NFC North Round-Up: Best Draft Fits for All 4 NFC North Teams
Josh Frey
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The 2024 NFL Draft will officially begin in just three weeks.
As the event draws nearer, teams are trying to pinpoint exactly who they should be targeting with this year’s draft selections. Here is a look at some of the best draft fits for each NFC North team in the first round.
Chicago Bears
No. 1: QB Caleb Williams, USC
Of course, the Chicago Bears hold the first overall pick for the second consecutive year. After trading Justin Fields, they’ve solidified themselves as a landing spot for a rookie quarterback for the second time in the past four years. Caleb Williams is the most talented player at the position in this spring’s draft class, and he will try to revive the Bears offense this season.
No. 9: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
After landing their potential franchise QB, the Bears should look to give him more receiving help. D.J. Moore was a terrific acquisition last offseason, and they just acquired Keenan Allen. However, Allen’s health is never a certainty, and he only has one year left on his contract. As a result, Rome Odunze makes a ton of sense with this selection given his athleticism and size.
Detroit Lions
No. 29: DL Darius Robinson, Missouri
The Detroit Lions are slated to make a draft selection in the 20s for the first time since they took Frank Ragnow 20th overall back in 2018. Since then, they’ve been making picks very early in the first round, allowing them to snatch top-tier talent. This year, they need to get creative, and they can do exactly that by selecting Darius Robinson with the 29th overall pick. Robinson is a very versatile defensive lineman who can play either off the edge or at defensive tackle and is capable of being a productive pass rusher from either spot.
Green Bay Packers
No. 25: CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
Perhaps Green Bay still has faith in Eric Stokes, but he has not been able to stay healthy over the past two seasons, playing a total of 12 games. If the Packers want to find another consistent starter at the position alongside Jaire Alexander, Cooper DeJean would be an excellent fit as a versatile defender.
Minnesota Vikings
No. 11: QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
It seems pretty likely that the Vikings are going to trade up for a quarterback, but for the purposes of this exercise, we’re giving Minnesota a prospect for where they currently stand. If a QB were to fall outside of the top 10, J.J. McCarthy feels like the most likely candidate, and he becomes Kevin O’Connell’s young quarterback.
No. 23: DT Johnny Newton, Illinois
Other than quarterback, the most pressing need on the Vikings roster comes at the defensive tackle spot. Minnesota could use more pass rushing from that spot, and Johnny Newton is more than capable of filling that role after recording 7.5 sacks at Illinois this past season.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference and Sports Reference CFB.
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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.