The NFL’s 2022 offseason is essentially done. Unsigned free agents such as Odell Beckham Jr., Rob Gronkowski, Dont’a Hightower, a few others could become impactful late additions. Free agency is essentially done. The draft is done. Here’s a look at some of my favorite offseason additions for each NFC North team.
Minnesota Vikings
Za’Darius Smith, Edge, free agency
I can not wait to see Za’Darius and Danielle Hunter terrorizing quarterbacks. There may be no other aspect of the 2022 Minnesota Vikings that I’m more excited to see. The addition of Smith brings the added bonus of his subtraction from the defense of the Green Bay Packers. When he was on the field for the Packers, he was a nightmare for the Vikings.
Contenders: Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth Jr., Jordan Hicks
Green Bay Packers
Christian Watson, WR, 2nd round pick
The Green Bay Packers finally spent a high-end draft pick on a receiver. Under Ted Thompson, it wasn’t such a rare thing. As the team’s draft day shot-caller, he thrived with second-round receivers. Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb. The Packers hope that Christian Watson follows that second-round tradition.
Contenders: Quay Walker, Jarran Reed
Detroit Lions
Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, 1st round pick
It’s probably a sound bet that the Detroit Lions were praying that the Jacksonville Jaguars would fall for some trait-laden player for the first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Aidan Hutchinson was the best football player in the draft. As such, he should’ve been the Jaguars pick. The Jaguars fell for Travon Walker and the Lions selected Hutchinson. After spending his college days in Michigan, he’s staying in Michigan. It’s a beautiful union of player and team. Walker might develop into a dynamite pass rusher. At worst, Hutchinson will be a very good football player. At best, he’ll be an All-Pro player. The draft is a gamble. Travon Walker is a gamble. Aidan Hutchinson is really no gamble.
Contenders: None. Hutchinson was the only addition considered.
Chicago Bears
Elijah Hicks, S, 7th round pick
I liked the defensive backs that the Bears added in the draft. Corner Kyler Gordon, safety Jaquan Brisker, and safety Elijah Hicks. I’ll go with Hicks simply because of what he did in college. He’s been one of my favorite Cal players of the past couple decades. He was a terrific player on the field. He was a better person off the field. Gordon and Brisker were drafted to be early starters for the Bears. It wouldn’t surprise me if Hicks makes the Bears and makes an early impact. Special teams early. Defense later.
Contenders: Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, Velus Jones Jr.
Up Next: NFC East
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