Vikings: C-
Key Additions: QB Kyler Murray, RB Aaron Jones (re-signed), LB Eric Wilson (re-signed), QB Carson Wentz (re-signed), CB James Pierre
Key Losses: DT Javon Hargrave, DT Jonathan Allen, C Ryan Kelly, S Harrison Smith
The Vikings added an upgrade at QB in Murray who should be ready to go injury pending which leaves the door open for J.J. McCarthy. Jones took a pay cut to return to the team and will be a solid #2 back in the same tandem. Wilson is coming off a solid season. Wentz gives them a veteran #3 QB in an injury prone room. Pierre gives them a lanky CB with potential in a system with smaller active CB’s. The releases of Hargrave and Allen open a big hole at the DT spot. Kelly’s retirement opens a hole at Center. Smith hasn’t officially retired, but that’s another need replacing the longtime fan favorite.
Packers: C
Key Additions: DT Javon Hargrave, LB Zaire Franklin (trade), OL Sean Rhyan (re-signed)
Key Losses: DE Rashan Gary (trade), QB Malik Willis, WR Romeo Doubs, T Rasheed Walker, LB Quay Walker, CB Trevon Diggs, CB Nate Hobbs, DE Kingsley Enagbare
The Packers lines were both picked apart during free agency while also trading Gary, so some draft picks will need to step up and the re-signing of Rhyan was important with his versatility and production. Hargrave is still a solid run stopper and should help replace the losses. If Franklin can regain his form prior to injury, then he will be a solid leader and tackler in the middle. Willis was a solid #2 QB and insurance who will be missed. Doubs was a consistent young playmaker who will be missed despite the depth. It was shocking LT Walker wasn’t re-signed despite sitting on the market for a while.
Bears: B-
Key Additions: S Coby Bryant, LB Devin Bush, DT Neville Gallimore, C Garrett Bradbury (trade), T Jedrick Wills, WR Kalif Raymond, T Braxton Jones (re-signed)
Key Losses: WR D.J. Moore (trade), LB Tremaine Edmunds, C Drew Dalman, S Kevin Byard, S Jaquan Brisker, CB Nahshon Wright
The Bears shocked everybody with the trade of Moore where they received good value, but he stepped up big late in the season. The team signed S/CB Bryant coming off a Super Bowl win who should be an active young playmaker with potential, but veteran FS Byard was good and Brisker will be missed as an enforcer. Bradbury will help offset the unexpected retirement of Dalman as a veteran with a lot of experience. Jones and Wills give them good insurance at the Tackle positions. Gallimore fills the need for a run stopping presence inside. Bush will replace Edmunds coming off a good season with the Browns. Raymond is a familiar face for HC Ben Johnson and a sneaky playmaker. Wright had a solid breakout season and will be missed.
Lions: C-
Key Additions: RB Isiah Pacheco, QB Teddy Bridgewater, TE Tyler Conklin, C/G Juice Scruggs (trade), CB Roger McCreary, CB Rock Ya-Sin (re-signed), C Cade Mays, WR Greg Dortch, Edge D.J. Wonnum
Key Losses: T Tyler Decker, LB Alex Anzalone, G Graham Glasgow, DE Al-Quadin Muhammad, RB David Montgomery (trade), WR Kalif Raymond
The Lions O-line appears to be changing with the release of both Decker and Glasgow over salary, but Mays fills in at Center and Scruggs gives them depth inside. The trade of fan favorite Montgomery who was looking for a bigger role will hurt, but Pacheco will fill the power back role. Conklin gives them depth at TE as a veteran blocker and former starter. Ya-Sin and McCreary provide good depth at a position of need. Wonnum helps replace Muhammad coming off a good season off the edge. Anzalone is another active playmaker who will be missed. Bridgewater is a good veteran #2 QB.
