NFC North Summer Reset: Training Camp Primer

For those who actually thought there was an offseason in the National Football League, here is a close look at the many changes on NFC North teams since they last lined up for a game:

(Teams listed in alphabetical order)

Summer Reset: Bears lineup keeps evolving

When head coach John Fox opens his second training camp with the Chicago Bears July 27, the list of 15 returning starters will be misleading.

The team evolved plenty during a 6-10 season in which they finished last in the NFC North, but feel they made progress. Quarterback Jay Cutler and franchised wide receiver Alshon Jeffery are the only offensive starters from the opening of training camp last year. Only three starting defenders are at the same position they began 2015 training camp.

The offensive line, which usually represents a team’s stability, has one current starter who opened last year’s camp as a first stringer, Kyle Long. But last year he was the right tackle, this year the right guard. So if Cutler and Jeffery and a bevy of running back prospects hope to do well, the Bears must get their house in order on the front line.

Going into camp the first team lines up with left tackle Charles Leno, left guard Ted Larsen, center Hronis Grasu, Long at right guard and Bobby Massie at right tackle. Massie was a free-agent acquisition (Cardinals, $18 million over three years with a $1.5 million signing bonus and $6 million guaranteed).

While Long and Massie are proven maulers, Leno had some rough moments in his first year, giving up a few blind-side hits on Cutler, and Larsen was a low-cost free-agent acquisition (Cardinals, $1.65 million, one year) for a reason.

Second-round draftee Cody Whitehair (No. 52 overall) played tackle at Kansas State, but his short arms may dictate he move to guard in the NFL. He took more than his share of snaps in the spring ahead of Larsen at left guard and might become the designated starter by the beginning of the season.

At running back, a parade of hopefuls is vying for playing time in the wake of losing Matt Forte to the New York Jets in free agency. They include Jeremy Langford, Ka’Deem Carey, and rookie Jordan Howard (Round 5, No. 150) who showed ability at Indiana as a 6-0, 230-pound, no-nonsense runner who could pass block and help as a receiver.

On defense, the secondary is a work in progress but the linebackers received a boost with the free-agent acquisitions of Danny Trevathan (Broncos, $24 million, four years, $12 million guaranteed) and Jerrell Freeman (Colts). They add punch to the inside of Chicago’s 3-4 defense and Trevathan should be a leader on the field.

The Bears traded up to No. 9 overall in the draft and took Georgia outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, who collected 17 sacks in college but whose role is still unclear heading into training camp.

Here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Bears’ 2016 team:

TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL, 7/27, 7/27

2015 RECORD: 6-10
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 1-5

COACH: John Fox
2nd season with Bears
6-10 overall
15th season as NFL coach
133-106 overall; 8-7 postseason

STARTERS RETURNING:
15; 7 offense, 8 defense, kicker, punter

OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Linebacker Danny Trevathan.

–Although he did not play in Vic Fangio’s defense before in Denver, Trevathan is what the Bears need, providing instant leadership on the field. Trevathan showed up with his Super Bowl ring at minicamp practices, something good for many of the Bears to see since there are so few who have been in the playoffs — let alone play in a Super Bowl. He has commanded respect from his opening press conference. He also set a tone for the defense with a “chip on the shoulder” mentality that he and a number of other players have, after they were snubbed either in the draft or by past teams. An identity is starting to form with the defense and it started with this free agency signing.

NECOMERS
The draft — A closer look at the Bears’ picks (9):

–Round 1/9 – Leonard Floyd, OLB, 6-6, 240, Georgia

The Bears traded up two spots to get ahead of the Giants to take him at the cost of a fourth-round pick and their own No. 11 pick. Floyd is very running-back fast, long-armed, but lightweight. It’s believed his college production of 17 sacks in three years will increase greatly when he is playing just one position or focusing most of his energies on pass rush. They’ll use him outside in the base and move him around in pass-rush situations. And they insist there is no need to worry about him being overpowered by 300-pound linemen. “Guys that I think struggle against the run, they let offensive linemen get into their chest and get engulfed by blocks,” general manager Ryan Pace said. “He doesn’t do that. He plays with such great separation, he keeps that from happening.”

