ESPN Insider - Ranking NFL rosters (NFC North)

[iowajerms]

The article does all 32 teams, but I will break it down by division.

Ranking NFL rosters from 1-32: Surprises at the top

 

[iowajerms]

Green Bay Packers (NFL rank #4)
Biggest strength: Though Aaron Rodgers struggled early last season, he was nearly unstoppable once he hit his stride. He had a 90.3 passer rating under pressure in 2016, throwing 13 touchdown passes and only two picks when hurried.

Biggest weakness: Green Bay's secondary was eviscerated for large portions of 2016, and cornerback LaDarius Gunter was a particular weak spot in the playoffs. Gunter gave up seven catches for 152 yards in the NFC Championship Game loss to the Falcons -- matching up mostly with Julio Jones -- and he allowed four touchdowns in two playoff starts.

By the numbers: We saw converted running back Ty Montgomery's true potential when he was moved into the backfield last season. He led the league in yards per carry after contact (5.1) and gained 370 of his 451 rushing yards after getting hit. He broke 18 tackles on just 72 carries.

 

[iowajerms]

Minnesota Vikings (NFL rank #12)
Biggest strength: While Harrison Smith's play dropped slightly in 2016, he remains one of the league's most complete safeties. He earned strong grades against the run and in coverage in 2016 and had nine total pressures on the blitz.

Biggest weakness: Brian Robison has been a productive pass-rusher throughout his Vikings career, but he had only 49 total pressures in 502 passing snaps last season and was outplayed by Danielle Hunter over the season, especially against the run.

By the numbers: First-round pick Laquon Treadwell played just 79 total snaps all season and was targeted only three times as a rookie. The Vikings' 2016 rookie class made little impact, and the team needs those players to step up in Year 2.

 

[iowajerms]

Chicago Bears (NFL rank #18)
Biggest strength: Jerrell Freeman was the top-graded linebacker (93.8) in the league in 2016, but he missed four games due to suspension. He has been an elite playmaker over the past two seasons, notching 59 defensive stops last season and 51 the season before.

Biggest weakness: The Bears have several major question marks among their starters with no clear standout at receiver or in the secondary. Plus, free-agent signee Dion Sims was one of the lowest-graded tight ends in the league last season, particularly as a blocker.

By the numbers: The interior of the offensive line -- guards Josh Sitton and Kyle Long and center Cody Whitehair -- combined to surrender only 30 total pressures in 2016, but tackles Charles Leno and Bobby Massie gave up a combined 73.

 

[iowajerms]

Detroit Lions (NFL rank #28)
Biggest strength: Free-agent pickup T.J. Lang has developed into one of the league's best pass-blocking guards -- he didn't allow a sack or hit for the Packers last season. That's good news for quarterback Matthew Stafford, who dropped back to pass a whopping 658 times in 2016. Lang should be an immediate upgrade.

Biggest weakness: Like Buffalo, Detroit's linebackers are a major weakness. Rookie first-round pick Jarrad Davis will be asked to play immediately. New addition Paul Worrilow was benched in Atlanta last season. He has missed 54 tackles in almost three seasons' worth of snaps.

By the numbers: Without Calvin Johnson around last season, Stafford made an effort spread the ball around. Four players (three receivers and tight end Eric Ebron) were targeted at least 85 times, and Theo Riddick saw another 62 targets from the backfield.

 

[Clayton]

I thought Anthony Barr was a good football player

 

[Tainthappening]

I thought Anthony Barr was a good football player

Me too... really liked him as a player and surprised to see that rating.

Any Vikings fans have any input on Barr, if they feel ranking fair or bogus.