The post free agency needs article continues with a look at the needs of the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings.
Chicago Bears
Immediate Needs: CB2, WR, RG
Future Needs: QB of course, DE depth, LB depth
The Bears are limited on draft picks (two Round 2, Round 5, two Round 6, two Round 7) only due to the Mack and Foles trades. Those two second round picks will be crucial in filling their holes.
The Bears cut Taylor Gabriel for cap space but are still in decent shape with Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, Cordarelle Patterson and second year Riley Ridley. They could add one more WR in this draft.
Chicago cut Prince Amukamara for cap space but did sign Artie Burns. The former 1st rounder has talent but busted with the Steelers. Chicago should be on the look-out for good CBS in Round 2.
Kyle Long retired which leaves a hole at right guard. Germain Ifedi was signed and Rashaad Coward could play guard as well but the Bears might nab a guard in Round 2.
The Bears lost some depth in free agency but made a big move at QB trading a 4th round pick for Nick Foles. Foles will keep with Mitch Trubisky for the starting job. The Bears have a decision on Trbuisky’s 5th year option and Foles is under contract for three years with a jump to 20 million cap hit next year. We will see if someone finally steps up for the Bears. Bears might take a late round developmental QB.
Nick Kwiatkowski (ILB) and Nick Williams (DE) both left in free agency. The Bears need to fill some of their depth at LB, Defensive Line, and Offensive Line. Chicago lacks many picks but could add some of these spots in the draft.
Minnesota Vikings:
Picks Round 1 Pick 22 and 25, Round 2, two Round 3, Round 4, Round 5, two Round 6, three Round 7
Immediate Needs: CB1, CB2, WR, RG, DE
Future Needs: Safety, Will LB, Depth
The Vikings have a ton of needs due to cap hell cutting Linval Joseph, Xavier Rhodes, Everson Griffen, Josh Kline and letting Waynes and Alexander go in free agency. The Vikings do have a ton of draft picks thought due to the Stefon Diggs trade to Buffalo.
CB is the Vikings biggest need by far. They have 1st rounder Mike Hughes and they like Holton Hill but the Vikings need two CBS badly. They could take a CB in Round 1 and day 2.
WR is a huge need now even with Adam Thielen on the roster. Diggs is gone but generated an extra 1st rounder and more. The Vikings lost Laquan Treadwell as a 1st round bust but that means they need more WR depth as well. This is a deep WR class which is good for the Vikings. They could take two WRS as well.
Right Guard is a hole now. Second year 4th round pick Dru Sami could step in but the Vikings should add a guard in this draft to compete with Samia. Pat Efflein isn’t that good either at left guard so it adds to the Vikings guard worries.
Defensive End is also a big need. Long-time Viking Everson Griffen left after an option wasn’t picked up and backup DE Stephen Weatherly got more money elsewhere in free agency. The Vikings could use two defensive ends to pair with stud Danielle Hunter.
The Vikings need safety depth badly and Anthony Harris is playing on the franchise tag (10 million). Minnesota should look to re-sign Harris long term to pair with stud Harrison Smith. A third safety is still needed in Minneapolis. Weakside LB is a weak link for the Vikings in Ben Gedeon. LB is an option at Will and for depth. Backup Sean Mannion doesn’t inspire much confidence but Minnesota likes him.
The Vikings have a ton of immediate holes but many picks to fill them.
The draft is April 23-25 and should much needed stress relief. The next few articles will be to look at some prospects at various position groups and their fits with each NFC North team.