NFC North Round-Up: Draft Predictions for All 4 Teams
Josh Frey
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The 2023 NFL Draft is just two days away, and there is as much uncertainty within the first round as there has been in any draft in recent memory. Alas, predictions still have to be made even in this murky water, especially when you’re a self-proclaimed ‘draft guy’ like myself. Here are the draft predictions for all four teams in the NFC North with their first picks.
Chicago Bears: OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
If the Bears are going to take the development of Justin Fields seriously, they need to get him some help at offensive tackle. Paris Johnson not only played some dominant football at left tackle during the 2022 season, but he is quietly a very versatile offensive lineman as well, playing right guard during the 2020 and 2021 seasons before kicking to the outside.
Currently, Chicago has Braxton Jones, who surprised everyone by jumping into the starting lineup after being selected in the fifth round of the 2022 Draft. On the other side, though, they have a bit of a swinging door at right tackle, depending on the health of Teven Jenkins. They need a more consistent option at that spot, and Johnson can be that for them.
Detroit Lions: CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
The Lions made a few very nice additions to their secondary in free agency, so perhaps a cornerback isn’t necessarily a huge immediate need. That being said, they currently have three corners under contract for 2024: Chase Lucas, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Cam Sutton.
Detroit has a chance to turn themselves into a true Super Bowl contender if they hit on their top four draft selections, and with this pick, they add an immediate starter in their secondary with Devon Witherspoon at No. 6.
Green Bay Packers: WR Quentin Johnston, TCU
The Green Bay Packers have a history of passing on wide receivers in the first round, but much of that had to do with Aaron Rodgers being able to elevate lesser players. Well, Rodgers is officially a New York Jet, and the Packers are ringing in the Jordan Love era for 2023. Seeing as they also lost both WR Allen Lazard and TE Robert Tonyan in free agency this offseason, Green Bay needs a big target for their young QB to throw to.
Quentin Johnston has some work to do in terms of learning how to use his 6’2 frame to his advantage, but he is extremely athletic and will be able to step in an X or Z spot right away for Green Bay.
Minnesota Vikings: CB Deonte Banks, Maryland
It’s tough to find a cornerback better suited to play in the Vikings defense under Brian Flores than Deonte Banks. He is an extremely physical corner in man coverage who possesses ideal size and length at the position while also being one of the most athletic CBs we’ve ever seen.
Assuming guys like Christian Gonzalez, Joey Porter Jr., and Witherspoon fly off the board in the top 20 picks, and with the Vikings dire need at corner, Minnesota should sprint the Banks selection to the podium.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.