Vikings – A+
Main Additions: C Ryan Kelly, G Will Fries, DT Jonathan Allen (cut), DT Javon Hargrave (cut), CB Isaiah Rodgers, RB Jordan Mason, WR Rondale Moore, CB Jeff Okudah
Main Re-Signings: S Harrison Smith, RB Aaron Jones, CB Byron Murphy Jr.
Main Losses: QB Sam Darnold, S Cam Bynum, QB Daniel Jones, QB Nick Mullens, TE Johnny Mundt, Edge Patrick Jones II
The Vikings already had a top-level O-line, but it didn’t stop them from getting upgrades from the Colts in Kelly and Fries both playing at a solid level. Allen has been a beast in Washington for years but was cut in a salary move and the Vikings quickly signed him. Similar with Hargrave another top DT who was cut for salary purposes, the Vikings signed him giving them a major upgrade inside with both players. Rodgers is a physical nickel CB who can slide outside and should still be improving. Mason is a young physical back from the 49ers who gives them good insurance behind the veteran Jones they nicely kept off the market. They took chances on players who still have potential in Moore, a playmaker in space, and Okudah with good size and speed as a former 1st rounder. Re-signing long time Viking and fan favorite Harrison Smith was a big move. Despite his size, Murphy is a feisty #1 CB so bringing him back was much needed. The Vikings loss their QB room with Darnold, Jones, and Mullens gone, so it’s J.J. McCarthy’s team but they need a veteran backup. Mundt is a backup who played well when injuries came. Jones was a solid young situational pass rusher, but he wasn’t resigned.
Bears – A-
Main Additions: G Joe Thuney (trade), C Drew Dalman, G Jonah Jackson (trade), DT Grady Jarrett, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, Edge Dayo Odeyingbo, TE Durham Smythe, WR Devin Duvernay
Main Losses: C Coleman Shelton, Edge Darrell Taylor, WR Keenan Allen
The Bears started off with the big move of adding Joe Thuney who brings a lot of playoff/SB experience, production, and leadership with the versatility to play LT also. Dalman is an upgrade over Shelton at the Center position. Jackson is a physical lineman spending time with the Rams and Lions. Jarrett was quickly signed by the Bears after being released by the Falcons he should still have something in the tank as a pass rush DL. Zaccheaus played well as a slot WR in Washington last season and will play the same role here helping to replace Allen. Odeyingbo is an improving pass rusher along the D-line who replaces Taylor. Smythe is a blocker with some pass catching ability and starter experience, he will be the #2 TE. Duvernay should take over as the returner.
Lions – D
Main Additions: CB D.J. Reed, DT Roy Lopez, CB Avonte Maddox
Main Re-Signings: Edge Marcus Davenport, RB Craig Reynolds
Main Losses: CB Carlton Davis, G Kevin Zeitler, Edge Zadarius Smith, S Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Kindle Vildor
The Lions signed a physical CB in Reed who fits best in the nickel but has shown the ability to hold his own outside; he helps replace Davis. Lopez is run stopper/NT who started for the Cardinals. Maddox is a physical DB who should provide depth but see time. Davenport is a solid pass rusher when healthy, but he’s almost never healthy so surprising move to keep him over Smith. Reynolds has been a good #3 RB when called on. Zeitler is a solid physical veteran who will need to be replaced. Melifonwu was a movable DB in the secondary while Vildor was a lanky CB who saw snaps; with Davis gone also they need some size in the secondary.
Packers – C-
Main Additions: CB Nate Hobbs, G Aaron Banks
Main Re-Signings: K Brandon McManus
Main Losses: RB A.J. Dillon, DT T.J. Slaton, CB Eric Stokes
The Packers didn’t make big moves or a lot of moves but bringing in Banks from the 49ers solidifies a starting spot at Guard. Hobbs is a lanky inside/outside CB who will replace Stokes. McManus remains one of the best in the game as a veteran power kicker. Dillon was injured last season and allowed to move on. Slaton is a run stopper, but they have good depth on the D-line.
