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Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: decision-makers.

Chicago Bears

General manager Jerry Angelo remains in place for what will be his 10th draft with the Bears, but this will be his first under the new structure he established last spring. Director of college scouting Greg Gabriel left the organization, and director of player personnel Tim Ruskell is now Angelo's right-hand man on all personnel issues. There have been some changes in the internal process, but ultimately Angelo has the final say on draft day. It's been a while since Angelo had a full complement of draft picks after gutting the past two years in trades for quarterback Jay Cutler and defensive end Gaines Adams. He'll pick No. 29 overall this year, the first time he's had a first-round draft pick in three years. Angelo's success in the first round has been mixed. Two of the six players he's selected in the first round over his tenure, tight end Greg Olsen and offensive lineman Chris Williams, figure as starters in 2011.

Detroit Lions

In two drafts since the Lions named him general manager, Martin Mayhew has upgraded the team's talent level and given its fans hope for continued success. It's true that Mayhew has benefited from high selections in those drafts -- he's made four picks in the top 33 over that stretch -- but it's worth noting all of them appear set for long careers. Those who have followed the Lions closely over the years know that hasn't always been the case for high draft picks. Moreover, Mayhew has refused to allow his style to be classified. In 2009, he drafted tight end Brandon Pettigrew at No. 20 overall, his top-ranked player remaining on the board, despite bigger needs at other positions. On the other hand, he targeted tailback Jahvid Best last year as the answer to a specific need. All of which makes him difficult to predict next month, which I'm sure is just the way he likes it.

Green Bay Packers

We might as well start calling this time of year "TTT" -- "Ted Thompson Time." The Packers' general manager has steadfastly relied on the draft to build his team, eschewing veteran free agency in all but a handful of cases, and the approach paid off with last season's victory in Super Bowl XLV. Most of the Packers' top players are Thompson draft picks, from quarterback Aaron Rodgers to receiver Greg Jennings to nose tackle B.J. Raji to linebacker Clay Matthews to safety Nick Collins. True to his personality, Thompson has half-jokingly lamented the time he lost to draft preparation during the Packers' Super Bowl run. He'll have a few extra hours in the first round, where he'll pick No. 32 overall thanks to that little championship thing his team won in February.

Minnesota Vikings

Vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman has run the team's draft for the past four years, although former coach Brad Childress had considerable influence when it came to quarterbacks. That's a big part of the reason why the Vikings are all but barren at the most important position in the game, and that's why it's been almost a singular focus for Spielman and his staff over the past few months. Spielman has a good working relationship with new coach Leslie Frazier, but it's reasonable to assume he will have more complete control over this draft than any other in his tenure.

As the preseason draws to a close, it's time to start updating some of our offseason threads. Let's begin with a Feb. 22 post that suggested four players whose potential development could ease depth concerns at their respective positions. As it turned out, we did a better job of identifying need positions than we did in suggesting candidates to fill them. Better luck next year, I guess.

Chicago Bears defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert


What we said then: The road couldn't be paved any more clearly for Gilbert, the Bears' top pick of the 2009 draft. Left end Adewale Ogunleye is a pending free agent and is expected to move on. Ogunleye's likely replacement, Gaines Adams, died last month. That left Gilbert and Henry Melton as the remaining internal candidates to start at left end. Good outside pass-rushers almost never become available on the free-agent market, and without a pick in the first or second round this season, it will be difficult for the Bears to draft one capable of making an immediate impact. To this point, Gilbert's greatest claim to fame is being the draft prospect who jumped out of a pool. He spent most of 2009 in an unofficial redshirt year under defensive line guru Rod Marinelli, so it's hard to know if Gilbert is capable of holding down a starting job in 2010. It's not even clear if the Bears consider him an end or a tackle. But if it's the former, Gilbert will get every opportunity to help the Bears out of this jam.


What's happened since: This year, a good outside pass rusher actually did become available via free agency, and the Bears pounced on Julius Peppers. Gilbert, meanwhile, has been nearly invisible in preseason games and could be waived this weekend.

Detroit Lions running back Aaron Brown


What we said then: Starting tailback Kevin Smith is rehabilitating a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while also trying to overcome two shoulder injuries that slowed him in 2009. Backup Maurice Morris is also under contract, but Morris doesn't have the kind of big-play abilities Brown displayed last season. The Lions were exasperated at times with Brown's mental errors, but perhaps an offseason of studying can help him move past those issues. He might not be an ideal every-down back, but Brown could add an explosive element to the Lions' offense if they trust him enough to put him on the field. His development could ease some of the urgency to add further depth behind Smith and Morris.


