill that role but it’s not something he was very good at in college. Even so the Lions chose to gamble on him by passing on numerous chances to add another defensive tackle with the attributes they sought.

Minnesota Vikings: Passing on Zach Cunningham

Adding Dalvin Cook was perfectly understandable. With Adrian Peterson out, the team desperately needed a running back. At the same time, that position is much easier to fill later in drafts. Minnesota passed up what was a premier opportunity to solidify their linebacking corps as one of the best in football. Already they have Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks. Vanderbilt standout Zach Cunningham was still on the board when they picked in the 2nd round. He could’ve filled that last spot, giving them three quality young talents.

Chicago Bears: Not grabbing another young pass rusher

The goal of 2017 was obvious enough for the Bears. Find a quarterback to build the team around and improve the secondary. While they spent lots of money and draft picks towards both ends, they did ignore numerous opportunities to land another young pass rusher. Keep in mind Pernell McPhee turns 29 this year and has a history of knee injuries. Willie Young turns 32 in September and Lamarr Houston will be 30 at the end of June. Leonard Floyd is the only one under 25 they have. That may come back to haunt them in the long run.

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