–Round 2/56 – Cody Whitehair, G, 6-4, 305, Kansas State

Twice the Bears traded down in the second round for extra fourth-round picks before taking Whitehair, who played tackle in college but says he fits in as a guard due to his lack of arm length and height. The addition of Whitehair increases competition at guard after the team cut veteran Matt Slauson. The addition of veteran Ted Larsen provided more guard depth. But Whitehair took all the snaps from the end of OTAs through minicamp due to an unspecified injury situation with Larsen. The Bears are looking to get the best five linemen on the field regardless of position, and do it as quickly as possible to improve cohesion on the line. By the time minicamp ended, Whitehair had done nothing but improve his chances to start opening day. “Everybody is getting pushed, every single one of those offensive linemen are getting pushed and that’s what I think they would expect,” general manager Ryan Pace said.

–Round 3/72 – Jonathan Bullard, DE, 6-3, 285, Florida

This addition fortifies a 5-technique spot and he can also play the 3-technique when the Bears go out of their base 3-4 and into a four-man line in pass-rush situations. Bullard’s 17.5 tackles for loss as a senior were the most by a Florida player since former Bear Alex Brown had 18 in 1999. While many regarded Bullard as a two-gap type, he also has been a gap shooter as the 3-technique. He is quick off the ball and this trait brought him to Pace’s attention. “It’s his length and it’s his get-off and it’s his hand use,” Pace said of Bullard’s strengths.

–Round 4/113 – Nick Kwiatkoski, LB, 6-2, 243, West Virginia

A productive player, he didn’t come off the field earlier in his career but was moved to outside linebacker and then became more of a situational player. Kwiatkoski’s special-teams abilities are valuable, but he also has pass-coverage ability that will let him be an ideal inside backup or even nickel coverage contributor. The Bears traded their first fourth-round pick and a sixth-rounder to move up and take Kwiatkoski, they were that sold on him. Kwiatkoski found a spot in OTAs immediately behind starting inside linebackers Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman, and looked like a solid fit.

–Round 4/124 – Deon Bush, FS, 6-1, 199, Miami

A ballhawk who reads the field well and made six interceptions in his final year, but isn’t exceptionally fast. He also is an effective blitzer who chooses the correct direct path to the quarterback. He has experience covering receivers in the slot, which could make him a candidate for nickel if he isn’t able to get onto the field at safety. A reputation as a big hitter precedes him, but it’s also been speculated that he gives up on interceptions or pass breakups in favor of making the big hit. He was used primarily at safety in minicamp and OTAs.

–Round 4/127 – Deiondre’ Hall, CB, 6-2, 199, Northern Iowa

Not particularly fast with a 4.55-second 40-yard dash, he has been able to play both corner and safety against lesser competition in his conference. With almost a 35-inch reach, he had scouts doing double takes. The combination of lesser speed and great size has some believing he’s a better fit at safety.

–Round 5/150 – Jordan Howard, RB, 6-0, 230, Indiana

A power back with good straight-line ability, he’ll fit in as a one-cut, downhill runner. Despite his size, Howard is a contributor in the passing game both as a receiver and blocker. As a runner, he had 12 150-yard games. Pre-draft assessments expressed concern about whether his relatively straight-up running style would be a problem in the NFL. His strength is picking up yards after first contact with tacklers.

–Round 6/185 – DeAndre Houston-Carson, S, 6-1, 201, William & Mary

A phenomenal special teams performer with an uncanny ability to block punts or kicks, he also showed up as a willing tackler by leading the team as a senior at safety. He had been a cornerback prior to this and probably doesn’t have good enough speed (4.54 seconds) to be a starting corner in the NFL. Pace said he thinks of Houston-Carson as a safety, which should make his 40 speed easier to digest.

–Round 7/230 – Daniel Braverman, WR, 5-10, 177, Western Michigan

An undersized, but highly productive and deceptively quick receiver who finished second in the country last year with 108 receptions. Depth chart fallout from a foot fracture suffered by wide receiver Marquess Wilson could open the way for Braverman to make the team. Without that injury, Braverman might have had to beat out both Eddie Royal and Marc Mariani for a spot. Braverman, who overcame a torn ACL in 2013, also has been a kickoff and punt returner since high school, but not a particularly dangerous one. He showed an ability to field the ball well in minicamp.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–S Omar Bolden: Former Broncos reserve and special teams player who could wind up starting at safety.

–LS Aaron Brewer: Long snapper for head coach John Fox in Denver. Poor snaps were factors in Robbie Gould’s misses.

–ILB Jerrell Freeman: Good complement to run stuffer Trevathan because he’s well known for pass coverage.

–DT Akiem Hicks: Bears GM Ryan Pace saw his best year in New Orleans and believes best is yet to come.

–QB Brian Hoyer: Flopped in playoffs, but 36 touchdown passes to 23 interceptions in three seasons says he can be backup.

–G Ted Larsen: The $2.5 million they paid him shows they expect him to compete at guard, tackle.

–T Bobby Massie: Had injuries and so-so efforts in Arizona, but is very physical and rates an upgrade.

–TE Tony Moeaki: Well-traveled tight end; will battle for roster spot in training camp.

–ILB Danny Trevathan: Small in stature, big in production. Wearing No. 50, he’ll remind you of Mike Singletary.

KEY LOSS: RB Matt Forte (13/13)*

–Tight end Martellus Bennett did a lot, but when someone leaves who accounted for 29 percent of your offense over eight seasons, that’s a real loss. Forte’s team-oriented classy approach settled the locker room.

OTHER LOSSES:

–CB Alan Ball (15/3), TE Martellus Bennett (11/11), T Jermon Bushrod (12/4), G Vladimir Ducasse (16/11), T Tayo Fabuluje (4/0), DE Jarvis Jenkins (15/15), S Sherrod Martin (12/0), LB Shea McClellin (12/11), C Will Montgomery (4/4), S Ryan Mundy (0/0), C/G Manny Ramirez (16/7), LB LaRoy Reynolds (13/1), S Antrel Rolle (7/7), G Matt Slauson (16/16), DT D’Anthony Smith (2/0)*
Total games played/started lost: 178/103
*Number in parentheses is games played/games started in 2015

Summer Reset: Lions must convert potential into production

In his third season as head coach of the Detroit Lions, Jim Caldwell will welcome 16 returning starters when full training camp begins July 28 for a team that was 7-9 last year, third in the NFC North.

The key for Caldwell this year is to turn potential into production. There seems to be a lot of the former at most positions but the proof is in the doing.

The Lions have renewed confidence in quarterback Matthew Stafford, who rebounded from a 1-7 start last season with an excellent second half. It won’t be easy for Stafford with the loss of wide receiver sensation Calvin Johnson to retirement.

The Lions did sign free-agent wide receiver Marvin Jones (Cincinnati, $40 million, five years, $8 million signing bonus and $20 million guaranteed) who will pair up with Golden Tate as the team’s pass-catching tandem.

However, the offensive line must improve for Stafford and Co. to be effective. Last season, the Lions gave up 44 sacks, worst in the league. So it was no surprise when Detroit drafted, 6-foot-7, 310-pound Ohio State tackle Taylor Decker with the No. 16 overall pick. The expectation is he will displace left tackle Riley Reiff, who could move to the right side.

At center, Travis Swanson, Graham Glasgow and Gabe Ickard will vie for the starting job.

In a free-agent signing that might go unnoticed, the Lions picked up Johnson Bademosi (Cleveland Browns, $4.5 million, two years, $2 million signing bonus, $2.9 million guaranteed). Listed as a cornerback, Bademosi is considered by many to be the best special teams player in the league. In that regard he will offset the loss of safety/special teamer Isa Abdul-Quddus to the Miami Dolphins (UFA, $12.75 million, three years).