What's happened since: The Lions traded up to select Jahvid Best with the No. 30 overall pick in the draft. Best will fill the playmaker role we suggested for Brown. Can't argue with that one. But Brown has shown enough this summer to earn a spot on the Lions' roster.

Green Bay Packers defensive back Will Blackmon


What we said then: Because the Packers haven't revealed their tender offers for restricted free agents, we can't say with certainty that Blackmon will return to the Packers in 2010. But based on the typical timetable for ACL rehabilitation, Blackmon should be cleared for the start of training camp. And if he's healthy and ready, Blackmon would add experienced depth to a position ravaged by injuries at the end of last season. With Al Harris rehabilitating a similar injury on a later timetable, the Packers might have to open camp with nickelback Tramon Williams as a starter. It's always possible that a rookie could help at nickelback, but all things equal, the Packers would probably be more comfortable with veteran experience at the position. Jarrett Bush struggled in that role during some games last season, opening up an opportunity for Blackmon if he's up to it.

What's happened since: The Packers moved Blackmon to safety late in spring practice and instead gave Brandon Underwood, Pat Lee and rookie Sam Shields the opportunity we envisioned for Blackmon. It was probably a wise move; he continues to be bothered by knee soreness. It's not clear if he will make the team.

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Asher Allen


What we said then: The Vikings need Allen to become a full-time player, if not a starter, to avoid facing a sudden shortage at cornerback. Starter Cedric Griffin's status is uncertain after he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the NFC Championship Game; it would be a surprise if Griffin is cleared for the beginning of training camp. The 2009 nickelback, Benny Sapp, is a pending unrestricted free agent and probably earned himself a decent contract after making seven starts in 2009. I'm guessing the Vikings don't want to overpay to bring back Sapp, especially considering Griffin will eventually return and that fellow starter, Antoine Winfield, is signed through 2013. As a rookie, Allen had a strong training camp but was buried on the depth chart when the season began. He's aggressive against the run, a decent tackler and displayed solid instincts when on the field. A natural progression would make him the nickelback in 2010, a role that would allow him to fill in for Griffin. Otherwise, the Vikings will have to shell out more money for Sapp or another free agent.

What's happened since: Injuries, attrition and solid play have put Allen in position to be the Week 1 nickel back. Griffin hasn't started practicing. Sapp was traded to Miami, and while the Vikings made cornerback Chris Cook their top draft pick, he will miss up to four weeks because of knee surgery.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

Friday night's agreement between the St. Louis Rams and quarterback Sam Bradford sets some parameters for the Detroit Lions' negotiations with defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. And here an interesting question: After Bradford received $50 million guaranteed, will the Lions now have to pay Suh -- the No. 2 overall pick of the draft -- more than they paid quarterback Matthew Stafford when they made him the No. 1 overall pick last season?

Remember, Stafford received $41.7 million in a deal that broke new ground for rookie contracts. Bradford raised that total by almost 17 percent. On the other side of the bracket, the Washington Redskins gave offensive tackle Trent Williams -- the No. 4 overall pick -- $36.75 million in guarantees.

So will those figures push Suh past $41.7 million in guarantees? It's an interesting question from a league perspective as we watch contracts for top-drafted players continue to spiral out of control. Suh, meanwhile, appears set to miss the Lions' opening practice of training camp later Saturday. We'll keep you updated.

Continuing around the NFC North on a rainy morning from Bourbonnais, Ill.:

• Lions coach Jim Schwartz believes the team has improved at quarterback more than any other position "because Matt Stafford went through an entire off-season," reports Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press.
• Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy wants his team to take the next step, writes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• The Packers believe their special teams group is further along than last year at this time, according to Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel questions whether the Packers should have signed a veteran linebacker in the offseason.
• Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf referred to Brett Favre as "the starting quarterback of our team," in an interview with the Star Tribune. It's about time someone told the truth.
• Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com considers the possibility that the Vikings will trade quarterback Sage Rosenfels.
• Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers hasn't set any individual sack goals for his first season with the team, writes Melissa Isaacson of ESPNChicago.com.
• The match between Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and offensive coordinator Mike Martz is proving to be a good one so far, writes Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Bears defensive linemen Mark Anderson and Marcus Harrison have tattoos to honor the memory of former teammate Gaines Adams, who died in the offseason. Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune has more.

» NFC Approach: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)

Each Wednesday leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: Draft approach.

