Even though the Lions are coming off a 15-2 season, Dan Campbell knows his team has key needs that … More
The NFC North may have failed badly in the postseason last year, but it was the best division in the NFL through the 17 games each team played in the regular season. The Detroit Lions (15-2) and Minnesota Vikings (14-3) were elite throughout the year and had the two best records in the NFC – along with the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles (14-3). The Green Bay Packers (11-6) were a playoff team that appeared to be dangerous at multiple points during the season.
The Chicago Bears (5-12) fell apart last season with a 10-game losing streak after starting with a 4-2 record. New head coach Ben Johnson has seen his team make multiple moves in the offseason to improve the offensive and defensive line. Adding OG Joe Thuney, C Drew Dalman and OL Jonah Jackson along with DT Grady Jarrett and edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo should significantly strengthen both units.
Even with those moves, the Bears’ biggest needs in the upcoming draft – April 24-26 – are on both lines.
The Bears appear to have a starting five on their offensive line, but left tackle Braxton Jones is a huge question mark after his brutal ankle injury near the conclusion of last season. Look for the Bears to draft a left tackle with the No. 10 pick overall.
If they don’t find their top choice available, they can select a top defensive linemen. It’s not enough to look at Montez Sweat, Gervon Dexter, Jarrett and Odeyingbo and say the starters look solid. Competitive teams need depth on the defensive line, and the Bears need more quality players in this area.
The Lions have stars at nearly every position, but the defense got hit hard by the Washington Commanders in the divisional playoffs. Washington and quarterback Jayden Daniels lit up the Lions defense for 45 points, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is now the head coach of the New York Jets.
The team’s biggest need is at edge rusher. Aidan Hutchinson will return and should be at full strength after suffering a broken leg early last year. Hutchinson will be penciled in for double-digit sacks in 2025 and he is clearly a big upgrade. Marcus Davenport is the other starter and he has a history of injuries and general manager Brad Holmes must know he can’t be counted on.
The Lions have the No. 28 pick in the first round and it would be a surprise if Detroit uses the pick on any other position but defensive end.
Packers need help at CB and WR
Finding a top wide receiver for Jordan Love must be a draft priority for the Packers. (Photo by … More
The Packers went into the 2024 season with the same kind of expectations that the Lions had. While Green Bay was a playoff team, the Packers and head coach Matt LaFleur were not satisfied with merely being a playoff team last year.
There’s little doubt that the Packers are expecting more from quarterback Jordan Love in the upcoming season, but their biggest draft needs are at cornerback and wide receiver.
The Packers have already seen Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell leave for new teams. As a result, general manager Brian Gutekunst must address this area in the first (23rd pick) or second round (22nd pick). Players like Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs and Carrington Valentine remain, but depth at cornerback must be addressed.
The Packers could use a stud receiver. Christian Watson is almost certain to miss the first seven or eight games after tearing his ACL. Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks are competent, but they are not proven stars. The Packers need to give Love a game-changing pass catcher.
The Vikings weakness on both lines were clearly exposed during end-of-season losses to the Lions and Los Angeles Rams, and the signings of center Ryan Kelly and offensive guard Will Fries are clearly moves that improve the offensive line.
Adding defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave do the same for the defensive line. The Vikings’ situation is similar to that of the Bears, and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has to look at one of those positions with the No. 24 pick in the first round.
