FROM MICHAEL LOMBARDI:

We continue our division by division breakdown of pre-draft questions today by analyzing the NFC North.  Here are five questions the Bears, Packers, Vikings and Lions need to address heading into next month’s draft.

               

Click HERE for a breakdown of the NFC East

Click HERE for a breakdown of the AFC East

Click HERE for a breakdown of the AFC North

NFC NORTH QUESTIONS BEFORE THE DRAFT

      CHICAGO

           

1.    Who will be the Bears’ quarterback and back-up?  Why is it that when you talk about “Da Bears,” you always ask the same question?

2.    Who will be the right tackle, or the left tackle?  Can the Bears improve their line and gain four yards or more on first down?  Last year, they were the worst team on first down to gain four or more yards. 

3.    Will the Bears find a wideout who can lead them in receptions?  Last season, their tight end and running back were their leaders. The Bears were 26th in the NFL in passing. 

4.    Can they find a pass rush?  The Bears’ defensive line needs a huge upgrade; they want to win games with their defensive line, but they can’t dominate the line play.

5.    The Bears finished 31st in the NFL in allowing pass plays over 10 yards and under 20 yards, an indication of a lack of team speed and coverage.  How will they improve in this area? 

            DETROIT

           

1.    Who will be the Lions’ starting short- and long-range prospect at quarterback?  They finished last in the NFL in 38 offensive categories.  They must address this area.  

2.    Who will be the other wide receiver to play alongside of Calvin Johnson?  The Lions having spent plenty of high picks on wideouts in the past but have just one left.   

3.    Size does matter in the NFL, so how will the Lions get bigger and more powerful on defense?  The new scheme on defense requires size and power. 

4.    The Lions gave up 31 touchdowns rushing last year.  Can they improve their talent in the defensive line to cut that number in half?

5.    Can they find some good defensive players anywhere? Opponents had a 110 quarterback rating last season.   

            GREEN BAY

1.    A change in schemes on defense means some changes in personnel.  Who will be the rushers, and how can the Packers improve their pass rush?  Last year, they ranked 25th in the NFL in sacks, with just 27. 

2.    Who will return kickoffs?  The Pack ranked last in the NFL in starting field position and return average.  Controlling vertical field position is critical. 

3.    The Packers tackled badly on defense last season and ranked 31st in yards allowed after the catch.  Will they be able to improve this area with their healthy players?

4.    Who will be the right tackle?  And does the Pack have enough depth to handle injuries to their offensive line? 

5.    Do they have the right combination of defensive linemen to handle the new scheme?  Last year, injuries depleted the line, so can they rebound this year -- and do they need more defensive linemen?  I think they do.

            MINNESOTA

1.    Does the trade for Sage Rosenfels solve the “forever” quarterback problem in Minnesota? 

2.    The right side of Vikings’ offensive line is the weak link.  Can they find a right tackle and move Ryan Cook to center? 

3.    Who will be the slot wideout and receiver who can convert key third downs? 

4.    Special teams is not going to improve just changing the coach.  Talent and speed is what makes the teams improve. Can the Vikings find younger and faster defensive players to improve the kicking game?  They have the worst coverage teams in the NFL. 

5.    Who will handle the safety positions to limit big pass plays?  The Vikings allowed too many big pass plays last season, ranking 26th in the NFL.