Chicago Bears

General manager Jerry Angelo's background is a scouting director, so for most of his Bears tenure he accumulated and guarded draft picks as if they were gold. In his first seven drafts with the Bears, he made 28 picks in the first three rounds (an average of four per year). But Angelo has changed his team-building process in the past two years, releasing that grip when offered the opportunity to acquire more established players. He gutted the top of the 2009 and 2010 drafts in trades for quarterback Jay Cutler and late defensive end Gaines Adams, supplementing those losses by signing veteran free agents to fill individual needs. It's not a bad idea when considering Angelo's current situation. The more immediate approach will either work or, after already missing the playoffs for three consecutive years, it will be a mess someone else has to clean up.

Detroit Lions

The talent gap in Detroit remains wide enough that the Lions will continue following their new mantra under general manager Martin Mayhew and coach Jim Schwartz: Talent must trump need at every pick. That was the case last year, when the Lions considered tight end Brandon Pettigrew the best player on their board at the No. 20 overall pick, and will resume in 2010. It is the Lions' luxury and curse. Although some positions are more dire than others, the team needs help at all of them except quarterback. So while the Lions' ideal scenario would be to grab multiple linemen in the first three rounds, they can't afford to force it by passing up players they consider more talented -- no matter what position they play.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers have largely sat out the free-agent market over the past four years, leaving them to fill all of their needs through the draft. As a result, general manager Ted Thompson hasn't been afraid to trade down to accumulate additional picks and provide maximum depth on his roster. This tack values volume over elite pedigree but has brought players like receiver Greg Jennings and defensive tackle Johnny Jolly to the team. Thompson did trade up last year to grab linebacker Clay Matthews in the first round, but in general that has been an exception to his rule. I'm guessing the Packers wouldn't be opposed to moving below their No. 23 overall pick this year if it means an additional choice in the late second or early third round.

Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota vice president Rick Spielman inherited a relatively talented roster in 2007 and thus has used the draft to target individual players his scouts have identified for specific roles on the team. By my count, Spielman has made seven draft-day trades to position himself to take the players he wanted over the past three years. Those players include receiver Sidney Rice (2007), safety Tyrell Johnson (2008) and linebacker Jasper Brinkley (2009). Expect more of the same this year from Spielman, who has the luxury of drafting purely for value rather than need.

» NFC Needs Revisited: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)

Each Wednesday leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: Biggest needs revisited.

Chicago Bears

Last month: The Bears started five different safety combinations last season and have a pressing need for a ball-hawking free safety. Al Afalava could fit as a strong safety, but the Bears don't seem to trust any of their incumbent safeties in deep coverage. The Tampa 2 scheme doesn't always put safeties in position to make big plays, but the Bears' free safety has too often been a liability. Chicago could also use depth at defensive end after the death of Gaines Adams and the expected departure of Adewale Ogunleye.

Now: The Bears have addressed some of the needs we first identified last month via the free-agent market, signing defensive end Julius Peppers to replace Ogunleye and Chester Taylor to provide premium depth in the backfield. But both safety positions remain noticeably untouched. There have been some suggestions that the Bears pursue St. Louis safety O.J. Atogwe, a restricted free agent who would require no compensation to pry from the Rams. Barring a run at him, safety ranks with offensive line as the Bears' top needs with the draft looming in five weeks.

Detroit Lions

Last month: Depth is an issue at most positions, but none moreso than in the Lions' interior offensive and defensive lines. They are in position to draft an elite defensive tackle with their No. 2 overall pick, be it Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy or Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh. They also will be scouring the nation for candidates to play both guard positions alongside center Dominic Raiola. A receiver to steal some coverage from Calvin Johnson should be a priority after the middling performance of free-agent acquisition Bryant Johnson last season. There could also be a need at tight end, where starter Brandon Pettigrew is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and his two backups -- Casey Fitzsimmons and Will Heller -- are eligible for unrestricted free agency.

Now: The Lions have addressed the interior of their defensive line, acquiring defensive tackle Corey Williams from Cleveland and hosting defensive tackle/end Anthony Hargrove, a restricted free agent, on a visit. Veteran guard Chester Pitts is scheduled for a visit, but the left guard position might ultimately be filled through the draft. It's also not out of the question that the Lions target Oklahoma State left tackle Russell Okung with the No. 2 overall pick. The Lions have addressed their No. 2 receiver position with free agent Nate Burleson and re-signed Heller, two other areas of need we discussed.