Here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Lions’ 2016 team:

TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
Detroit Lions Training Facility, Allen Park, MI, 7/23, 7/28

2015 RECORD: 7-9
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 3-3

COACH: Jim Caldwell
3rd season with Lions
18-15 overall; postseason 0-1
6th season as NFL head coach
46-39 overall; 2-3 postseason

STARTERS RETURNING:
16; 8 offense, 8 defense, kicker, punter

OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Wide receiver Martin Jones.

–The Lions signed Jones to a five-year, $40 million deal in March, and based on the offseason practices, it looks like Jones could be worth the price. Jones is exceptionally fluid in everything he does, and it looked like he and quarterback Matthew Stafford quickly developed chemistry. The new receiver might not be as good as the retired Calvin Johnson, but expect him to be featured prominently this season.

NEWCOMERS
The draft — A closer look at the Lions’ picks (10):

–Round 1/16 — Taylor Decker, T, 6-7, 310, Ohio State

The Lions need help at right tackle, and with Riley Reiff going into the final year of his rookie deal, they could soon need help at left tackle. Decker was the fourth-best tackle in the draft, but the Lions see the value in adding a stud run blocker that happened to be a captain last year and a national champion the year before.

–Round 2/46 — A’Shawn Robinson, DT, 6-4, 307, Alabama

Considered a first-round prospect by most analysts, the Lions were thrilled to see Robinson fall to them. He has the length they desire at the position and should help stop the run, potentially developing as the long-term replacement for Haloti Ngata.

–Round 3/95 — Graham Glasgow, C, 6-6, 307, Michigan

Glasgow is a tall center, but the Lions think that’s an asset to his game. He’ll compete with Travis Swanson after the 2014 third-round pick struggled as a starter last season.

–Round 4/111 — Miles Killebrew, SS, 6-2, 217, Southern Utah

Their top two strong safeties from last season are gone, and even though the Lions added Rafael Bush and Tavon Wilson, they’d like to groom a hard hitter to play next to Glover Quin.

–Round 5/151 — Joe Dahl, G/T, 6-4, 304, Washington State

With experience at guard and tackle, Dahl should provide depth for what was a weak line last season.

–Round 5/169 — Antwione Williams, LB, 6-3, 245, Georgia Southern

Williams said he played every linebacker spot in college, and the Lions will hope he’s in the mix on the strong side.

–Round 6/191 — Jake Rudock, QB, 6-3, 207, Michigan

With Dan Orlovsky as the top backup, the Lions wanted to bring in some competition and paired Rudock with his college center.

–Round 6/202 — Anthony Zettel, DE, 6-4, 277, Penn State

A native of northern Michigan, Zettel will transition to end for the Lions, who are looking for run stuffers on the edge.

–Round 6/210 — Jimmy Landes, LS, 6-1, 240, Baylor

This was a shocker with Don Muhlbach playing well and re-signing this offseason, but Landes could be the long-term upgrade for a team looking to improve its special teams.

–Round 7/236 — Dwayne Washington, RB, 6-2, 226, Washington

A big running back with impressive speed, Washington wasn’t overly impressive in college, but the tools are there to be an NFL back. He just has to prove himself quickly at a relatively deep position for the Lions.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–CB Johnson Bademosi: He’ll be a special teams ace with potential to contribute as a press corner.

–LB Jon Bostic: Didn’t play much for the Patriots last year, but could contribute as a backup in the middle.

–S Rafael Bush: Injuries led him out of New Orleans, but he should start at strong safety if healthy.

–WR Andre Caldwell: Veteran joined the team after the draft and will compete at kick returner.

–DE Wallace Gilberry: He’s the veteran of the end group and should play a lot as the No. 3 edge option.

–WR Marvin Jones: He’ll be the No. 1 or 2 receiver this year; long and lean to replace Calvin Johnson.

–WR Jeremy Kerley: The slot option will compete for No. 3 job and punt-return chances.

