NFC North Round-Up: Ranking the WR Rooms for All 4 Teams
The NFC North is looking like one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL this year.
Of course, we’ve already discussed the quarterback and running back positions for each team, but the wide receiver rooms look to be as star-studded as any other division in the league. Here is a ranking of the WR rooms for all four teams.
1. Chicago Bears
The Bears traded to bring in D.J. Moore last offseason, and this spring saw even more positive gains for Chicago’s WR room. They swung another trade to bring in Keenan Allen early in the spring, acquiring a player who has put together 1000+ yards in five of the past seven seasons.
On top of that, Chicago also utilized the ninth overall pick this spring to draft Rome Odunze, who was one of the most eye-popping playmakers in college football last year. Caleb Williams will have plenty of talent to throw to in 2024.
2. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings don’t have the deepest WR group in the division, but when Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson are at the top of the group, it’s tough to vote against them. Jefferson will be looking to bounce back from an injury-riddled 2023 campaign while Addison is coming off a fantastic rookie season.
While the rest of the room doesn’t necessarily give a ton of confidence, it isn’t as if there aren’t decent options. Brandon Powell proved he could take on a larger role with the offense last year, and perhaps the Vikings can finally get Jalen Nailor to live up to his potential.
3. Detroit Lions
Amon-Ra St. Brown has spent the first three seasons of his NFL career proving that he can be a superstar in this league, and he was rewarded this spring with a new contract extension, keeping him in Detroit for years to come.
However, there isn’t a ton of consistently reliable talent in Detroit’s WR room outside of St. Brown. Kalif Raymond is a decent player but not a true WR2 while Jameson Williams is yet to truly find his potential.
4. Green Bay Packers
Despite having one of the youngest WR rooms we’ve seen in recent NFL history, the young Packers receivers played well in 2023 even with Christian Watson battling through injuries over the majority of the year.
Jayden Reed turned into the leader of the group, recording 64 receptions for 793 yards and eight touchdowns during his rookie season. Fifth-round pick Dontayvion Wicks also put together some strong production. The Packers have plenty of talent all over their WR room, but can Watson take that step forward and become a true WR1 this year? That’s what it will take for Green Bay to move out of the cellar.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
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.