2018 NFL Draft: Biggest Roster Weaknesses of NFC North

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: Matthew Stafford /

The 2018 NFL draft is still six months away, so it might feel a tad early to start talking about it at this point. Then again draft love is 24/7/365.

Truth be told it’s never too early to discuss where teams need to get better. Almost every roster in the league has a glaring flaw that could sink their season. For some it’s already happened. That’s how this game works and why the draft is so compelling. It’s a chess match that could solve all the teams’ problems more make everything worse. A high-stakes game within a game.

With that in mind here is a quick breakdown of the four teams in the NFC North division and which areas of their roster will likely require the most attention come next April.

Detroit Lions: Offensive line

Two high quality free agents weren’t enough it seems to solve the persistent woes for the Detroit Lions on the offensive line. Not only were they unable to do anything running the football through the first four weeks, Matthew Stafford also took more than his fair share of sacks. It’s only through his brilliance, the talented receivers and a sound defense that they’re doing so well. If they ever want to compete in the playoffs though they need to get that front five figured out.

Green Bay Packers: Nose tackle

People continue to talk about the cornerbacks and the pass rush. While both are hardly settled, they aren’t all that bad of late. The Packers have one of the best pass defenses going in the league right now. Not so for their run defense. Kenny Clark has played the role of nose tackle this year and it doesn’t seem to be the best fit for him. Teams are averaging 111 yards per game on the ground. Clark still has time to solidify that spot, but he must be more consistent.

Minnesota Vikings: Cornerback

The cornerback for Minnesota must be perceived as a weakness at this point. Not only do they have just one interception in four games, the pass rush certainly isn’t the problem. Not after six sacks last week. Even so this team still ranks 24th in the league against the pass and it’s a big part of why they’re 2-2 to this point. It’s surprising too given the talent they have with Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander and Tramaine Brock.

Chicago Bears: Wide receiver

This isn’t a big surprise. When a team is leaning on Kendall Wright, Deonte Thompson and Josh Bellamy there is a definite problem. To be fair the Bears didn’t intend for it to be this way. Free agency and injuries have sucked the life out of that position. At this point there are hopes that Mitch Trubisky, with his mobility and accuracy can at least elevate them a bit. Regardless it’s clear as day they need a major talent upgrade at receiver in 2018.

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