Mini-camp is wrapping up and there will be a six week break until the start of training camps. Let’s take a look at some news around the NFC North.
Detroit and Offensive Tackles
The Lions made some big moves at offensive tackle. Detroit traded a 2018 6th round pick for Greg Robinson. Robinson was the number 2 overall pick of the 2014 draft to the Rams out of Auburn. Robinson really struggled in his play during his first three years in the league; but the big man has 42 games of experience at tackle/guard in the league.
Detroit had a major injury to Taylor Decker (torn labrum out 4-6 months) and they hope Robinson could hold the fort until Decker returns in 2017. Robinson is only 24 and has a chance to revive his career with a change of scenery and scheme (Cooter Magic). The Rams changed coaches this offseason and signed Andrew Whitworth (2nd rated offensive tackle in league in 2016); so Robinson was not tied to the new regime. Robinson has good size and talent but must finally produce in his career while filling in for Decker. Robinson comes with a 3.3 million price tag for 2017 due to his rookie base salary. Robinson will be in a contract year and hungry to prove the doubters wrong.
The Lions also signed tackle Cyrus Kouandijo to a one year deal. Kouandijo was the Bills 2nd round pick in 2014 out of Alabama. Kouandijo played solid for the Bills as their backup left tackle and logged over 300 snaps in 2016 filling in for Cordy Glenn. Kouandijo had an off field incident, hip surgery and the Bills changed coaches. Buffalo cut him but Kouandijo is only 23 and has talent.
Detroit is taking a chance on him and he will battle with Greg Robinson, Joe Dahl, Corey Robinson and Cornelius Lucas for the left tackle job in Decker’s absence and tackle depth. Corey Robinson is battling a foot injury too (and missed all of 2015) and Detroit really needed depth. The Lions got that depth and potential with Robinson and Kouandijo. Bob Quinn made some good moves to bolster the Lions roster before the break.
Detroit is waiting on TJ Lang, Theo Riddick, Corey Robinson, Armonty Bryant and Tahir Whitehead (knee), Taylor Decker (labrum) to return from injury. Ameer Abdullah appears healthy at least.
Minnesota
Teddy Bridgewater seems to be progressing. Could he play in 2017?
Mike Zimmer’s eye is better.
Vikings stayed healthy during OTAs and mini-camp. Good for them.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay wrapped up their mini-camp unscathed from major injury. Let’s hope that continues. Did they change their trainers?
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2017/6/15/15771722/packers-minicamp-2017-june-15th-practice-updates-discussion
Chicago Bears
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2017/6/14/15803710/chicago-bears-mini-camp-mitchell-trubisky-kyle-long-vic-fangio-offseason-program-nfl-2017
Kyle Long is recovering from an injury still. Mitch Trubisky has yet to sign his rookie deal.
True Offseason
The true offseason is here with a six week break until training camp. There might be some lower tier signings but sometimes there is an Anquan Boldin in the mix. There may be some extensions to players with one year on their current deals as well. Stay tuned. The 2017 season creeps closer. Enjoy your summer. Know Your Enemy and Positional Rankings are right around the corner.