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Posted: May 7, 2007
SN correspondents
Following the NFL draft, Sporting News' NFL correspondents filed reports on what teams must do to fill needs this summer. Here's what NFC correspondents see as necessary player personnel moves
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn...c.php?t=204162
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North Division
Chicago Bears
GM Jerry Angelo entered the draft looking to deal embittered linebacker Lance Briggs but didn't. Finding a new home for him is a priority. Then there is the issue of replacing the two-time Pro Bowl performer, though Michael Okwo is an option. With wideout Mark Bradley a question mark thanks to durability issues, the team needs a young wide receiver to develop in the spot opposite Bernard Berrian; Muhsin Muhammad, 34, is nearing the end of his career. With John Tait and Fred Miller getting older, the team needed a developmental tackle but didn't select one until it took Aaron Brant in the seventh round.
Detroit Lions
The team's biggest need -- an end with pass-rushing skills and speed off the edge -- wasn't filled in the draft. In its Tampa 2 system, it's imperative the front four provide a consistent pass rush so that blitzing is kept to a minimum. Unfortunately, the team isn't likely to find a quality end before the season starts. The team also wasn't able to achieve its goal of improving the speed at cornerback to make its scheme more versatile. It also failed to provide competition for return man Eddie Drummond.
Green Bay Packers
Management has done little to make up for the loss of running back Ahman Green and the lack of big-play receivers, and there's not much GM Ted Thompson can do about that now. A veteran receiver or back could become available, but it's not going to be anybody who can turn things around. Coach Mike McCarthy will have to develop the players he has. On defense, the team didn't address depth at cornerback, so it will have to hope Charles Woodson and Al Harris hold up.
Minnesota Vikings
The team wants competition for right guard Artis Hicks and right tackle Ryan Cook, but it first must replace reserves Mike Rosenthal and Jason Whittle. Of the current players on the roster, Anthony Herrera is a candidate to be a backup at guard and possibly center, and Marcus Johnson could serve as Cook's backup. The team must scour the waiver wire throughout the summer. Outsiders believe there's too little experience at quarterback, but the Vikings don't see a need for a veteran backup. Management was very active in signing undrafted players, including three offensive linemen.
I see nothing wrong with that.Quote:
Green Bay Packers
Management has done little to make up for the loss of running back Ahman Green and the lack of big-play receivers, and there's not much GM Ted Thompson can do about that now
Can't really argue with that.Quote:
North Division
Minnesota Vikings
The team wants competition for right guard Artis Hicks and right tackle Ryan Cook, but it first must replace reserves Mike Rosenthal and Jason Whittle. Of the current players on the roster, Anthony Herrera is a candidate to be a backup at guard and possibly center, and Marcus Johnson could serve as Cook's backup. The team must scour the waiver wire throughout the summer. Outsiders believe there's too little experience at quarterback, but the Vikings don't see a need for a veteran backup. Management was very active in signing undrafted players, including three offensive linemen.