Green Bay Packers

Last month: Both of the Packers' starting offensive tackles, Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher, are pending unrestricted free agents. At 34 and 33, respectively, neither player has a long career ahead of him. The Packers might have addressed one of the positions by drafting T.J. Lang last year, but they could use additional depth and options considering both positions must soon be turned over. Injuries last season revealed a need for depth in the defensive backfield, especially at cornerback, and the Packers also need to determine whether they will replace outside linebacker Aaron Kampman.

Now: Clifton and Tauscher have both re-signed, but finding a left tackle of the future remains one of the Packers' top priorities as the draft approaches. Clifton signed a three-year deal, but it's not clear how long he will play. As per their philosophy, the Packers haven't addressed any needs by signing free agents from other teams. They'll target their remaining need positions in the draft. In addition to left tackle, that positional list should also include outside linebacker and cornerback.

Minnesota Vikings

Last month: Whether or not quarterback Brett Favre returns in 2010, the Vikings must establish a succession plan at the position. They've drafted three quarterbacks in the past four years, but among that list -- Tarvaris Jackson, Tyler Thigpen and John David Booty -- none are signed for 2010. There's no reason to believe the Vikings consider Sage Rosenfels a long-term solution, so drafting a quarterback would seem to be among their highest priorities. Another area of need is at cornerback, where starter Cedric Griffin is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and nickelback Benny Sapp is a pending unrestricted free agent.

Now: The Vikings re-signed Sapp to give them an alternative if Griffin isn't ready to start the season, but cornerback could still be a high priority in the draft. The loss of Taylor makes depth at running back an issue, but that is one position where it makes sense to go young. As draft boards begin to shape up, it will be interesting to see if the Vikings get an opportunity to fill their need for a long-term quarterback answer. Will there be anyone of that description available with the No. 30 overall pick? That debate remains unsettled.

Wasn't it only a couple of months ago when we were arguing whether Chicago was too, uh, financially conservative to fire coach Lovie Smith and pay an $11 million buyout? (I believe the urban dictionary would refer to it as "cheap.")

We have now passed into another world. Friday, the Bears guaranteed roughly five times that amount to three veteran free agents in a frenetic attempt to reverse their recent fortunes. As we discussed Thursday night, free agency was the Bears' only option for making impact additions this year thanks to a draft gutted by trades for quarterback Jay Cutler and defensive end Gaines Adams.

But unlike the mixed message they sent by retaining Smith, the Bears have made no secret of their willingness to pay a premium price for the best available players at their respective positions. Tight end Brandon Manumaleuna received $6 million in guarantees to serve as a blocking tight end and tailback Chester Taylor got $7 million guaranteed even though he isn't likely to start.

*Update: And the centerpiece of Chicago's free-agent haul is defensive end Julius Peppers, who got an NFL-record $42 million in guarantees to provide what the Bears hope is consistent double-digit sack totals for the foreseeable future.

Peppers played on both sides of the defensive line in Carolina and could fit anywhere with the Bears. I don't have to remind Minnesota fans how he destroyed Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie in a December game last season, and as of Friday it's not clear who he would match up with in Green Bay. Via Twitter, incumbent right end Alex Brown called Friday "a great day" and added: "The [B]ears defense will be tough."

As Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune soberly pointed out, the Bears still need to find a way to improve their personnel at safety. I'm not willing to say Peppers will single-handedly solve their defensive woes over the past few years. But with the expected return of middle linebacker Brian Urlacher and the confidence that's provided when a premier pass-rusher is on the field, the Bears have the potential to be much improved.

We're not even 24 hours into the NFL's first foray into uncapped free agency, and already it's clear the Bears will be the league's big spenders. How many of you would have believed that a few months ago?

For the past month, NFL teams have evaluated and graded every player on their roster. They've determined whom they want to keep and who can leave. Their priority lists are stacked for offseason acquisitions. As they head to the scouting combine this week, they have a clear picture of their perceived strengths and weaknesses.

I'm all about improving a team through the draft, but I've never understood why some fans and media members put more faith in the nebulous form of a future draft pick over a player who has spent a year or more in the team's program. If everyone is doing their jobs well, those players should be in better position to help out than a rookie just out of college.

In that spirit, let's take a look at one player on each NFC North team who -- with reasonable development -- could help alleviate some pressure to acquire upgrades at his position. (Hat tip to Aaron of Kansas City, Mo., for suggesting the idea as part of last week's mailbag request.)

