What do rival scouts think of the Bears, Lions, Packers, and Vikings?
The Green Bay Packers have dominated the NFL‘s “Black and Blue Division,” with three straight titles and eight in 11 years. But could that be changing? Aaron Rodgers turns 39 this season, and he lost his best weapon after Davante Adams was traded to the Raiders. Sure, the rest of the division has coaches in the first or second year, but there’s plenty of reason to be excited about what the Vikings, Bears, and Lions are doing. Maybe they’re a year away, but there’s a lot to discuss in the NFC North.
Click here to order your copy of Athlon Sports’ 2022 NFL Preview
In order to get an accurate assessment of the NFC North heading into 2022, Athlon asked NFL scouts to talk anonymously about the Bears, Lions, Packers, and Vikings.
Note: These scouting reports come directly from NFL scouts and do not necessarily reflect the views of Athlon’s editorial staff.
Chicago Bears
“Justin Fields has a ton of potential: big arm, lot of zip, pretty accurate, very mobile. If he puts it all together, then Ryan Poles can accelerate this rebuild. Fields is very young, They have to be patient with him and give him the supporting cast he needs.”
“Darnell Mooney is viewed pretty universally as a WR2, but I think he can be more than that.”
“Quietly, they’re putting together a solid offensive line. Especially Teven Jenkins and Cody Whitehair.”
“Velus Jones Jr. can really run, lots of speed.”
“Cole Kmet is a very good tight end.”
“David Montgomery: hands, speed, moves. What’s not to like?”
Related: Chicago Bears Depth Chart
“By trading Khalil Mack, this front seven isn’t as dynamic as it once was. He’ll be missed.”
“Robert Quinn is coming off a great season. I think he can do that again, or come very close to duplicating what he did last year.”
“Roquan Smith is a tough run-stopper and times up his blitzes very well.”
“Matt Eberflus’ influence in the draft was obvious. By them picking Jacquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon, they’re getting two willing tacklers who can also cover very well. Between those guys and Eddie Jackson, this secondary is starting to come together.”
“They need more talent at linebacker, clearly.”
Detroit Lions
“Jared Goff isn’t the long-term answer at quarterback. That’s obvious. Would think they’ll be in the market for one next year in the draft with CJ Stroud or someone else, or a free agent. For now, they’ ll just have to make the best of it with Goff.”
“I thought Jameson Williams was a great draft pick. You’re banking on the future, and that’s a bright future for a guy as talented as he is.”
“They’re renting DJ Chark Jr. for the year, and I think he can help them.”
“The offensive line is pretty good, especially Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell.”
“I’m bullish on TJ Hockenson. He’s a pretty good tight end.”
“D’Andre Swift is not discussed enough when it comes to the top backs in the league. The only thing I worry about with him is his durability.”
Related: Detroit Lions Depth Chart
Scroll to continue
“Craig Reynolds is underrated. He’s a small-school guy who can play.”
“By drafting Aidan Hutchinson, they did more than add a hometown guy. He’s a high-end pass rusher and run-stopper.”
“Michael Brockers and Charles Harris give them two more building blocks on the line.”
“I thought Derrick Barnes gave them a real boost last season.”
“DeShon Elliott has a lot of pop and great instincts. He just gets hurt way too often.”
“They can line up and match up with almost anyone with Jeff Okudah and Mike Hughes.”
Choose from 31 different covers! Get your copy today!
Green Bay Packers
“Aaron Rodgers’ return is fairly anticlimactic. I never thought he was serious about retiring or a trade. He wants money and attention, and he got both of them. All of that said, Rodgers is the man. Nobody makes the kind of throws and plays that he does.”
“Undoubtedly, they’ll miss Davante Adams’ presence and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. That said, Christian Watson is a really good receiver prospect. I think he’s going to help them as soon as this year.”
“I think Allen Lazard is pretty good, too. Randall Cobb is just a placeholder. They need to get Romeo Doubs ready.”
“David Bakhtiari’s health worries me. It’s a legitimate concern.”
“Elgton Jenkins is one of the best right tackles around. Check the film.”
“Robert Tonyan is going to bounce back from the knee injury strong. He’s a hard worker.”
“The extra work that Rashan Gary has put in with [Michigan State assistant] Brandon Jordan has paid off in a major way. He’s a really good all-around player now.”
Related: Green Bay Packers Depth Chart
“Kenny Clark is a bull inside.”
“By drafting Devonte Wyatt, the Packers got themselves another talented guy for their front seven.”
“They double-dipped Georgia guys with the linebacker, Quay Walker. That defense was worth adding from.”
“De’Vondre Campbell finds the ball fast, and he can tackle very well. Lots of range.”
“This secondary is loaded with talent. Jaire Alexander is outstanding at anticipating where the football is going.”
“Rasul Douglas, what a story. To bounce around the way he did and make so many big plays for them last year.”
“This is a really good safety tandem with Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos.”
Minnesota Vikings
“Keeping Kirk Cousins was the right thing to do. It didn’t make any sense to speculate about moving on from him. He really had a very good season, and he can keep producing for them.”
“I like their receiving corps with Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen leading the way.”
“It will be interesting to see what kind of imprint Kevin O’Connell puts on the offense. When you think about how the Rams offense worked, they’ve got a real chance to innovate with the skill players they have in place in Minnesota. “
“No one runs harder than Dalvin Cook. The guy is very tough and very proven. He’s got every trait for a back.”
Related: Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart
“The offensive line is pretty solid. I think they were right not to pick up the fifth-year option for Garrett Bradbury.”
“The defense has arguably the best pass-rushing tandem around with Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith. That’s an all-day blocking assignment right there.”
“I like the speed they have at linebacker with Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks.”
“Harrison Smith and Patrick Peterson are still going strong, but they needed an influx of youth at corner and safety. By drafting Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth Jr., they’ve got some good young talent to work with. I could see both of those guys starting this season.”
.