Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles took note of the significant number of hits suffered by quarterback Justin Fields in the previous season, enduring 55 sacks while displaying his dynamic playmaking abilities despite a subpar roster. The Bears made it a priority to strengthen their offensive and defensive lines, and they expressed confidence in Fields by trading the No. 1 pick to Carolina in exchange for multiple draft picks that addressed various positions of need.

While the Bears are still a work in progress and likely require another year to fully construct their roster, the offseason moves made this year provide an opportunity for Fields to showcase his prowess as a dual-threat quarterback. Last season, Fields rushed for an impressive 1,143 yards and threw for 2,242 yards.

Poles made significant changes to the offense, acquiring top wide receiver DJ Moore through the trade with Carolina and selecting right tackle Darnell Wright in the first round of the draft. Additionally, the Bears signed offensive guard Nate Davis, running back D’Onta Foreman, and tight end Robert Tonyan. These new additions, combined with existing talent such as tight end Cole Kmet and wide receivers Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney, will provide offensive coordinator Luke Getsy with ample tools to expand the playbook for Fields.

On the defensive side, the Bears still have much work to do, but they made progress by making notable signings in linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. The secondary boasts skilled playmakers, including second-year safety Jaquan Brisker, who recorded 104 total tackles, four sacks, and one interception last year.

The Chicago roster was ranked lower primarily due to the lack of pass rushers and run-stoppers on the defensive line. However, there is potential upside with rookie defensive tackles Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens, both selected during the second day of the draft.

If Fields continues to develop and improve in his third season, there is hope that the Bears will ascend the rankings in the upcoming offseason.

3. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings’ lineup suffered losses during the offseason as Za’Darius Smith was traded, and Adam Thielen and Eric Kendricks were released. It’s likely that Dalvin Cook will also depart as a post-June 1 cut, making it unlikely for Minnesota to defend their NFC North title.

However, the Vikings still have an edge over Chicago due to the presence of promising players in various positions. Additionally, Jefferson, the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year, remains their top wide receiver.

To address Thielen’s absence, the Vikings wasted no time and used their first-round pick on Jordan Addison, a wide receiver who has the potential to form an outstanding duo with Jefferson. In the event that Cook is released, the team can rely on Alexander Mattison, a dependable running back who has maintained an impressive average of 4.1 yards per carry over the past four seasons.

Although the offensive line is lacking, left tackle Christian Darrisaw, a first-round pick from 2021, had a remarkable second season, earning high grades for both run-blocking and pass-blocking, according to Pro Football Focus.

When it comes to tight ends, the Vikings could potentially have the best duo in the division with the addition of Josh Oliver and the presence of T.J. Hockenson, who showcased his abilities with 519 receiving yards in just seven games after being traded from the Lions.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins will be returning for his sixth season, but it’s uncertain whether this will be his last in Minnesota, as the team has the option to terminate his contract in the upcoming offseason.

With cap space created, the Vikings might seek to make significant moves in the next offseason. However, during the previous free agency period, they invested in the defensive side of the roster by acquiring cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and edge rusher Marcus Davenport, who could form a formidable partnership with Danielle Hunter.

While hard-hitting safety Harrison Smith continues to make an impact in the secondary, the unit as a whole requires substantial improvements after ranking among the worst pass defenses in the league last season. Furthermore, the Vikings are lacking depth in the interior of the defensive line following the departure of Dalvin Tomlinson, and they also lack playmakers at the inside linebacker position.

2. Green Bay Packers

Despite concerns surrounding the Packers’ decision to trade Aaron Rodgers to the Jets and rely on an unproven starting quarterback in Love, there are valid reasons why Love was drafted in the first round three years ago, leading to the team’s choice to move on from Rodgers this year. Love has been preparing to step up and has the potential to surprise many with his performance in the upcoming season.

Having learned from Rodgers over the past three seasons, Love is unlikely to play like a rookie. He has already had some valuable playing time, such as when he filled in for the injured Rodgers against the Eagles last season. However, as a first-year starter with an inexperienced offensive roster, Love is expected to progress throughout the season. The Packers have added three new playmakers in wide receiver Jayden Reed and tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft.

Additionally, Christian Watson, the team’s top wide receiver, showed promise late last season and could have a breakout year in his second season. Nevertheless, Love might face challenges due to a weak offensive line, which gave Rodgers a hard time last season. While the Packers chose versatile defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness over an offensive tackle in the first round, Van Ness, standing at 6’5″ and weighing 272 pounds, has demonstrated exceptional athleticism during his time at Iowa. If he quickly adjusts to the NFL, the Packers could boast one of the strongest pass-rushing units in the division, alongside Preston Smith and Rashan Gary. Furthermore, Jaire Alexander continues to excel as the NFC North’s top cornerback, coming off another Pro Bowl season.

Although Love’s potential remains uncertain and the offense has lost many veteran leaders, the defense appears primed for a rebound season, making the Packers legitimate contenders for the division title.

1. Detroit Lions

Detroit is loaded at linebacker with the addition of first-round pick Jack Campbell.

The Lions had a successful offseason, winning eight out of their last ten games in the previous season. Instead of resting on their laurels, they took a proactive approach to address areas of need and showed forward thinking, particularly in the running back position.

Detroit made significant changes to their backfield, acquiring David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. These two running backs possess different skill sets, creating uncertainty for opposing defenses. Although Gibbs was chosen with the twelfth pick, his success as a threat in the passing game will outweigh any concerns about his selection.

Jared Goff, the quarterback, had an outstanding season in 2022, throwing for 29 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. He will have the talented wide receiver duo of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, who will be absent for the first six games due to a violation of the league’s gambling policy. Marvin Jones Jr. returns as the team’s third wide receiver and has the opportunity to step up in Williams’ absence. The Lions’ offensive line, anchored by Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell, distinguishes this offense from others in the division due to its strength and resilience.

The Lions made significant investments in free agency to bolster their secondary, signing Cameron Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. They also added Brian Branch, a versatile defensive back, through the draft.

Furthermore, Detroit boasts a strong group of linebackers, including Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Jack Campbell, who was the eighteenth overall pick. While the team demonstrates depth across various positions, their one potential weakness lies in the lack of pass rushers behind Aidan Hutchinson, the second overall pick in the 2022 draft.