Keys to Training Camp: NFC North

Posted 7/22 by Jason Wood, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

Chicago Bears

Link: http://www.chicagobears.com
Location: Olivet Nazarene University (Bourbonnais, IL)
Dates: July 26 - August 18
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Does QB Rex Grossman inspire confidence with a strong camp? - Let's be honest, the Bears won in spite of Grossman last year yet the team stuck by him. Will he quiet his critics with an outstanding camp?

Giving RB Cedric Benson the rock - The Bears let Thomas Jones go, which means Cedric Benson gets the chance to earn his huge contract. Is he up to the task, and if not, where to the Bears look for a backup plan?

Defining TE Greg Olsen's role - Rookie 1st rounder Greg Olsen is the future of the position, but is he the present? Not if veteran Desmond Clark has anything to say about it; coming off a career best season.

What do they have planned for Devin Hester? - The Bears are going to let Devin Hester play offense. Will we get a glimpse of what they've got planned in camp, or will they keep his role a secret until the games matter?

(IDP) Will Lance Briggs report to camp? - Briggs swore that absent a long-term deal he would sit out most of the season. Will he stick to his word or can the Bears mend the rift created by his franchise tag?

(IDP) Who plays nose tackle? - Antonio Garay, Anthony Adams and Dusty Dvoracek all have designs on the starting job alongside Tommie Harris; who eventually emerges?

Detroit Lions

Link: http://www.detroitlions.com
Location: Detroit Lions Training Facility (Allen Park, MI)
Dates: July 25 - August 15
Open to the public? - NO (only for season ticket holders)

RB Kevin Jones' health, Tatum Bell's readiness - Kevin Jones may not be ready for camp (or the start of the season) and the Lions will have to give a lot of snaps to Tatum Bell to prepare him for a potential starting job. T.J. Duckett also may have a role; perhaps as a committee with Bell if Jones' recovery is stymied.

WR Calvin Johnson and his impact on the receiving corps - Assuming Calvin Johnson doesn't have an extended holdout, it's likely he will get a chance to start in Week One alongside Roy Williams. But the Lions have a good backup plan in Mike Furrey if Johnson needs time to adjust to the NFL game.

Building a cohesive offensive line - The Lions are may field as many as three new starters on the line, including RT George Foster, LG Ed Mulitalo and RG Stephen Peterman. Peterman will have his hands full against his roster mates, but either way the Lions need to build cohesion along the front five.

(IDP) Can the rookies make an immediate contribution? - The Lions are going to give safety Gerald Alexander, cornerback A.J. Davis and DE Ike Alama-Francis every opportunity to challenge the incumbents for playing time.

(IDP) LB Battles - The coaches appear to like Paris Lenon, but don't rule out Teddy Lehman from the middle if he's healthy. On the strongside, Boss Bailey will have his hands full with Alex Lewis in camp.

(IDP) Replacing Dre' Bly - Stanley Wilson is penciled in as the new starter, but can he thrive in the Cover-2? If not, are either Travis Fisher or Keith Smith adequate alternatives?

Green Bay Packers

Link: http://www.packerstrainingcamp.com/
Location: St. Norbert College (De Pere, WI)
Dates: July 27 - August 28
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

How many reps does QB Aaron Rodgers get? - At some point, the Packers will need to line someone other than Brett Favre under center. It probably won't be this year, but do the Packers owe it to Rodgers and the future of the team to give him significant playing time in training camp?

RB Battle Royale: Morency vs. Jackson vs. The Field - Vernand Morency is the most experienced, while Brandon Jackson is the high-round rookie option. Noah Herron and DeShawn Wynn also believe they're in the mix. Can this group provide a solid run game by committee? Do any have the potential to emerge as a workhorse?

Who plays WR3? - Greg Jennings and Donald Driver are set as starters, but there should be a spirited contest between rookie James Jones, 3rd year Ruvell Martin and veteran Robert Ferguson. Ferguson needs a strong camp to make the final roster.

Are TE Bubba Franks days as a starter over? - Bubba Franks has clearly begun the downside of his career, will rookie Clark Harris or veteran Donald Lee push him out of the starting lineup?

(IDP) Establishing the defensive tackle rotation - The Packers added 1st rounder Justin Harrell and he will compete with Corey Williams, Ryan Pickett and Colin Cole for the interior line slots.

PK Battle - The Packers selected Mason Crosby in the April draft; will he or Dave Rayner lock up the Packers place kicking duties?

Minnesota Vikings

Link: http://www.vikings.com/trainingcamp/
Location: Minnesota State University (Mankato, MN)
Dates: July 25 - August 15
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

QB Battle of Attrition - Tarvaris Jackson is the guy the coaches want to win the job, but his struggles in the OTAs have some wondering if Brooks Bollinger won't ultimately win the job. Do either have enough to elevate the Vikings moribund passing attack?

Chester Taylor, Meet Adrian Peterson - Chester Taylor ran for 1,200 yards last year and the Vikings went out and drafted a potential franchise RB in Adrian Peterson. How does the team plan on splitting carries?

Establishing the WR depth chart - Bobby Wade, Sidney Rice, Billy McMullen, Troy Williamson and a handful of others all have designs on roster spots and, possibly, starting jobs. How this shakes out will be one of the most interesting situations in the NFL to monitor.

Was TE Visanthe Shiancoe worth the money? - Eyebrows were raised when the Vikes gave Shiancoe a big free agent deal when he's caught 35 passes in four seasons. Then he struggled in OTAs; which has many wondering whether he'll be a contributor or whether Jim Kleinsasser will have to shoulder the load.

(IDP) Shuffling the linebackers - E.J. Henderson returns to the middle after two years outside, while Chad Greenway, last year's 1st round pick, looks to make his mark after missing last year to injury.