Position Battles – NFC North

In the sixth of Eight installments, I’ll look into the many position battles that are fought every off-season. Nothing in the NFL is guaranteed, from the contracts to a roster spot, which is why the NFL is so intriguing every year. For every Pierre Thomas and Miles AUstin, long-shots for an NFL roster, there’s a Deuce McCallister or Marvin Harrison, former greats, that gets cut. So, on the note, we’ll take a look at the NFC North, where the depth at receiver will have to turn into some star power if these teams want to exceed their own playoff aspirations.

Minnesota Vikings

Wide Receiver

Even with Brett Favre coming to Minnesota this season the receiver corps still needs to get decided. The real issue will be which of their very talented four receivers step up and in what role. Last season, Bernard Berrian and Bobby Wade made better-than-expected contributions, with Berrian emerging as a consistent deep threat and Wade playing like a sure-handed, versatile pass catcher. However, former 1^st round hopeful Sidney Rice, who I viewed as the 2^nd best receiver in his draft class (the same year of Calvin Johnson, Dwayne Bowe, and Ted Ginn Jr.) and still feel he has the most potential next to Calvin Johnson, has yet to mature into a game-in and game-out playmaker. I think he should emerge this year if he can get onto the field and leap ahead of Berrian or Wade. Also, 2009 1^st rounder Percy Harvin is Mr. Versatility on this team, with the potential to play in the slot, a speed runner to help Peterson, and even a Wildcat back. He should start at the slot early this season, and play like a receiver 1^st version of Brad Childress’s former toy, Brian Westbrook.

Defensive End

Since coming over from Kansas City, Jared Allen has not disappointed in Minnesota. He still remained one of the most feared 4-3 pass rushers, and has added even more fear to teams when the play the always dominate Minnesota defense. However, opposite him, there is a good competition brewing between 3 capable starters. Ray Edwards is the early favorite, as he started last season and did a fine job of complementing Allen. Kenchi Udeze is a very intriguing possibility. Udeze missed some time due to being diagnosed with leukemia. He has fully recovered and has 1^st round talent and could be the long-term hopeful for the job. Also, Brian Robinson of Texas has really done a great job in spot duty, and with his work ethic and constant pressure he provides, he will definitely get some playing time.

Green Bay Packers

Quarterback

The main starting job is definitely set at quarterback; Aaron Rodgers is the man, and should be poised for a very good season. However, the backup job is still very much up for grabs, and could be more important than people think. In the 2008 draft, the Packers took 1^st round possible Brian Brohm from Louisville, arguably the best quarterback at Louisville that Bobby Petrino recruited and coached (4 others were drafted). However, in that same draft, the Packers took a flyer on the less talented Matt Flynn from LSU in round 7. Flynn had taken over for the athletically supreme JaMarcus Russell, and played very well, but because he followed such a specimen, he didn’t look like a big time quarterback in the pros. However, it appeared early in camp last year that Flynn was the better quarterback at this point in their careers. Brohm most likely has a better arm, is more naturally accurate, and has the potential to be a starter. But Flynn plays a lot like a Trent Dilfer or AJ Feely with better ability, meaning he is the prime guy to be a backup to Rodgers. Rodgers has a history of getting hurt, so if he goes down, it should be interesting to see who the Packers choose as his replacement.

Chicago Bears

Safety

The Bears have made moves on the offensive side of the ball, with the Jay Cutler trade and the signing of a few offensive pieces, their defense is, apparently according to them, is set and they will let the players fight it out for the starting jobs. At free safety, Craig Steltz looks like the leader, with his rangy and instinctive playmaking ability. He is a hard-nosed player who rarely makes mistakes. His competition is Daniel Manning, one of the many solid special-teamers and a very versatile player. He has more talent, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he platoons with Steltz, depending on the play and the formation. My guess is that Manning wins out in the end. At strong safety, Kevin Payne looks like the answer. He played outstanding last year as a first time starter, and he should only get better. Jason Bullocks is his main competition, but was more likely brought in to be a back-up and depth guy. He has the ability to compete, but isn’t as deadly as Payne played last season.

Detroit Lions

Quarterback

With the emergence of Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco last season, teams will be looking for rookie quarterbacks to make an impact for years to come. Most people have said that will never happen again, I disagree. I think both of those guys last year were pro ready for their teams, with Ryan being the most pro-ready quarterback I’ve ever seen. Matt Stafford doesn’t have the confidence and consistency that Ryan displayed, but he has the talent and maturity to develop into that very quickly. It really depends on the quarterback when understanding if he’s a starting quarterback when he steps into the league. He may need a few weeks to mature, but he has the ability to start by week 4 or 5. His competition, former offensive player of the year and Viking great Daunte Culpepper, has been reunited with his former offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, so he may be in-line to have a break out season. I think Culpepper will start the year, and if the Lions show signs of life in those first 4 games, they could stick with Culpepper. If not, they will go into full new-era mode and play Stafford to get ready for 2010.

Inside Linebacker

After their quarterback of the offense is figured out, they need to decide who their quarterback of the defense, the inside linebacker, will be. Jordan Dizon, 2008 draft pick who has played his hardest for his talent level since he came onto the team, is a favorite in the locker room, and should get the first crack at the job because of his track record. However, they brought in a veteran in Larry Foote who is the classic inside linebacker, but may not be athletic enough to be a consistent starter at this point in his career. Also, they drafted DeAndre Levy from Wisconsin in the draft this season, who they play on having him play inside. Levy appears to me like an outside linebacker because of his size and blitzing potential, but Jim Schwartz obviously likes something that he brings to the table as an inside linebacker, so he has the support of the coach. It should be a crucial battle to watch, with the other two linebacker spots already solved (Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims).