NFL draft 2001
Team needs: NFC Central
As published in print March 26, 2001
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| QuickClicks to scouting reports ...
Chicago Bears|Detroit Lions|Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings|Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chicago Bears |
| Needs on offense: A starting-caliber running
back is tops on the Bears’ offensive list. They also need depth at wide receiver
considering Marcus Robinson (back) and Bobby Engram (knee) are returning from injuries,
and the young receivers haven’t played to their potential. Todd Perry’s
departure leaves an opening at guard. |
| Needs on defense: For years, the Bears have
sought a top pass rusher but have come up empty. They also need a starting-caliber
cornerback, but they’re hoping Jerry Azumah or R.W. McQuarters will fill the void
from within. The Bears have been after big defensive tackles in free agency, and the draft
is full of them. |
| On Draft Day … If they satisfy themselves
on the defensive line in free agency, the Bears could set their sights elsewhere early on,
such as wide receiver or running back. They do not believe either Deuce McAllister or
LaDainian Tomlinson is worth the eighth overall pick. |
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Detroit Lions |
| Needs on offense: Though they replaced
free-agent OG Jeff Hartings with Brenden Stai, the Lions are still in need of guards
— badly. They’d like to acquire a third-down-type back with speed and quickness
and add depth at tight end. Also, the Lions may select a quarterback to develop for the
long term. |
| Needs on defense: With CB Bryant Westbrook
returning from an Achilles injury and CB Kevin Abrams now retired, adding depth in the
secondary is a priority. The status of free-agent DE Tracy Scroggins may determine how the
Lions address their defensive line. Regardless, they’d like to add a speed rusher of
some kind (either an end or a linebacker). |
| On Draft Day … New team president
Matt Millen wants to build through the draft, so the expectation is the Lions will either
stay put or trade down to acquire more picks. The team is high on Michigan OG Steve
Hutchinson. |
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Green Bay Packers |
| Needs on offense: The Packers’ biggest
offensive need is at wide receiver. Antonio Freeman has dropped as a No. 1 receiver, and
the rest of Green Bay’s wideouts are mostly No. 3 and No. 4 types. Though the Packers
signed Doug Pederson to back up Brett Favre, they likely will draft a QB. |
| Needs on defense: Defensive line is the
team’s biggest area of need, period. The status of DTs Santana Dotson and David
Warren (torn quadriceps) is uncertain, and neither Vonnie Holliday nor John Thierry is the
ultimate weapon at end. The starting LB corps is solid, but depth is badly needed. A third
cornerback is also on the list. |
| On Draft Day … This will be GM Ron
Wolf’s swan song, and he’d like to leave Mike Sherman in the best shape
possible. The Packers likely will select a defensive lineman or wide receiver with their
first pick (No. 10), but don’t be surprised if they deal up again. They have three
third-rounders as ammo. |
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Minnesota Vikings |
| Needs on offense: Robert Smith’s
retirement leaves a gaping hole at running back. If the Vikings don’t re-sign OG
Corbin Lacina, they will have lost two contributors on the left side of the offensive
line, OT Todd Steussie being the other. Backup quarterback is also a need. |
| Needs on defense: This unit continues to be
Minnesota’s Achilles’ heel. With the loss of John Randle, the need for a top
pass rusher is great. Dwayne Rudd’s departure challenges the team’s LB corps. A
top cornerback has been a top need for a few years now. If the Vikings strike out in free
agency, they’ll need several young players to step up and contribute. |
| On Draft Day … Once again, the
Vikings figure to use most of their selections on defensive players. Though it’s not
likely to happen, don’t rule out the team spending its No. 1 pick on a running back. |
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Needs on offense: The Buccaneers’ first
priority is on the offensive line, namely at tackle, but they’ve never addressed the
position in the first round in the Tony Dungy era. The fear is that the high-quality
tackles will be gone when the Bucs’ pick comes up. The team is also looking at the TE
position. Patrick Hape signed with Denver, and Dave Moore is entering his ninth season. |
| Needs on defense: If free-agent CB Ronde Barber
doesn’t return, the Bucs will need a corner to groom as a nickel back. Brian Kelly
would take over Barber’s starting job. The Bucs also might add depth to their LB
corps. |
| On Draft Day … Under GM Rich McKay, the
Buccaneers haven’t been shy about pulling off first-round trades. If they set their
sights on an offensive tackle, they might trade up to take one. The team is high on
Florida OT Kenyatta Walker. |
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For complete NFL draft coverage, get the print edition of Pro Football Weekly's 2001 Draft Preview
book. It's available at bookstores and newsstands across the country or you can call
1-800-FOOTBALL (1-800-366-8225) to order a copy. To order online, click here |
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