Only one week remains until the 2024 NFL Draft. The NFC North will be in the spotlight for the next few years as the draft takes place in Detroit this year and Green Bay next year. Each NFC North team needs this year’s draft to either re-build or re-load from the season prior. Some teams have a ton of picks. Other have a small amount to work it. Here is how each NFC North Team stands with their draft capital.
NFC North- Chicago Bears NFL Draft Capital- 4 Picks
The Chicago Bears, who took last in the NFC North last year, have the number one pick this year because of the trade they made with the Carolina Panthers last season. They also own the 9th overall pick. There is no doubt the Bears will take USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the number on pick. At pick 9, they could try and get another receiving weapon for Williams or an offensive linemen to help protect what will be their franchise quarterback.
Chicago only has two picks after the first round. That will be a third round (75) and fourth round (122). There is still the potential to get immediate impact from these pick as well. If the Bears go offense in the first round, I could see them addressing defensive needs with their final two picks.
NFC North- Detroit Lions NFL Draft Capital- 7 Picks
Winners of the NFC North last season, the Detroit Lions will not pick until 29. They have two picks in day 2 and four picks in day 3.
I don’t see a ton of needs with the Lions, but they did lose guard Jonah Jackson to free agency. I think one of these higher picks will have to be a guard to add stability. Look for Detroit to also add to their defensive line and secondary in days two and three. They have enough on offense to be a high level offense again this year.
NFC North- Green Bay Packers NFL Draft Capital- 11 Picks
Between this year and last year, the Green Bay Packers will have over 20 draft picks. They now know they have their quarterback of the future so they do not need to address that. With the young receivers they drafted last year, that is not necessarily a need either.
The Packers don’t need 11 picks this year. I would expect them to address the secondary and add depth to the offensive line. This could be a team that is moving all over the place to move up or move down. They have the draft capital to do it. At pick 25, they will likely pick best player available.
NFC North- Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft Capital- 9 Picks
This is a very important draft for the Minnesota Vikings. They need a quarterback after Kirk Cousins left for Atlanta earlier this off-season. Right now, they could be the bottom team in the NFC North. I think they have to find a way to get into at least the top 10 to get their quarterback of the future.
The good news? They have two first round picks, including the 11th overall pick and pick 23 from Cleveland through Houston. They will have to use both picks and likely some future draft picks to get up that high in the first round. I just don’t think there will be an immediate impact quarterback outside the top 10.