Sixth in a series
In this series we rank the NFC North clubs at every position. Rankings are based on performance to date, scouting reports and evaluations from general managers, coaches and scouts around the NFL.
Defensive line
1. Bears B: This is the most difficult position group to rank with the Bears and Packers in base 3-4 schemes and the Vikings and Lions preferring the 4-3. But the Bears have the NFC North's best interior lineman in Akiem Hicks, the best overall talent with Pro Bowl alternate nose tackle Eddie Goldman, highly productive youngsters Bilal Nichols and Roy Robertson-Harris, both of whom continue to have much higher ceilings than they've attained so far, and solid depth in veterans Brent Urban and John Jenkins.