The best and worst of the NFC

By: Josh Frey-Sam

On Monday, we looked at the best and worst position groups each division in the AFC has to offer.

Now we’ll do the same in the NFC.

BEST OF NFC NORTH: Detroit Lions secondary

Funny because this was one of the worst units in the entire league not many long ago. The Lions have gone to great lengths to ensure they can endure whatever chomp the injury bug wants to take next season. Adding DJ Reed via free agency has completely bolstered this secondary and left it without any holes. They also added Avonte Maddox for depth. It’ll be Reed, Terrion Arnold and Amik Robertson at corner, while pro bowler Brian Branch and All-Pro Kerby Joseph hold it down in the secondary.

WORST OF NFC NORTH: Green Bay Packers receivers

This was tough because the NFC North is probably the most complete division in all of football. Not many holes on any of these rosters. If you had to choose one, though, it’d be the Packers pass-catchers, who were underwhelming last season. Green Bay dropped 33 passes last season, the third-most of any team. I have Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins going to them in the first round of my latest mock draft.

BEST OF NFC EAST: Philadelphia Eagles offensive line

You probably could’ve guessed this, or the Eagles’ defensive line. I went with the offensive side because it had limited turnover this offseason, with Mekhi Becton being the only departure. Howie Roseman did his thing, however, trading for former Texans first-rounder, guard Kenyon Green, to replace Becton.

WORST OF NFC EAST: Washington Commanders secondary

This was a terrible unit last season, and honestly, I don’t love what they added during free agency. Marshon Lattimore headlines this group, but he was injured and struggled when on the field after being traded from New Orleans. They added 31-year-old versatile veteran Jonathan Jones, 30-year-old safety Will Harris and former Dolphins first-rounder Noah Igbinoghene. They will need a huge bounce-back season from Lattimore if they don’t draft anyone in the first couple of rounds.

BEST OF NFC SOUTH: Atlanta Falcons offensive line

One of the best starting fives in the league, even with the departure of center Drew Dalman in free agency. The only change on the line is that Ryan Neuzil becomes the full-time starting center in Atlanta, but that’s no reason for concern. He started 12 games over the last two seasons while Dalman nursed injuries.

WORST OF NFC SOUTH: Carolina Panthers pass rushers

There’s a reason this is unquestionably the Panthers’ biggest need. You can confidently place a bet that this team will draft someone who can attack the QB with the 8th overall pick. The Panthers pretty much have no one notable — unless you count 32-year-old Jadeveon Clowney — in this unit and were among the three worst teams at pressuring the QB last year.

BEST OF NFC WEST: Los Angeles Rams defensive line

They’re young. They’re hungry. They’re ferocious. Arguably the most promising unit in all of football, the Rams defensive front is poised for a monster year together. Jared Verse and Byron Young will be the primary pass rushers, while Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner hold it down on the interior. The Rams also had one of my favourite signings of free agency — Poona Ford, who is the run stuffer they needed.

WORST OF NFC WEST: Seattle Seahawks offensive line

A few options to choose from in this division. We went with the Hawks’ offensive line, which received zero upgrades this offseason despite being one of the worst in the league last season. Granted, there were a ton of injuries, but this unit was downright awful all year. This MUST be addressed in some fashion in the draft if they want to get the best version of Sam Darnold.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh