The NFL Draft is in two days, where 32 teams will look to change their futures forever. Thursday night marks the start of a seven-round weekend in which franchises will weigh positional need against best player available. I’m breaking down every team’s biggest need by division. Next up on the agenda is the NFC North.
The Bears hold the 25th overall pick in the Draft. Their roster is loaded with young talent, but they’re missing a killer at defensive end. They were rumored to be heavily involved in the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes but ultimately didn’t land the superstar.
Chicago can opt for offensive line help here, with Ozzy Trapilo still working his way back from a patellar tendon injury. After Jaquan Brisker’s free agency departure, they could also look to the safety position. Generating QB pressure should be at the top of the list.
The Bears ranked 22nd in the NFL in sacks last season (35) and 16th in QB hurries (51). The most likely edge option for them at 25 will be Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell. He’s ranked 26th on PFF’s big board and fifth among edge rushers.
Other possibilities for “Da Bears” are Miami’s Akheem Mesidor and Auburn’s Keldric Faulk. They’re ranked 20th and 22nd on PFF, but could fall out of their projected range right to the Windy City. The 2026 NFL Draft is packed to the gills with first-round edge rushers.
The story of the 2025 Lions was centered entirely on offensive line struggles. Ahead of the season, center Frank Ragnow retired, and guard Kevin Zeitler went to the Tennessee Titans. They went on to part ways with left tackle Taylor Decker following the 9-8 season.
The Lions’ O-line struggles were so bad that Ragnow attempted to come out of retirement in November. He failed his physical exam due to a grade three hamstring strain. They rotated through three different starters on the interior line, and seven different interior starters played significant snaps.
Detroit will choose 16th overall on Thursday night, and they could have a plethora of options in the trenches. Penn State’s guard, Olaivavega Ioane, isn’t expected to fall out of the top 15, but it’s a possibility.
As far as tackle options go, Utah’s Spencer Fano, Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, and Clemson’s Blake Miller are ranked 12th, 13th, and 25th on PFF. Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor is ranked 30th but has drawn a ton of Draft buzz.
The Packers do not have a first-round pick this weekend following the acquisition of Micah Parsons last August. Their first pick this weekend will come at 52nd overall. They have eight picks, and only two of them are in the top 100.
Green Bay will likely build the trenches over the weekend. They lost Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins, and protecting Jordan Love will be a high priority in 2026.
Despite picking at 52, the Packers have options for offensive linemen. Iowa’s Gennings Dunker, Northwestern’s Caleb Tiernan, and Georgia Tech’s Keylan Rutledge are ranked 57th, 64th, and 74th on PFF, respectively.
With Parsons suffering an ACL tear late in 2025 and Rashan Gary being traded to the Dallas Cowboys, the Pack could target defense as well. Illinois’ Gabe Jacas and UCF’s Malachi Lawrence are projected at 51 and 54, right in Green Bay’s second-round range.
The Vikings are an interesting team year over year. The big brain of defensive coordinator Brian Flores covers up holes on the roster. That being said, he will still need to upgrade the personnel.
Minnesota’s defensive line lost Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Clemson’s Peter Woods or Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald could be a terrific pickup for Flores and head coach Kevin O’Connell. I would argue that the secondary will be a higher priority.
The Vikings’ 14-year safety, Harrison Smith, has been mulling retirement all offseason. He’s 37 years old and in the twilight of his career. They could also be looking to upgrade the cornerback position this weekend.
Tennessee’s CB, Jermod McCoy, and Toledo’s safety, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, are ranked 17th and 21st on PFF, respectively. McNeil-Warren could be a long-term replacement for Smith and can immediately make an impact in a Flores-led defense.
The NFC North is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. In fact, some would say it’s the most competitive. All four teams ended the year with a winning record, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
Every fanbase in the North will be holding its breath during the Draft, hoping for a great group of picks. It might only take one superstar to flip this division on its head.
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