We are now over a week removed from the end of the 2018 NFL Draft and the dust is starting to settle. Draft grades are being handed out left and right and the Bears are being praised for their selections.
But what about the other teams that the Bears have to face multiple times a year? What did the Lions, Vikings and Packers do that could impact the Bears each time they play next season and into the future? If you didn’t have time to pay attention to all seven rounds of the draft, we’ve got you covered by taking a look at the players who could be the biggest threat to the Bears.
Lions
Matt Patricia, new head coach of the Lions, has already put his mark on this franchise. In New England, they constantly put their focus on the offensive and defensive lines. Patricia brought that mentality over into this draft, as they selected two offensive lineman and a defensive end, building on already solid foundations. But that’s not the area that the biggest threat comes into play.
The biggest threat to the Bears comes to them in the form of a 6’0, 212 lbs. running back named Kerryon Johnson.
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Lions trade up and select RB Kerryon Johnson with the No. 43 pick pic.twitter.com/b5OmKB0dNC
— Bleacher Report NFL (@BR_NFL) April 27, 2018
He’s a well-rounded running back who can step in and take pressure off of Matthew Stafford immediately. It’s been well documented that Detroit hasn’t had a decent running game in years, allowing the Bears to pay closer attention to stopping Stafford than worrying about the running backs in the past.
Now, Johnson can step in and force the Bears to pay closer attention to the run game. The Lions traded up in the second round to grab Johnson too, which means that they’ll be looking to utilize him heavily in their new offense.
Vikings
The Vikings already have an insanely talented defense. Adding in players like Sheldon Richardson on the defensive line didn’t help the Bears, and their efforts to compete with the Vikings, either.
Minnesota continued building onto an already impressive secondary with adding the biggest threat to the Bears; Mike Hughes.
Defense ✔️
Kick return ✔️
Punt return ✔️New #Vikings CB @_bigmikee1 does it all. pic.twitter.com/yhDKXD7710
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 27, 2018
The Vikings selected Hughes, a player the Bears were linked to, at the end of the first round of this year’s draft. Hughes is a relentless cover corner, who looks to press at the line of scrimmage and completely knock the receiver off of their route.
If he didn’t have any off the field issues, Hughes would have likely been selected much higher. But the Vikings felt comfortable adding him to a secondary that already consists of players like Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Harrison Smith and Terrance Newman. With the moves the Bears made in the off-season, adding offensive weapons, we’re seeing these division rivals counter-act by bulking up their secondaries.
Packers
Green Bay struggled last year, with the injury to Aaron Rodgers, but otherwise they’re a perennial playoff team. This is mostly due to the play of Rodgers, who covers up the deficiencies on their roster year after year.
However, with a new GM in town, the Packers seem determined to rectify their previous mistakes and address their needs in big ways. Muhammed Wilkerson, a stout defensive lineman, signed a one year deal with them in free agency and they also signed Jimmy Graham to give Rodgers another weapon.
The biggest threat to the Bears from the draft actually comes to them in two selections. The Packers selected CB Jaire Alexander in the 1st round and CB Josh Jackson in the 2nd round to address the holes they had in their secondary.
Alexander is a feisty corner who plays much larger than his 5’10” frame would suggest. He’s most likely to cover the slot in GB and track speedy guys like Taylor Gabriel and Anthony Miller when the Bears and Packers face off.
Green Bay adds to its defense!
Packers trade back up and select CB Jaire Alexander with the No. 18 pick pic.twitter.com/AjLW5M8v0L
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 27, 2018
Jackson is a ballhawking corner who has the size to match up against Allen Robinson all day long. The Packers were shocked that he fell to them in the second round and had no issue handing in their card to select him. Jackson picked off eight passes last year at Iowa and will most assuredly be looking to match that number, or higher, in the NFL next season.
They asked Josh Jackson what he brings to the Packers:
"I'm a baller. I'm a playmaker" pic.twitter.com/xRe0bMZVuG
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) April 28, 2018
Green Bay now has a secondary consisting of Kevin King, Josh Jones, Jaire Alexander, Josh Jackson and Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix. Just as the Vikings did, the Packers are stocking up their secondary in reaction to the Bears offensive additions.
The Bears arguably had one of the best off-seasons in the NFL, but the teams in the black-and-blue NFC North division also got better.
These battles are going to be entertaining as hell to watch next season…is it September yet?