–TE Matthew Mulligan: Brought in to provide some extra blocking among the tight ends.

–RB Stevan Ridley: A power option in the backfield whose spot isn’t guaranteed because he’s not a receiver.

–WR Andre Roberts: Let go by Washington; could compete for playing time in revamped receiver corps.

–G Geoff Schwartz: Veteran will have to earn job as backup guard to stay with team, but Lions lack experience up front.

–CB Darrin Walls: Outside corner who has to impress in a group with younger talent, but experience helps.

–S Tavon Wilson: Safety will likely be a special teams player only, but might have untapped potential on defense.

KEY LOSS: WR Calvin Johnson, retired.

— Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL in March after nine seasons. His 11,619 receiving yards rank third in a player’s first nine seasons, trailing only Torry Holt (11,864) and Jerry Rice (11,776). In 2012 he set the record for most yards receiving in a season, 1,964.

OTHER LOSSES:

–S/ST Isa Abdul-Quddus (16/8), RB Joique Bell (13/5), DT Jermelle Cudjo (7/0), S James Ihedigbo (15/8), DE Jason Jones (15/15), LB Travis Lewis (15/4), CB Rashean Mathis (7/7), WR Lance Moore (14/8), TE Bear Pascoe (3/0), G/C Manny Ramirez (16/7), DE Darryl Tapp (16/1), LB Stephen Tulloch (16/16), DE C.J. Wilson (8/0), CB Josh Wilson (8/4), DE Corey Wootton (0/0)*
Total games played/started lost: 185/99
*Number in parentheses is games played/games started in 2015

Summer Reset: Packers prepared for the long haul

When the Green Bay Packers become the first NFL team to open a 2016 training camp July 26, head coach Mike McCarthy will have 18 returning starters from a 2015 season in which they were 10-6, second in the NFC North and not happy about it.

The early camp is because the Packers open preseason action on Aug. 7 in the Hall of Fame Game against the Indianapolis Colts.

In preparation for a five-game preseason and the extended workout time that goes with it, McCarthy sat out 15 veterans from the so-called mandatory minicamp, including stars like quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers.

One player McCarthy did not give a breather was running back Eddie Lacy, with whom the coach expressed concern over conditioning after the back played last season with too much weight on him.

Lacy trained with P90X founder Tony Horton in the early portion of the offseason. McCarthy and teammates spoke favorably of a slimmer Lacy when he reported for the team’s spring workouts in mid-April.

Other players don’t need prodding.

Rodgers is coming off a season in which he passed for more than 3,800 yards, 31 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, but he remains motivated because his completion percentage of 60.7 and passer rating of 92.7 are each his lowest as a starter since 2008.

Wide receiver Jody Nelson, Rodgers’ top target, is expected to return after missing 2015 with a knee injury.

The Packers may be concerned about depth in the defensive secondary with the loss of veteran nickel back Casey Hayward, who signed with San Diego as a free agent, and the suspension of Demetri Goodson for four games for using performance enhancing drugs.

The Packers were also surprised when nose tackle B.J. Raji, a mainstay on the line for seven years, announced in March he was taking a “hiatus.” So the Packers used their first-round pick, No.27 overall, to select UCLA defensive lineman Kenny Clark, who is expected to start in the middle.

Here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Packers’ 2016 team:

TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
St. Norbert College, De Pere, WI, 7/25, 7/25

2015 RECORD: 11-7
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 3-3

COACH: Mike McCarthy
11th season as Packers/NFL head coach
112-62-1 overall; 8-7 postseason

STARTERS RETURNING:
18: 10 offense, 8 defense, kicker, punter

OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Inside linebacker Blake Martinez.

–When head coach Mike McCarthy came right out at the end of last season and announced his intention to get defensive leader Clay Matthews back to wreaking havoc at his natural spot of outside linebacker, perhaps Green Bay’s biggest offseason priority was to address a huge void in the middle.

