The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, and the NFC North teams are now gearing up for rookie minicamps. As the dust settles, each of these franchises believes they are better today than they were at this time last week. With fresh talent across the board, the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears are all eyeing a brighter future. But what does this new talent mean for each team, and how might it impact the division’s landscape moving forward? Let’s break down each NFC North team’s draft class and what it means for their immediate and long-term future.
Detroit Lions: A Mix of Athleticism and Immediate Impact
Draft Picks:
- Round 1 – DT Tyleik Williams (Ohio State)
- Round 2 – IOL Tate Ratledge (Georgia)
- Round 3 – WR Isaac TeSlaa (Arkansas)
- Round 5 – IOL Miles Frazier (LSU)
- Round 6 – EDGE Ahmed Hassanein (Boise State)
- Round 7 – S Dan Jackson (Georgia)
- Round 7 – WR Dominic Lovett (Georgia)
Most Impactful Pick: The Detroit Lions struck gold at No. 28 overall with the selection of Tyleik Williams. A powerful, quick interior defender out of Ohio State, Williams is expected to make an immediate impact. Lions general manager Brad Holmes is thrilled with this pick, especially considering Alim McNeill’s potential delayed return from an ACL injury. Although Williams didn’t rack up a ton of sacks in college (11.5), the Lions are confident that with a bigger role at the NFL level, his pass-rush potential will shine through. They’re counting on Williams to bolster their defense and be a strong run-stopper from the start.
Sleeper Pick: Wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, a third-round pick, is one to watch. With a stellar 6-foot-4 frame and 4.4 speed, TeSlaa brings an immediate vertical threat to the Lions’ already solid receiving corps. A key contributor at Arkansas, he brings an athleticism to the table that fits with the Lions’ physical style. Offensive coordinator John Morton and special teams coordinator Dave Fipp will find ways to get TeSlaa in space, making him a versatile weapon right out of the gate.
Twentyman’s Take: The Lions’ draft class, ranked in the top 10 for athleticism, is a well-rounded group. Williams and Ratledge could immediately contribute as starters, while TeSlaa, Frazier, and others will offer valuable depth. This draft was a win for Detroit, as they filled their needs and added players that fit their culture.
Minnesota Vikings: A Precision Approach with High Expectations
Draft Picks:
- Round 1 – OL Donovan Jackson (Ohio State)
- Round 3 – WR Tai Felton (Maryland)
- Round 5 – EDGE Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (Georgia)
- Round 6 – LB Kobe King (Penn State)
- Round 6 – TE Gavin Bartholomew (Pittsburgh)
Most Impactful Pick: The Vikings’ top pick, Donovan Jackson, should immediately step into the starting lineup as their left guard. With a young quarterback in J.J. McCarthy likely taking the reins in 2025, Jackson is a welcome addition to solidify the offensive line and protect McCarthy’s blindside. His presence should enhance the protection for the young signal-caller and create more opportunities in the run game.
Sleeper Pick: Tai Felton, the third-round wide receiver from Maryland, could become a key role player in Minnesota’s offense. Felton impressed in college with 96 receptions, 1,124 yards, and nine touchdowns. With heavy hitters like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison already in the fold, Felton will have the chance to thrive in single coverage, making him a potentially dangerous playmaker in 2025.
Twentyman’s Take: With just four picks to work with, Minnesota did an impressive job addressing key needs. While they didn’t add to their secondary, don’t be surprised to see that position addressed in free agency. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s strategy was sharp, and Minnesota’s draft class could make an immediate impact.
Green Bay Packers: A Shift Toward Speed and Competition
Draft Picks:
- Round 1 – WR Matthew Golden (Texas)
- Round 2 – OT Anthony Belton (North Carolina State)
- Round 3 – WR Savion Williams (TCU)
- Round 4 – EDGE Barryn Sorrell (Texas)
- Round 5 – EDGE Collin Oliver (Oklahoma State)
- Round 6 – DL Warren Brinson (Georgia)
- Round 7 – CB Micah Robinson (Tulane)
- Round 7 – OL John Williams (Cincinnati)
Most Impactful Pick: Green Bay made a bold move in Round 1, selecting wide receiver Matthew Golden. The Packers needed a true No. 1 receiver to complement their offense, and Golden’s dynamic playmaking ability should provide exactly that. He has the potential to be a big-play threat, and his addition gives quarterback Jordan Love a new weapon to develop chemistry with.
Sleeper Pick: Edge rusher Collin Oliver could prove to be a hidden gem. After missing most of 2024 with a foot injury, Oliver was an All-Big 12 performer in 2023, registering 15.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, and four forced fumbles. His combination of size and athleticism could allow him to surprise in camp and provide some valuable depth to the Packers’ defensive line.
Twentyman’s Take: Green Bay’s draft wasn’t the typical “Packers approach,” but it was effective. They loaded up on playmakers with speed, while also adding depth in the trenches and the defensive front. Golden and Williams should give their offense the speed it needs, while Sorrell and Oliver could provide the pass-rushing spark they’ve been missing.
Chicago Bears: An Offense in the Making
Draft Picks:
- Round 1 – TE Colston Loveland (Michigan)
- Round 2 – WR Luther Burden III (Missouri)
- Round 2 – OL Ozzy Trapilo (Boston College)
- Round 2 – EDGE Shemar Turner (Texas A&M)
- Round 4 – LB Ruben Hyppolite II (Maryland)
- Round 5 – CB Zah Frazier (Texas-San Antonio)
- Round 6 – IOL Luke Newman (Michigan State)
- Round 7 – RB Kyle Monangai (Rutgers)
Most Impactful Pick: With the first-round pick, the Bears selected tight end Colston Loveland, a player who could make an immediate impact in their revamped offense. Loveland fits offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s system perfectly, and with fellow tight end Cole Kmet already in the fold, Chicago has the potential for a dynamic 1-2 punch at the position.
Sleeper Pick: Luther Burden III, who fell to the second round, could be a steal for the Bears. Known for his ability to gain yards after the catch, Burden brings an intriguing skill set to Chicago’s offense. As a versatile slot receiver, he could take on a similar role to Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit, making him a key playmaker for the Bears in 2025.
Twentyman’s Take: Chicago used the flexibility of their free-agent acquisitions to make the best of their draft picks. Adding depth and competition, particularly on offense, is key for the Bears’ success. If their offensive line can live up to expectations, Chicago has the potential to be one of the NFC’s most improved teams.
NFC North’s New Era Begins
The NFC North’s landscape has undoubtedly shifted with the 2025 NFL Draft. Each team came away with young, talented players who can make an immediate impact. Whether it’s the Lions’ athleticism, the Vikings’ precise approach, the Packers’ revamped offense, or the Bears’ rising offense, the NFC North is set for an exciting season ahead. With these fresh additions, it’s safe to say that the road to NFC dominance is now a battle of rising stars in the North. The upcoming season will be one to watch closely.
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