How the NFC North teams fared at addressing needs Saturday.
1. Vikings
Randy Moss out, Troy Williamson in. The Vikings wanted a new playmate for QB Daunte Culpepper, and they’re gambling on South Carolina’s Williamson, who possesses far more speed (4.35) than production, having never caught more than 43 passes in a college season. Speed rusher Erasmus James of Wisconsin joins free-agent signee Pat Williams in what could be the division’s best defensive line. With James, Minnesota selected a defensive lineman in the top 20 for the third straight year–after Kevin Williams in 2003 and Kenechi Udeze in 2004.
2. Bears
They said they want to be a running team–and they backed up that talk. Cedric Benson, long the clear favorite at the No. 4 draft slot that found Walter Payton and Gale Sayers, projects as the final piece of the offensive makeover: two first-rounders (Benson, QB Rex Grossman), a second-rounder (WR Mark Bradley), four prime-level free agents (WR Muhsin Muhammad, RB Thomas Jones, T Fred Miller and T John Tait) and a new coordinator (Ron Turner). If they aren’t a top-10 offense after those investments . . .
3. Lions
Bears GM Jerry Angelo didn’t want to risk the team’s No. 4 pick on a wide receiver. Now the Bears will face USC’s Mike Williams twice a year after the Lions spent their third straight first-round pick on a wide receiver (after Charles Rogers and Roy Williams). Joey Harrington, find somebody open or find the door. The Lions traded up in Round 2 to help Dick Jauron’s defense with DT Shaun Cody.
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4. Packers
Not a lot of immediate impact. The Packers lost both guards to free agency and sorely need help on defense, but QB Aaron Rodgers went into free fall and becomes Brett Favre’s heir apparent. Adding FS Nick Collins in Round 2 helps but won’t make up for losing Darren Sharper without more up front.