Draft Needs: NFC North

The NFC North was fairly quiet in free agency, but was home to two of the offseason's biggest trades, with the Detroit Lions landing defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and the Minnesota Vikings adding wide receiver Mike Wallace.

The Green Bay Packers were inactive, as usual, re-signing Randall Cobb and doing little else. The North's most active team has been the Chicago Bears, overhauling their front office and signing defensive veterans Pernell McPhee, Antrel Rolle and Ray McDonald.

NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST

Chicago Bears

Positions of need: Defensive end, linebacker, wide receiver, quarterback

The Bears need to continue their rebuild on defense as the old guard is shuffling off into the sunset. They aren't secure at quarterback, either, and lack depth at receiver with Brandon Marshall moving on. But the pass rush needs a complete overhaul.

Jared Allen and McPhee are the only Bears on the current roster who have elite pass-rush ability. Adding an edge-rusher in the first round would be ideal for Vic Fangio's revamped defense.

Potential draft targets: It's unlikely the Bears will use their first-round pick on a quarterback, but they could look to the second round, where Bryce Petty, Brett Hundley and Garrett Grayson should be available.

With the seventh overall pick, the Bears are in a perfect spot to scoop up whichever talented prospect falls to them. If both Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston are gone, as expected, they'll have access to a top pass-rusher, such as Vic Beasley, Randy Gregory or Bud Dupree. 

Chicago could also target receivers Kevin White and Amari Cooper, or take the top corner on its board.

Detroit Lions

Positions of need: Offensive line, cornerback, defensive line

The Lions have been exceptionally quiet in free agency, but did sign intriguing prospect Tyrunn Walker, while bringing back veteran corner Rashean Mathis and a host of role players. They also traded for Haloti Ngata to replace Ndamukong Suh.

The Lions are basically where they were at season's end, needing to address multiple positions along the offensive line and upgrade at corner. They're not as troubled at defensive tackle as they would've been had they not added Ngata, but losing Suh, Nick Fairley and, most likely, C.J. Mosely, will force them to add to the position via the daft.

Potential draft targets: In the first round, the Lions will most likely go offensive line. But with a history of not drafting for need under Martin Mayhew, they could do almost anything. Texas defensive tackle Malcom Brown is a strong possibility, while D.J. Humphries, T.J. Clemmings and Cameron Erving are all offensive line options in the first round.

Secondary depth should be addressed later in the draft, as the Lions need to find a way to get better against the pass in 2015. It's a weak DB class, so the second round may be the ideal time to get an upgrade at corner. 

Don't be surprised to see a mid-round selection of an underrated pass-rusher like Miami's Anthony Chickillo or Clemson's Corey Crawford.

Green Bay Packers

Positions of need: Cornerback, linebacker, defensive line

The Packers are in serious need of a starting cornerback after Tramon Williams and Davon House walked in free agency. The defensive front also needs to be reworked, and an inside linebacker or two would help to take some pressure off Clay Matthews.

Even though the Packers brought back B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion, an upgrade along the front three would be ideal. The Packers do have the advantage of being able to take the best player available, regardless of position, because they have so few immediate needs.

Potential draft targets: Jalen Collins, Byron Jones or P.J. Williams. Take your pick. Whichever corner the Packers like best will likely be their first selection. 

Linebacker Denzel Perryman could be a good fit, but may be a reach in the first round. Massive 3-4 defensive end Arik Armstead could be an intriguing talent in the Packers' scheme if he lasts to the 30th pick.

Look for the Packers to take an athletic tight end at some point in the draft, such as Oklahoma's Blake Bell or South Alabama's Wes Saxton.

Minnesota Vikings

Positions of need: Offensive line, linebacker, cornerback, wide receiver

The Vikings have a strong need at offensive and defensive line, two places a Mike Zimmer defense wants to excel. The case could be made that the Vikings should focus solely on the defense, if they didn't have a talented young quarterback to protect. But they do.

Teddy Bridgewater needs a ton of help up front and an influx of weapons if he's going to become the franchise player the Vikings expect him to be. So the team finds itself in an interesting position. Build the defense that Zimmer wants to hang his hat on, or protect an important asset in Bridgewater.

Potential draft targets: Trae Waynes seems like a perfect fit. The top corner in this year's draft, Waynes would fill a huge need for the Vikings in the first round. Brandon Scherff would also make sense in the first round if the Vikings are keen on him, but there's no sure thing at left tackle in this draft. 

If the Vikings go corner or grab an athletic receiver, like Breshad Perriman, in the first round, Oregon's Jake Fisher has a chance to be the best left tackle in this draft two or three years down the road. He needs development, but all the tools are there. The second round might be the place for the Vikings to take him.