Chicago Bears

Player: Defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert
Status: Entering second year. Turns 24 in September.
2009 performance: One tackle in four games.
2010 hopes: The road couldn't be paved any more clearly for Gilbert, the Bears' top pick of the 2009 draft. Left end Adewale Ogunleye is a pending free agent and is expected to move on. Ogunleye's likely replacement, Gaines Adams, died last month. That left Gilbert and Henry Melton as the remaining internal candidates to start at left end. Good outside pass-rushers almost never become available on the free-agent market, and without a pick in the first or second round this season, it will be difficult for the Bears to draft one capable of making an immediate impact. To this point, Gilbert's greatest claim to fame is being the draft prospect who jumped out of a pool. He spent most of 2009 in an unofficial redshirt year under defensive line guru Rod Marinelli, so it's hard to know if Gilbert is capable of holding down a starting job in 2010. It's not even clear if the Bears consider him an end or a tackle. But if it's the former, Gilbert will get every opportunity to help the Bears out of this jam.

Detroit Lions

Player: Running back Aaron Brown
Status: Entering second year. Turns 25 in October.
2009 performance: A total of 1,166 all-purpose yards, mostly via kickoff returns.
2010 hopes: Starting tailback Kevin Smith is rehabilitating a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while also trying to overcome two shoulder injuries that slowed him in 2009. Backup Maurice Morris is also under contract, but Morris doesn't have the kind of big-play abilities Brown displayed last season. The Lions were exasperated at times with Brown's mental errors, but perhaps an offseason of studying can help him move past those issues. He might not be an ideal every-down back, but Brown could add an explosive element to the Lions' offense if they trust him enough to put him on the field. His development could ease some of the urgency to add further depth behind Smith and Morris.

Green Bay Packers

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Jeff Hanisch/US PresswireWill Blackmon is a veteran in the Green Bay secondary.

Player: Defensive back Will Blackmon
Status: Entering fifth year. Restricted free agent. Turns 26 in October.
2009 performance: Played three games before tearing anterior cruciate ligament in left knee Oct. 5 at Minnesota.
2010 hopes: Because the Packers haven't revealed their tender offers for restricted free agents, we can't say with certainty that Blackmon will return to the Packers in 2010. But based on the typical timetable for ACL rehabilitation, Blackmon should be cleared for the start of training camp. And if he's healthy and ready, Blackmon would add experienced depth to a position ravaged by injuries at the end of last season. With Al Harris rehabilitating a similar injury on a later timetable, the Packers might have to open camp with nickelback Tramon Williams as a starter. It's always possible that a rookie could help at nickelback, but all things equal, the Packers would probably be more comfortable with veteran experience at the position. Jarrett Bush struggled in that role during some games last season, opening up an opportunity for Blackmon if he's up to it.

Minnesota Vikings

Player: Cornerback Asher Allen
Status: Entering second year. Turned 22 in January.
2009 performance: 27 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble in 10 games.
2010 hopes: The Vikings need Allen to become a full-time player, if not a starter, to avoid facing a sudden shortage at cornerback. Starter Cedric Griffin's status is uncertain after he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the NFC Championship Game; it would be a surprise if Griffin is cleared for the beginning of training camp. The 2009 nickelback, Benny Sapp, is a pending unrestricted free agent and probably earned himself a decent contract after making seven starts in 2009. I'm guessing the Vikings don't want to overpay to bring back Sapp, especially considering Griffin will eventually return and that fellow starter, Antoine Winfield, is signed through 2013. As a rookie, Allen had a strong training camp but was buried on the depth chart when the season began. He's aggressive against the run, a decent tackler and displayed solid instincts when on the field. A natural progression would make him the nickelback in 2010, a role that would allow him to fill in for Griffin. Otherwise, the Vikings will have to shell out more money for Sapp or another free agent.

» NFC Draft Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Each Wednesday leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: biggest team needs.

Chicago Bears

The Bears started five different safety combinations last season and have a pressing need for a ball-hawking free safety. Al Afalava could fit as a strong safety, but the Bears don't seem to trust any of their incumbent safeties in deep coverage. The Tampa-2 scheme doesn't always put safeties in position to make big plays, but the Bears' free safety has too often been a liability. Chicago could also use depth at defensive end after the death of Gaines Adams and the expected departure of Adewale Ogunleye.

Detroit Lions

Depth is an issue at most positions, but none moreso than in the Lions' interior offensive and defensive lines. They are in position to draft an elite defensive tackle with their No. 2 overall pick, be it Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy or Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh. They also will be scouring the nation for candidates to play both guard positions alongside center Dominic Raiola. A receiver to steal some coverage from Calvin Johnson should be a priority after the middling performance of free agent acquisition Bryant Johnson last season. There could also be a need at tight end, where starter Brandon Pettigrew is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and his two backups -- Casey FitzSimmons and Will Heller -- are eligible for unrestricted free agency.

