NFC North rundown: Training camp kickoff edition

Ah, yes. Bring out the little kid bikes and paint the practice fields with white lines. Training camps are officially rocking and rolling around the NFC North.

As teams prepare to kick off the 2018 NFL season, story lines abound in what should be a competitive division. While the Green Bay Packers’ re-tooled defense will be a topic of discussion throughout the preseason in Titletown USA, a significant number of offensive skill position players are under scrutiny elsewhere as the pads come on.

Will Laquon Treadwell take the next step for the Vikings? Will a running back emerge for the Lions? Will Anthony Miller continue to impress Mitch Trubisky and the Bears’ coaching staff?

Those questions and many more are explained in today’s NFC North rundown.

Detroit Lions

5 story lines to watch as Lions open training camp

The Detroit News’ Justin Rogers looks at players looking to take second-year leaps, young candidates in a prove-it season, and one veteran wide receiver entering a contract year.

Five likely winners and five likely losers at Detroit Lions training camp

Fansided takes a look at five positions on the Lions’ roster in which one member of the position group has an opportunity to stand out over others jockeying for a role. Keep an eye on one rookie on the defensive line.

Detroit Lions training camp preview: Secondary looks like strength of defense

After a breakout season from Darius Slay last season, the Lions will be counting on a plethora of young corners, including second-day picks the last couple of drafts, to solidify the secondary as a team strength.

Chicago Bears

Aaron Lynch misses another Bears training camp practice

Chicago gambled on a show-me deal with the former San Francisco edge rusher to play opposite Leonard Floyd this season. So far, he hasn’t had an opportunity to showcase his talent on the field.

Matt Nagy: Bears ‘may be’ getting closer to signing holdout LB Roquan Smith

Another man missing during the early portion of training camp has been top-ten pick Roquan Smith. The Bears hope to continue making progress on a rookie contract with Smith, who is losing valuable practice reps.

Chicago Bears Training Camp: 5 recent standout players

Kyle Fuller’s starting counterpart at cornerback has made some splash plays early in camp, while rookie receiver Anthony Miller has had as strong a showing as anyone in the early going.

Minnesota Vikings

The 10 most compelling storylines of Vikings training camp

Injuries, a new quarterback, looming contract negotiations, and the starting right tackle job. It’s all covered in depth right here.

5 players to watch at Vikings training camp

Former first-rounder Laquon Treadwell headlines a boatload of Vikings hoping to not only have an eye-catching training camp, but secure a final spot on the roster.

Tony Sparano’s death still weighs on Vikings at start of training camp

The recent loss of Minnesota’s offensive line coach has weighed on the hearts of everyone in the Vikings’ organization, but especially Head Coach Mike Zimmer who spent many years with Sparano on NFL coaching staffs.