The offseason is much like a game of high stakes poker, you evaluate the hand you are dealt and throw away what you don’t need in hopes of landing some much better cards. Whether through free agency or the draft, a team can dramatically change their team with the swap of just a few players. Here is my ranking of who I believe will make the most impact as a new face to the NFCN.
1. Danny Trevathan – Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are in year two of their transition to the 3-4 defense and have added a nice center piece to help take it to the next level. A guy like Trevathan should make an immediate impact on their run defense, which allowed 4.5 ypc in 2015.
2. Jared Cook – Green Bay Packers
It’s no secret that the Packers offense took a huge step backwards last season. Coach Mike McCarthy made it very apparent that he wanted a TE to help to stretch the middle of the field and help open coverage on the outsides. He got just that in newly acquired TE Jared Cook. The Packers offense should look more like the 2011 version than the 2015 version this season.
3. Laquon Treadwell – Minnesota Vikings
Treadwell is the biggest boom or bust on this list for me. But the upside is too much for me to ignore. After failing to get the production out of veteran WR Mike Wallace, the Vikings took a different approach and drafted a WR they think can be the #1 WR Teddy Bridgewater needs. Time will only tell how this plays out but he has the potential to bring a little life to the Vikings offense.
4. Kevin White – Chicago Bears
I know what you’re thinking, “Stupid Andy, Kevin White isn’t new to the NFCN.” Well technically he is. Having never played a single game in his rookie season, due to stress fractures on his shin, he really would be a new face to the NFCN this season. White is a WR that reminds me a lot of DeAndre Hopkins of the Texans and could be a dangerous force opposite Alshon Jeffery
5. Kenny Clark – Green Bay Packers
With incumbent NT B.J. Raji taking a hiatus from the NFL in 2016, any intentions of resigning him this offseason took the year off with him. This paved the way for the Packers first round pick of Kenny Clark. With the 4 game suspension of NT Mike Pennel, the Packers will use Kenny Clark a lot to start the season, either to give Letroy Guion rotational support, or supplant Guion as the starting NT.
Honorable Mentions
Marvin Jones – WR Detroit Lions
A’Shawn Robinson – DT Detroit Lions
Blake Martinez – ILB Green Bay Packers
Mackensie Alexander – CB Minnesota Vikings
Taylor Decker – LT Detroit Lions