Green Bay Packers

Both of the Packers' starting offensive tackles, Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher, are pending unrestricted free agents. At 34 and 33, respectively, neither player has a long career ahead of him. The Packers might have addressed one of the positions by drafting T.J. Lang last year, but they could use additional depth and options considering both positions must soon be turned over. Injuries last season revealed a need for depth in the defensive backfield, especially at cornerback, and the Packers also need to determine whether they will replace outside linebacker Aaron Kampman.

Minnesota Vikings

Whether or not quarterback Brett Favre returns in 2010, the Vikings must establish a succession plan at the position. They've drafted three quarterbacks in the past four years, but among that list -- Tarvaris Jackson, Tyler Thigpen and John David Booty -- none are signed for 2010. There's no reason to believe the Vikings consider Sage Rosenfels a long-term solution, so drafting a quarterback would seem to be among their highest priorities. Another area of need is at cornerback, where starter Cedric Griffin is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and nickel back Benny Sapp is a pending unrestricted free agent.

MIAMI -- It was interesting to see Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers grimacing on the NFC bench Sunday night at the Pro Bowl. He appeared to have suffered a mild leg injury -- an auspicious start to an offseason journey that promises to be wild.

Peppers is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent, and Peppers agent said over the weekend that he isn’t expecting a long-term deal to materialize with the Panthers. A franchise tag would likely cost the Panthers more than $20 million, a prohibitive cost for most teams.

So George of Florida wondered: “Now that it appears that Julius Peppers will probably be a free agent in the offseason, what are the odds that the Bears will pursue him to bolster their defensive line?”

Theoretically, we I think we can expand this conversation to more than one NFC North team. With the expected loss of pending free agent Adewale Ogunleye, and the death of Gaines Adams, the Bears certainly have an opening for a pass-rushing defensive end in their 4-3 scheme.

But what about Green Bay? Last week, we discussed the possibility -- however fantastical -- of San Diego’s Shawne Merriman making his way to the Packers. But what about Peppers as a replacement for Aaron Kampman in the Packers’ 3-4 scheme?

Acquiring Peppers certainly wouldn’t follow the Packers’ recent personnel practices under general manager Ted Thompson. But last season, Peppers expressed interest in playing as a 3-4 linebacker. It’s not often that a player successfully makes that transition in the latter stages of his career, but Peppers might be the type of exceptional athlete who could do it.

As for the Bears, I think it’s something they would have to give strong consideration to given their lack of other available assets. You typically need to take pass-rushing defensive ends high in the draft, but the Bears don’t pick until the early portion of the third round. They don’t want to give up any additional draft picks to move up, and so paying Peppers a truckload of money might be one of their few legitimate options.

It’s hard to know exactly where the Bears are headed defensively until they hire a defensive coordinator, but we know they will keep the basic concepts of the Tampa-2 scheme. Peppers would be a great fit regardless. Will it happen? I wouldn’t rule it out.

One of Detroit’s more pleasant offseason dilemmas is dealing with the relative surplus of linebackers on its roster. As Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press points out, the Lions have the opportunity to at least consider jettisoning some high-priced veterans in favor of some genuine young talent.

The Lions spent most of the season with veterans Ernie Sims, Julian Peterson and Larry Foote as their starters. But Foote will be a free agent and Peterson is scheduled to make a relatively excessive $7.5 million in 2010. Sims, meanwhile, spent part of the season battling injuries -- and fending off rookie DeAndre Levy for a starting position.

Levy figures to start somewhere in 2010, most likely at Foote’s position. Rookie Zack Follett also showed some potential. Bringing back Foote and Peterson certainly wouldn’t hurt the team, but the opportunity exists for the Lions to shift those financial assets elsewhere if they wish.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• The average secondary purchase ticket price for the NFC Championship Game is $800, according to the Star Tribune.
• Minnesota hasn’t forgotten that New Orleans running back Reggie Bush returned two punts for touchdowns in the teams’ matchup last season at the Superdome. Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune has more.
• At least Fran Tarkenton is consistent. The Hall of Fame quarterback told Bloomberg News that he still doesn’t like seeing quarterback Brett Favre in a Vikings uniform. “[I]t didn’t sit well with me and it still doesn’t,” he said.
• Gaines Adams’ family is still coming to grips with his death, writes Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune.
• Bears players, coaches and front-office members will ride a private plane to Adams’ funeral Friday, writes Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Green Bay will especially miss John Schneider in the area of college scouting, writes Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Schneider is Seattle’s new general manager.
• Schneider may try to bring some other Packers employees with him to Seattle, according to Tom Pelissero of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Multiple reports suggest Buffalo will soon name Chan Gailey its head coach, a decision that essentially would ensure Minnesota the services of defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier for a fourth consecutive season.

