NFC North

The NFC North is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL because it has some of the best talent in the league. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Lions receiver Calvin Johnson and Vikings running back Adrian Peterson are all the best players in the NFL at their respective positions and household names. There are a number of other young players in the NFC North that are poised to become household names with breakout seasons in 2012.

Here’s one player from each of the four NFC North teams who could have breakout seasons:

BEARS

Michael Bush, RB

Bush, who signed with the Bears via free agency this offseason, is coming off his best NFL season. In his fourth year with the Raiders last year, Bush started nine games and ran for 977 yards and seven touchdowns.

Bears starting running back Matt Forte has missed the entire offseason seeking a long-term contract instead of the franchise tag the Bears designated for him.

Bush has been able to take all of the first-team reps this offseason in Forte's absence and looks to be a good fit in new offensive coordinator Mike Tice’s scheme. Bush will take some carries away from Forte whenever he returns and could help form a terrific one-two punch in Chicago.

LIONS

Nick Fairley, DT

In the first quarter of last year's Week 13 game against the Saints, Fairley had three tackles, two for loss and a sack. He also blew up two more plays that set up tackles for teammates. It should be noted that the Saints had two Pro Bowl guards in Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks last season.

Fairley played in only 10 games in 2011 because of a broken foot, which he re-aggravated in the second quarter of that Saints game.

He entered the offseason in tremendous shape and Lions general manager Martin Mayhew singled him out as one of three players that have impressed him the most this offseason. Fairley is facing a possible suspension by the NFL after being arrested for possession of marijuana and DUI this offseason, but when he gets back -- offenses beware.

PACKERS

Randall Cobb, WR/KR

Cobb had himself a pretty good NFL debut last season against the Saints when he caught a touchdown pass and returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown.

Cobb made his biggest impact on special teams as a rookie. He averaged 11.7 yards per punt return, which ranked second in the league among players with at least 20 returns. His 27.7 average on kickoff was seventh among all players with at least 20 returns.

Cobb had 25 catches for 375 yards and a touchdown as a receiver. He is expected to play a bigger role in the offense this year as the Packers look to utilize his speed and quickness.

VIKINGS

Kyle Rudolph, TE

A young quarterback’s best friends on the football field are a reliable left tackle, star receiver and a big-target tight end. Rodgers and Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will be the first to tell you that.

Rudolph showed great hands last year and was a steady target with 26 catches for 249 yards and three touchdowns. Expect those numbers to more than double this season as quarterback Christian Ponder gets more comfortable with the Vikings’ system and the team has added some more weapons on the outside.

Rudolph is a huge target (6-foot-6, 260 pounds) who has excellent hands and should be a good red zone target all year.

Around the NFC North: