With free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft now behind us, teams have done most of their roster work at this point of the offseason.
The Athletic recently asked its beat reporters to provide an outlook on the team each covers, in connection with the players those teams added through the draft. Alec Lewis wrote the following of Minnesota:
The Vikings accomplished what they set out to. They added their quarterback of the future (J.J. McCarthy), found an impact player at a premium position defensively (Dallas Turner) and supplemented those picks with intriguing dart throws later on (center Michael Jurgens and defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez). The interior of the lines is still a question, as is the extension for superstar wideout Justin Jefferson. But once [General Manager] Kwesi Adofo-Mensah finalizes that move — and that remains the plan — the Vikings can look toward to the most flexible financial future they've had in years.
Let's take a look at the rest of the NFC North division, as well, and how the other three teams currently stand.
Adam Jahns kept his response simple with a quote from No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams:
"What's the reason to duck? It's here. There's no reason to duck. I'm here. Rome [Odunze is] here. Keenan Allen, the top-five defense that we had last year, special teams, all the new roles — whatever. We're here. I'm excited. I know everybody's excited. The Bears fans are excited from what I've heard and seen, and there's no reason to duck. Attack it headfirst and go get it."
In Detroit, Colton Pouncy said the Lions are well-prepared for the upcoming season with an offense that "should be humming again" under Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson.
Their offense remains elite, with running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tight end Sam LaPorta, a potential third-year leap from Jameson Williams, an offensive line the team believes improved and a QB in Jared Goff playing some of the best football of his career in Detroit. […] If the defense finally comes together, this team could be very good in 2024. On paper, this is a roster that can compete for a Super Bowl.
And lastly, the Packers …
Matt Schneidman pointed out that Green Bay took three safeties, three offensive linemen and two inside linebackers with eight of its first nine picks.
That group might include three starters, too: first-round tackle Jordan Morgan, second-round inside linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and second-round safety Javon Bullard. General Manager Brian Gutekunst did a good job in the first six rounds of filling shallow positions, not only with players who can start Week 1 but also those who can compete for 53-man roster spots as reserves. In addition to Morgan, the Packers added an offensive lineman in Jacob Monk who started 12 games at right tackle, 36 at right guard and 10 at center, and provides much-needed depth on the interior. Now, the Packers don't have to worry about filling any glaring holes through the tertiary free-agent market.
Click here to read outlooks for all 32 teams.
Harrison Phillips aiding in tornado relief efforts in hometown of Omaha
Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips recently traveled home to Omaha, Nebraska, to help in relief efforts after communities were devastated by the April 26 tornadoes.
Phillips guest posted for the NFL's Instagram account and shared Stories throughout the day, as he teamed up with The Salvation Army and Omaha Rapid Response to assist in cleanup and restoration work.
Phillips was interviewed Wednesday by NFL Total Access, and he shared how thankful he was for thousands of strangers coming together in a time of need.
"Nebraska is super incredible," Phillips said. "After the tornadoes hit, the next morning, 9,000 volunteers showed up to help. They just drove to where the tornado hit. The next day, 5,000 more. The next day, another 3,000. People just rallied around the community.
"There is faith in humanity," he added. "People in the United States, and Nebraska specifically, they care about their neighbors."
Phillips encouraged others to support from afar as they're able. He invited anyone to check out his foundation's website, harrisonsplaymakers.org, to learn more about how to help.
Phillips, Minnesota's 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, is currently working with the NFL to auction off one of his jerseys and a pair of game-used cleats, with all proceeds to benefit The Salvation Army and Omaha Rapid Response.