General manager Ted Thompson waited until the fourth round of the draft to take a linebacker. Yet, the player selected at that point, Stanford’s Blake Martinez, made a favorable first impression on the likes of McCarthy and Matthews this spring. “He looks very comfortable,” McCarthy observed during organized team activities, which preceded the minicamp that ended the team’s offseason program this week.

Whereas first-round defensive tackle Kenny Clark and a couple other fellow draftees had to stay away from the team for a good portion of the spring workouts because their colleges still were in session, Martinez was a full-time participant. He proved to be a quick study and jumped right in as a starter, thanks to the transition of Matthews outside and the absence of 2015 opening-day starter Sam Barrington, who completed his recovery from an ankle injury that cost him all but that first game last season.

Regarded as a high-energy playmaker at Stanford, the 6-foot-2, 237-pound Martinez stood out in longtime defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ eyes the last several weeks with his acumen on the field and in the meeting rooms. Capers entrusted Martinez to relay the defensive calls while lined up beside second-year pro Jake Ryan in Green Bay’s base and nickel packages as well as the lone inside ‘backer in the dime.

“He’s very sharp, which you expect a Stanford guy to be sharp,” Capers said. “I think he’s going to be an attention-to-detail guy. He’s going to be a guy that’s going to be able to study the opponent and be able to play the percentages and probably gain a little bit because of that.
“The guys that I’ve been around that are smart and instinctive, a lot of times they pick up a step or two in anticipation.”

NEWCOMERS
The draft — A closer look at the Packers’ picks (7):

–Round 1/27 — Kenny Clark, DT, 6-3, 314, UCLA

The first interior defensive lineman selected by the Packers in the first round since B.J. Raji was taken No. 9 in 2009 will incidentally be expected to replace Raji, who abruptly announced in March he’s done playing football for at least a year. Clark brings immediate-help attributes beyond his tender age of 20 as a run stopper on early downs and a capable pass rusher in sub-packages. Clark will have to hit the ground running when training camp starts in late July after missing a good portion of the spring workouts because school still was in session at UCLA.

–Round 2/48 — Jason Spriggs, T, 6-6, 301, Indiana

Green Bay’s personnel honchos, starting with general manager Ted Thompson, are high on the athletic and agile Spriggs. That was evident when Thompson traded up nine spots in the second round and parted with a couple draft picks to snag Spriggs. He started all four years with the Hoosiers at left tackle, but the Packers are training him at both bookend spots. That puts veteran starters David Bakhtiari, who is entering the final year of his contract, and injury-prone Bryan Bulaga on alert.

–Round 3/88 — Kyler Fackrell, LB, 6-5, 245, Utah St.

Despite the offseason plan to have defensive star Clay Matthews back at his preferred position at outside linebacker after he toiled inside last season, the Packers invested a high pick in another edge rusher. The rangy Fackrell excelled as a playmaker in his three years as a starter. He provides insurance for a position group that includes 36-year-old Julius Peppers and is without veteran Mike Neal, who remains a free agent.

–Round 4/131 — Blake Martinez, LB, 6-2, 237, Stanford

A determined Martinez, who previously graduated from Stanford, capitalized on being with the team for all workouts this spring following the draft as well as having ample opportunity to work with the starting group as an inside linebacker. He stood out in the coaches’ eyes with his insatiable studies off the field and his instincts and command on the field. He’s in prime position to contend for a starting spot.

–Round 4/137 — Dean Lowry, DE, 6-6, 296, Northwestern

An overachiever who may have been a reach midway through the draft, but those calling the shots for Green Bay like his upside. They are enamored with his versatility to play all along the defensive line and his proven ability to blow up plays behind the line of scrimmage. Lowry missed significant on-field time in the spring because of the in-class rule with Northwestern.

–Round 5/163 — Trevor Davis, WR, 6-1, 188, California

The battle for three or four backup spots behind entrenched starters Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb will draw a lot of attention in training camp. The speedy Davis will be in that mix. Where he likely has to make his mark to earn a roster spot is on kick returns, which was his forte in two seasons at Cal.

