NFC North: A new leader of the Pack?
Cris Carter's draft analysis:
• Overview | AFC: East - North - South - West | NFC: East - North - South - West
Craig James' draft analysis:
• Overview - QBs - WRs - More offense - Defense
Editor's note: As part of Yahoo! Sports' coverage of the NFL draft, Cris Carter will break down the needs of each NFL team leading up to draft day.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers needed a miracle to win this division at 10-6 last season. With the 25th pick in the first round, the Packers may go after secondary help. They are missing athleticism and playmaking in the backfield, and that's a problem considering they have to face Randy Moss at least twice a season.
Also, don't be surprised if they go after J.P. Losman as a backup to Brett Favre. The Packers like some of his intangibles and see some similarities between Losman and Favre at this stage in his career.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings tumbled at the end of the season but trickled up the draft board as a result, landing the No. 19 pick in the first round.
Minnesota needs defensive help. Last year the Vikings picked Kevin Williams at No. 9 overall, and he had a great rookie season. The Vikings need a lot of linebacker help, especially a pass-rushing linebacker who they can bring in on third downs now and maybe groom to be a four-down player in the future.
The Vikings always have struggled with defensive backs, but Mike Tice did a great job convincing Antoine Winfield to join forces with his former defensive coordinator, Ted Cottrell. Minnesota believes Winfield is on the verge of Pro Bowl status.
I don't think they'll try to add a receiver. Minnesota went out and landed Marcus Robinson in free agency. The Vikings have needed a big, possession receiver who can take some of the coverage away from Randy Moss and do some of the dirty work – quick slants, routes across the middle and so on. They haven't had those things in Minnesota for a few years.
Chicago Bears
The Bears need people to rush the passer. Their sack leader last year, Alex Brown, had 5½ sacks. That's not good enough. At No. 14, Chicago should be able to find somebody.
They also need another linebacker to play opposite of Brian Urlacher, another receiver and maybe a young quarterback. With Rex Grossman getting the snaps next season, he could use a new best friend to throw to at wideout.
Detroit Lions
The Lions pick No. 6 in the first round. They have so many pressing needs. Steve Mariucci loves offense, and if Kellen Winslow Jr. were available the Lions would have a hard time passing him up. He can run and block, and Winslow and offseason pickup Tai Streets would make Joey Harrington and the West Coast offense much more potent.
Detroit might boost its running back corps later in the first day.
The Lions did well to bolster their secondary in free agency with Brock Marion and Fernando Bryant. But for the defensive backs to reach their potential as a unit, the Lions need to give those guys a pass rush.
