2023 NFL Draft: Reviewing team needs in the NFC North

What positions should the teams in the NFC North look to address in the 2023 NFL Draft?

The NFC North will be fascinating to watch this offseason. Once again, Packers fans are left to wonder whether Aaron Rodgers will return, retire, or don a different uniform next season. Vikings fans had much to be excited about during the regular season and the team fell apart when it mattered. The Lions, in Dan Campbell’s second season as head coach, look to be a team on the rise. The Bears have the electrifying Justin Fields under center, the first pick in the NFL Draft, and the most cap space in the NFL heading into the offseason.

While the Bears have more work to do than the other three squads, it’s still feasible to imagine any of these teams winning the NFC North next season. Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars made a huge leap this past season, jumping from the number one pick to the playoffs. Justin Fields and co. will look to do the same in Chicago.

The Packers missed the playoffs after three straight trips to start Matt LaFleur’s tenure as head coach. With his brother Mike’s move from the Jets to Rams, and Rodgers’ old friend Nathaniel Hackett moving to Gang Green to replace him, rumors are picking up steam that New York could be a realistic destination for the veteran quarterback. If that comes to fruition, we should finally see Jordan Love as the unquestioned starter for Green Bay.

With Love, can the Packers contend at a high level? Is Detroit due for a regression after their surprising run, or will they continue to ascend? Will Bears GM Ryan Poles ace this offseason test? Each franchise is loaded with needs, so we’ll evaluate the ones most likely to be prioritized on draft weekend.