–Round 6/200 – Kyle Murphy, T, 6-6, 305, Stanford

A developmental prospect who is not being pegged to one position after he started at right tackle as a junior and then left tackle last season. Murphy was a better run blocker than pass protector for the Cardinal, so his future may rest at guard. Like Clark and Lowry, the academic schedule at Stanford cost Murphy some spring work.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–TE Jared Cook: Signed to one-year, $2.75 million deal in free agency; career high receptions is 52.

–OLB Lerentee McCray: Special teams core player for Denver last year signed as free agent in April.

KEY LOSS: NT B.J. Raji (15/15)*

–Raji retired out of the blue in March, which left the Packers short-handed on an already thin defensive line and forced the team’s hand in the first round of the draft.

OTHER LOSSES:
LS Brett Goode (14/0), CB Casey Hayward (16/11), WR James Jones (16/15), FB John Kuhn (16/6), LB Andy Mulumba (6/0), LB Mike Neal (16/15), LB Nate Palmer (16/10), TE Andrew Quarless (5/1), S Sean Richardson (3/1), QB Scott Tolzien (3/0)*
Total games played/started lost: 126/74
*Number in parentheses is games played/games started in 2015

Summer Reset: Vikings seek to improve on success

With 21 starters returning from an 11-5 season in which the Minnesota Vikings finished first in the NFC North, one might think third-year head coach Mike Zimmer will be a happy man when training camp begins July 28.

But in a division that includes the Green Bay Packers and their quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, there is not time to be happy. There is only time to be concerned.

Reason for concern surfaced in the team’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks, 10-9, in the wild-card playoff game. Although the defense did well against the Seahawks, the offense managed only three Blair Walsh field goals as quarterback Teddy Bridgewater completed 17 of 24 passes for only 146 yards and standout running back Adrian Peterson managed only 45 yards rushing on 23 carries.

That reflected an imbalance in a team with an offense that finished 2015 16th in points and 29th in yards, making it difficult for a defense that still finished fifth in points allowed and 13th in yards yielded.

To help punch up the offense the Vikings drafted big Mississippi wide receiver Laquon Treadwell and used free agency to sign guard Alex Boone (San Francisco, $26.8 million, four years, $10 million guaranteed).

The only notable loss, and that would be a small footnote, was that of fast bit frustrating wide receiver Mike Wallace, who didn’t earn his $11 million salary.

Zimmer is upbeat about the steady progress of Bridgewater, who also added some bulk for insurance against injury.

Here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Vikings’ 2016 team:

TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
Minnesota State University-Mankato, Mankato, MN, 7/28, 7/28

2015 RECORD: 11-6
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 5-1

COACH: Mike Zimmer
3rd season as Vikings/NFL head coach
18-15 overall; postseason 0-1

STARTERS RETURNING:
21; 10 offense, 11 defense, kicker, punter

OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

The third-year quarterback has exhibited the personality, character and work ethic needed to grow as a player, a professional athlete and a team leader. He organized private workouts with receivers and tight ends. He has gone out of his way to embrace every new player on the team while not overstepping the veterans who are much older than his 24 years. He clearly was dedicated in the weight room and with his nutrition intake. And he has attended the whole offseason program and put forth the work that has earned him team-wide respect. He also has been working on his deep-ball mechanics and has impressed the coaching staff with his willingness to, as head coach Mike Zimmer says, “let it loose.”

The draft — A closer look at the Vikings’ picks (8):

–Round 1/23 – Laquon Treadwell, WR, 6-2, 221, Mississippi

He’s the big, physical mismatch the Vikings have been wanting for a long time. He plays faster than his 4.63 40-yard dash time, runs all routes well, has soft hands and fights hard for contested passes. That last trait is something the Vikings need desperately if quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is to take the next step and follow head coach Mike Zimmer’s desire for him to “let it loose” this season.

–Round 2/54 – Mackensie Alexander, CB, 5-10, 190, Clemson

The Vikings stayed true to their board, taking a cornerback who might not be of use to them until 2017 rather than reach for a strong safety they’ve needed since 2014. Alexander, who called himself the best corner in the draft, doesn’t fit Zimmer’s preferred big-corner build. But Alexander would appear to be contending for nickel slot corner Captain Munnerlyn’s eventual replacement. Munneryln is 28.

–Round 4/121 – Willie Beavers, T/G, 6-4, 324, Western Michigan

He’s a long-term prospect who played tackle and guard at the Senior Bowl. He’ll need work, but the Vikings trust new offensive line coach Tony Sparano to develop him quickly.

–Round 5/160 – Kentrell Brothers, LB, 6-0, 245, Missouri

He will start out at MIKE linebacker and will serve as depth for at least this season, assuming he makes the team. Once Chad Greenway retires after this season, the Vikings might move middle linebacker Eric Kendricks to the weak side. Brothers could then compete for the starting middle linebacker job in the base defense.

–Round 6/180 – Moritz Boehringer, WR, 6-4, 227, German Football League

The wildest story of the draft saw the Vikings take a flier on a 22-year-old German-born receiver who first learned of American football five years ago when he saw Adrian Peterson on a YouTube video. Boehringer is the first player selected straight from Europe in the history of the draft. He runs a 4.43 40-yard dash and caught 164 passes for 4,327 yards and 57 touchdowns in his only three seasons of organized football. He played for the Crailsheim Titans in 2013-14 and the Scwabisch Hall Unicorns in 2015.

–Round 6/188 – David Morgan, TE, 6-4, 262, Texas-San Antonio

The Vikings don’t have a need at tight end, but they wanted to create more competition while Rhett Ellison recovers from a serious knee injury. Morgan has sure hands and is a willing blocker who needs to eliminate sloppy penalties. Ellison is the team’s best blocking tight end.

–Round 7/227 – Stephen Weatherly, DE, 6-4, 267, Vanderbilt

The Vikings like to add at least one long, athletic pass rusher each year. Weatherly is an intelligent player with 27 career tackles for loss. He actually ran a faster 40 time (4.61) than the team’s first-round draft pick, receiver Laquon Treadwell.

–Round 7/244 – Jayron Kearse, S, 6-4, 216, Clemson

The nephew of former NFL All-Pro defensive end Jevon Kearse and a college teammate of the team’s second-round draft pick. Jayron, a two-year starter with 209 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and seven interceptions, will enter the mix at strong safety, where the Vikings have needed a reliable starter since Zimmer arrived in 2014. It’s doubtful that Kearse will earn the starting job this year ahead of veterans Michael Griffin and Andrew Sendejo, but Zimmer has a knack for developing defensive backs.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–G Alex Boone: Prized free-agent acquisition brings size, strength and desired nastiness to the line.

–S Michael Griffin: Vikings hoping head coach Mike Zimmer can work his DB magic and turn back clock on Griffin’s career.

–LB Emmanuel Lamur: Will push Greenway after being signed from Cincinnati, where he played under Zimmer.

–TE Brian Leonhardt: Overachieving native Minnesotan and former Bemidji State star could add some depth.

–LB Travis Lewis: Former Lion is another veteran brought in to avoid depth issues that surfaced in 2015.

–T Andre Smith: Former Bengal signed as preferred candidate to add power as starting right tackle.

KEY LOSS: None

–The Vikings didn’t lose anybody they wanted back. Cornerback Josh Robinson never fit, safety Robert Blanton never progressed and receiver Mike Wallace’s production never lived up to an $11 million salary.

OTHER LOSSES:

–S Robert Blanton (16/1), LB Travis Lewis (15/4), LB Casey Matthews (0/0), CB Josh Robinson (5/0), DE Justin Trattou (5/0), LB Jason Trusnik (8/0), WR Mike Wallace (16/12)*
Total games played/started lost: 64/17
*Number in parentheses is games played/games started in 2015

— Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and 26th year on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. TSX’s network of NFL insiders provided information for this report.