The 2024 NFL Draft is only a few weeks away. Mock drafts and predictions are starting to heat up from analysts and fans. This year, the NFC North should be well -represented in the first round of the draft. The Chicago Bears own two picks in the top 10. The Minnesota Vikings also own two first round choices. The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions each one a first round pick later in the first round. Each NFC North team has needs to address. Here where I think each team in this division should focus their biggest needs on.
Green Bay Packers NFL Draft Needs- Safety and Inside Linebacker
The Green Bay Packers don’t have many glaring needs in the NFL Draft this year, but they have to address the safety position. They did an excellent job getting Xavier McKinney out of free agency, but I don’t think the second starter is on the roster. It also doesn’t help this is not a great safety class. I think the Packers should look at Tyler Nubin from Minnesota or Callen Bullock form USC to address that need in the NFL Draft.
After releasing D’Vondre Campbell this off-season, Green Bay needs a starting linebacker next to Quay Walker. Walker is better suited to rush the passer and ball carrier. What the Packers need is a player to wear the green dot on their helmet. I like Cedric Gray from North Carolina and Payton Wilson from North Carolina State to potentially fill that need as an immediate starter.
Chicago Bears NFL Draft Needs- Quarterback and Wide Receiver
After the Bear traded Justin Fields to Pittsburgh, it’s pretty obvious they will take USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the number overall pick. It will be his job and his team right away.
I also think the Bears have the opportunity at pick 9 to grab an impact receiver for Williams. D.J. Moore is a great start and a number two receiver in the NFL Draft could be the difference. I think Malik Nabors will be gone, but Rome Odunze out of Washington is becoming a popular selection here.
Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft Needs- Quarterback and Cornerback
It’s no secret the Vikings are looking to move up to to the top five to get their quarterback of the future. After losing Kirk Cousins to Atlanta in free agency, Minnesota needs a day one starter as well. Williams will be out, but Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, or J.J McCarthy could be around.
I also think the Vikings could add another corner too, They already have Shaq Griffin, Andrew Booth Jr, and Byron Murphy already but another impact player who could get snaps early would add to their defense.
Detroit Lions NFL Draft Needs- Guard and Edge
After making the NFC Championship last season, the Detroit Lions don’t have many glaring needs to address. They did lose Jonah Jackson to free agency so they could take a guard early in the first few rounds. It will be interesting to see if they grab some more depth as they will have other free agents on the offensive line coming up in the next few seasons too.
Aidan Hutchinson doesn’t necessarily need help as he is one of the best edge rushers in the NFL, but if Detroit added another edge opposite of him, that could be a scary duo. One player that comes to mind for me is Penn State’s Chop Robinson, He still has room to grow, but has all the tools to be successful at the NFL level.