Frazier interviewed with the Bills two weeks ago, and their job remains the last open position in the NFL. (Standard disclaimer: Things could always change in Oakland.) Frazier has interviewed for seven jobs in the past three years, including Seattle and Buffalo this year.

I’ll have a lot more on Frazier later Tuesday, but for now we can say it seems likely he’ll be back with the Vikings for the 2010 season.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Minnesota coach Brad Childress objects to the Vikings’ three-game losing road streak being a storyline this week, writes Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune. As of yet, however, Childress has not gained editorial control over the Twin Cities media.
• In a lighter moment, Childress discusses his beard and (lack of) hair with Bob Sansevere of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards’ right knee injury is a mild sprain of the medial collateral ligament, according to Steve Wyche of NFL.com.
• Dan Pompei and Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune answer some business-related questions surrounding the death of Chicago defensive end Gaines Adams.
• Bob LeGere of the Daily Herald offers some suggestions for the Bears’ offensive coordinator search.
• Tom Pelissero of the Green Bay Press-Gazette catches up with punter Tim Masthay, whom the Packers signed recently to a futures contract.
• Former Detroit defensive lineman Luther Elliss has filed for bankruptcy, writes Robert Snell of the Detroit News.

A quick glance at Chicago’s defensive depth chart reveals why general manager Jerry Angelo was so eager to acquire defensive end Gaines Adams last fall.

After absorbing the shock of Adams’ death Sunday morning, the Bears are left with a thin group of incumbents to craft a starting lineup for 2010. Below are the five players on their roster as of Monday. And that list includes 2009 third-round draft pick Jarron Gilbert, who practiced mostly at tackle during the season.


As you can see, Adams would have had every opportunity to compete for a starting job next season. Veteran Alex Brown, who turns 31 this year, is a likely starter on one side. But Adewale Ogunleye will be 33 and is a pending free agent. Mark Anderson will either be a restricted or unrestricted free agent, depending on whether the NFL moves to an uncapped system.

Without a first- or second-round pick in the 2010 draft, the Bears will have limited options to add talent to one of the most difficult positions to develop in the NFL. As Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune writes, the Bears have little choice but to count on Gilbert and/or Henry Melton as significant contributors next season.

Sunday’s game action limited our opportunity to address the death of Chicago defensive end Gaines Adams, who was rushed to a hospital Sunday morning near his South Carolina home after going into cardiac arrest. According to the latest information, a coroner determined Adams had an enlarged heart.

Most Bears players and coaches had limited interaction with Adams, who arrived via trade in the fall. Linebacker Brian Urlacher told the Chicago Tribune: “I didn’t know him that well because he came in during the middle of the season. But I did know him. I still saw him every day when I went into work. It’s just weird. I had a teammate die when I was in college. You just don’t know how to handle it. It’s just sad, man. It’s a bad deal.”

Wrote Melissa Isaacson of ESPN Chicago: “Sadly, when anyone dies so young and so suddenly, there are going to be questions asked and answers demanded. Sad as well are the many things we never got to know about Adams simply because his play had not yet warranted a closer look.”

Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Sun-Times on Adams’ transition to the Bears:

“It's difficult to join a team in the midst of a season as Adams did when the Bears traded a second-round pick in the April draft to Tampa Bay for his services. Professional football is a fierce, merciless business with intense competition for playing time. The new guy can be resented; the new guy can have a hard time making friends. But Adams managed to fit in, and there was a growing belief all he needed was playing time to prove his value on the field. Now we'll never know what might have been.”

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Minnesota owner Zygi Wilf told Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune that “this is where we want to be” after his team’s 34-3 victory Sunday over Dallas.
• Tom Powers of the St. Paul Pioneer Press: “There did appear to be an epidemic of Cowboys Fever sweeping the country. Dallas was red hot coming into the game. But as several of the Vikings had pointed out during the week, the Cowboys weren't going to get to play Sunday's game in their new state-of-the-art stadium. They had to come up to Minnesota and play in the 'hood.”
• Green Bay’s rush defense gets and “A” and special teams gets a “D-“ in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s annual grades.
• You can access the Green Bay Press-Gazette’s season review and grades through this link.
• Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford had a long conversation with Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press. Among the highlights: Stafford said he was tired of being “dinged-up” at the end of the season.
• John Niyo of the Detroit News writes: “[I]n a draft that's top-heavy with talented defensive linemen, you're going to have a hard time convincing me that Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh or Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy isn’t the best choice at the top of the Lions’ draft board.”

