Although each NFC North team was in a different spot with different draft needs when last season ended, the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft may even out the playing field in this division and create a more competitive atmosphere in time for next season to start.
NFC North NFL Draft Needs
Chicago Bears
Notable Picks: 1, 9, 75
Draft Needs: QB, Edge, WR
In anticipation of having the number one pick in this draft, the Chicago Bears have done everything possible so far to build around their potential franchise guy. Unless some unexpected draft day drama goes down, it seems all but certain that they’ll take USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick. They’ve cleared the way for his arrival by trading Justin Fields to the Steelers, and have already given him offensive weapons by signing Keenen Allen, D’Andre Swift, and Gerald Everett. Pairing these players with D.J. Moore on the offense gives Caleb Williams the best possible situation a rookie quarterback could ask for.
With all this said, the Bears don’t really need another wide receiver, but if talented guys like Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers are still around for the ninth pick, they might take them to add even more potency to their offense. On day three, the Bears should look to boost their defense alongside edge-rusher, Montez Sweat. A player like Gabriel Murphy from UCLA would be a good target at No. 75 with his quickness and agility.
Detroit Lions
Notable Picks: 29, 61, 73
Draft Needs: CB, Edge
Despite having one of the best offenses in the NFL last season, it was their defensive issues, especially in passing situations, that hindered the Lions. Strengthening the defensive line and the secondary will be the draft needs that GM Brad Holmes should focus on.
Taking the best available corner in the first round with the 29th pick would make the most sense. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., from Missouri may be one of those guys, and Bucky Brooks of NFL Network believes he would be a “perfect fit” for Detroit. If they choose to wait until the second or third rounds, they may consider Chau Wade-Smith or Javon Bullard to fill that position.
Green Bay Packers
Notable Picks: 25, 41, 58
Draft Needs: OT, G
In 2023, the Green Bay Packers had one of the biggest in-season turnarounds in recent memory, culminating in a dominant playoff win in the first round against the Dallas Cowboys. Jordan Love emerged as one of the more promising young quarterbacks in the NFL, and if the Packers can strengthen the offensive line, there’s no telling how good he can be next year.
The Packers are in need of a long-term replacement on the offensive line after the departure of Jon Runyan and the release of David Bakhtiari. The dream candidate for this position would be Washington’s Troy Fautanu. He may not be available with their highest pick, so trading up will likely be necessary if the Packers want him bad enough, and they should. Fautanu is pro-ready and could start right away.
Throughout the remainder of their draft, the Packer’s goal should be adding as much depth to their offensive line as possible. The best guys on the board in correspondence with their picks are likely Patrick Paul or Kingsley Suamataia.
Minnesota Vikings
Notable Picks: 11, 23
Draft Needs: QB, CB
After a tumultuous season that saw them start four different quarterbacks, the Vikings are hoping to find a more permanent starter at that position. Every other aspect of the team is in fairly good condition and adding a franchise quarterback could be what makes the Vikings a winning team again.
With the 11th pick, the Vikings aren’t going to score on players like Jaden Daniels or Drake Maye, but they may be able to draft a National Championship-winning quarterback in J.J. McCarthy. Some project that McCarthy might go as early as second overall, in which case the Vikings may land Daniels or Maye. However, in the event that they draft McCarthy, the Vikings will get a guy with a winning mentality and traits that would pair nicely with Minnesota’s offense.
The Vikings will also have plenty of options with the 23rd pick that they received from the Houston Texans. They could go many different ways, but the best option may be to select a talented corner while they’re still on the board. With this pick, they might be able to land Nate Wiggins or Terrion Arnold to strengthen their secondary.
Next Division: NFC East
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