As we reach training camp, it\u2019s time to take a look at the best players in each division by position. Here we will be looking at the 2021 NFC North offense. It\u2019s a division that could be in transition in 2021 with questions surrounding a very key figure. Regardless, there is plenty of talent up and down the rest of this group. Don’t forget to check back soon with Last Word on Pro Football for the 2021 NFC North defense.<\/p>\n
When it comes to the reigning MVP, Aaron Rodgers, he\u2019s the best quarterback in the division until he isn\u2019t. Even reports were suggesting the 16-year veteran could go so far as to retire to avoid suiting up for the Pack again. Now that he\u2019s back in the fold, the Pack can chase glory with him at least one more time. Division champion eight times, including each of the last two years, along with just one season in the NFC North basement puts Rodgers head and shoulders above his peers, with both Detroit and Chicago going with a passer who\u2019s never thrown a pass in the division.<\/p>\n
Rodgers is coming off of his ninth 4000-passing yard season, his third season with at least 40 touchdowns (a career-high 48 in \u201821), and first completing over 70 percent of his passes as a starter. Again, if he isn\u2019t here when the season begins we can revisit the discussion and runner-up Kirk Cousins. But for now, the crown wearer for the 2021 NFC North offense is a Packer.<\/p>\n
Dalvin Cook gets the love his quarterback didn\u2019t, as he edges out Aaron Jones of the Packers and David Montgomery of the Chicago Bears. The former Florida State Seminole rushed for a career-high 1557 yards and 16 touchdowns (both second in the NFL) while adding another 361 yards and a score through the air. He also stayed mostly healthy, appearing in 14 games for the second year in a row.<\/p>\n
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This would be awkward if we hadn\u2019t already done the disclaimer with Rodgers. Davante Adams isn\u2019t at the point of threatening retirement, but he and the Packers have broken off contract talks. He led the league with 18 receiving touchdowns and had his second 1300-yard season. There are a lot of moving parts in Green Bay but when everyone is accounted for, Adams is at the top of his position.<\/p>\n
Justin Jefferson makes this list after he put 1400 yards on 88 grabs with seven scores. He had some pretty big shoes to fill in the wake of Stefon Diggs\u2019 departure. But Jefferson has looked every bit the part and then some. Entering the league pegged as a slot threat, Jefferson averaged<\/p>\n
Despite being the Bears best (and often only) offensive threat the past three seasons, Allen Robinson and the organization have failed to reach an agreement on a new deal. He\u2019s improved each season since he arrived and just put up a 100-catch, 1200-yard season with arguably the worst quarterback play in the NFL last season. Reports are the Bears will look to use him more in the slot this season after trading Anthony Miller.<\/p>\n
T.J. Hockenson better enjoy his time at the positional mountain top while it lasts. Green Bay\u2019s Robert Tonyan is at worst right on his heels, while Irv Smith (Vikings) and Cole Kmet (Bears) are going to make their marks soon. As it stands, Hockenson is at the front with 67 catches, 723 yards, and six scores. It does remain to be seen how he\u2019ll be used under this new regime, but he\u2019s still their most reliable pass-catcher.<\/p>\n
It would be hard for Aaron Rodgers to have the success he does were it not for the efforts of David Bakhtiari on his blindside. Bakhtiari was named First-Team All-Pro for the first time last season and has been a Pro Bowler in four of the last five seasons, including three straight. Green Bay tied for second-fewest sacks allowed in the NFL last season.<\/p>\n
Yes, the Packers boast the best left side in the division. That\u2019s thanks in no small part to third-year pro, Elgton Jenkins who\u2019s coming off of a Pro Bowl sophomore campaign. Packers running backs were also more likely to run behind him and Aaron Jones in particular had his best trots running to the left.<\/p>\n
The Lions actually have the makings of a sneaky-good offensive line with Frank Ragnow anchoring at center. He\u2019s coming off of his first Pro Bowl season and was only hit with two penalties total. The question will be about what he\u2019s protecting. The Lions have undergone a massive overhaul this offseason. Strength in the trenches is invaluable<\/p>\n
Vikings guard Ezra Cleveland takes the crown in a battle between him and Packers guard Lucas Patrick. Detroit\u2019s Halapoulivaati Vaitai did not play particularly well last season and the Bears aren\u2019t even sure who their right guard will be. It also doesn\u2019t hurt that he helped clear paths for the league\u2019s second-leading rusher.<\/p>\n
Cousins probably wouldn\u2019t have thrown for the eighth-most passing yards this past season without Brian O\u2019Neill. The rest of Minnesota\u2019s line was either young or just plain bad last season. But, with the addition of first-round rookie Christian Darrisaw, they should be much better in 2021. That\u2019s a scary proposition considering the production they got with only O\u2019Neill playing well enough to make the 2021 NFC North offense.<\/p>\n
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