I’m guessing you’ve seen the terrible news Sunday morning out of Greenville, S.C., where Bears defensive end Gaines Adams was pronounced dead at 9 a.m. ET.

As of this posting, there are no details available about the circumstances. Adams was 26.

Needless to say, our thoughts and prayers should be with Adams’ family. The Bears’ loss is far less significant, but is nevertheless worth discussing.

The Bears acquired Adams from Tampa Bay last October as a bit of a long-term project. Adams had elite athleticism but hadn’t parlayed that into the sack totals normally expected from the No. 4 overall pick of a draft. Bears general manager Jerry Angelo hoped that some extended tutelage from defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, along with some offseason work in the weight room, would stabilize and elevate Adams’ play.

If so, there likely would have been a starting spot open for Adams in 2010. Veteran Adewale Ogunleye is a pending free agent, and it would have made perfect sense to slide Adams into that role rather than spend the money to bring Ogunleye back.

Make sure you check ESPN Chicago throughout the day as more details emerge.

I appreciated your seemingly genuine interest in this week’s Have at It topic and found your responses laced with thought.

When we asked which NFC North franchise is closer to the playoffs, Chicago or Detroit, a few of you felt compelled to inject the standard cheap shot/dose of realism. Larry1811D put fair words to that sentiment: “You need to take into consideration that Detroit's organization just doesn't know how to produce a winner. They've only had fleeting successes in their entire history. That puts the odds in the Bears' favor ... as much as I hate to say it.”

Similarly, adambballn suggested that the Bears “seem to have a cycle where they're bad for a couple years then get things going again.” On the other hand, wrote adambballn, “The Lions just lose. They excel at losing.”

But when you actually sat down and compared the tangible situations, many of you believe the Lions leading this race because they’ve already taken the first step in a rebuilding process both franchises appear to need. The Lions have their coach in place, wrote jrick45, while the Bears seem destined for future change. Coach Jim Schwartz is “the man for the job,” jrick45 wrote, meaning the Lions “already have their coaching staff set … whereas Chicago will have to start that process and implement a new system all over again.”

Even with the Lions’ present and future coach in place, a change in Chicago could accelerate the Bears’ fortunes because they have a shorter path back to the playoffs. Wrote smartaleck99: “A coaching change in Chicago would go a LONG way to making their shot at the playoffs better. Would [Mike Shanahan] or [Bill Cowher] make them better? I would think certainly.”

From a personnel standpoint, many of you agreed that both teams have work to do on both lines. But from the big picture, wrote machinemankse: “It's safe to say youthful talent contributes greatly to the future of any team. That said, the Lions have more of it than the Bears and will only accumulate more in the 2010 draft.”

The Bears, wrote CASPIANMAFIA, have been falling for a while and haven’t finished: “It seems that this trend in Chicago has been building for some time. I blame Jerry Angelo more than anyone else. The trading of all these picks seem to me like a last grasp to try and hold on.”

My take? I can’t disagree that the Bears could take a further (albeit temporary) step back if they change coaches this offseason. I’m assuming that if they decide to pay coach Lovie Smith $11 million to leave, they’re not going to pay Shanahan or Cowher another $8 million to $10 million annually to replace him. So the Bears’ next coach is more likely to be a lesser-known candidate whose success will be more difficult to predict.

And it’s true that the Lions have some interesting offensive parts, including one -- a legitimate No. 1 receiver -- that the Bears do not. But I’m always more interested in the state of a team’s offensive and defensive lines. And to that end, I think the Bears are a bit ahead.

The biggest advantage the Bears have is they appear to have their left tackle of the future already on the field in Chris Williams. The Lions do not. Detroit also doesn’t have one defensive lineman I would consider a future pass rusher. The Bears have at least given themselves some intriguing options with Gaines Adams and Jarron Gilbert.

The point of this post remains valid: There isn’t much disparity between the franchises. But if I had to answer the question I posed, I would say the Bears. Take that for what it’s worth, of course. I’m the guy who, at midseason, thought the Bears had a better chance to make the playoffs than Green Bay.