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Last season, the NFC North was arguably the best in the NFL. Three of the four teams had 11 or more wins. The Detroit Lions (15-2), Minnesota Vikings (14-3), and Green Bay Packers (11-6) all earned postseason berths. Only the Chicago Bears (5-12) missed out on the fun.
With that said, none of those playoff-worthy teams won a single game in the postseason. If the Bears are able to take a step and contend for the division crown, they should be able to overtake them eventually. Being smart in the draft is a good way to help with that goal. way to help with that quest.
The 2025 NFL draft kicked off Thursday night in Green Bay, where the Bears held the highest pick in the division at 10th overall. But Chicago wasn't the only team to add an impact contributor to the roster. We're recapping how things unfolded in the NFC North after Day 1.
With the 10th overall pick, the Bears selected tight end Colston Loveland out of Michigan. Loveland is a playmaking tight end who appears to be a guy perfectly suited to fit Ben Johnson's system and a soldi complement to Cole Kmet. Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams will enjoy having another big target in the passing game.
With the 23rd overall pick, Green Bay selected wide receiver Matthew Golden out of Texas. Golden is a speedy, versatile receiver with great hands who will add another weapon for quarterback Jordan Love. This is the first time since 2002 that the Packers selected a receiver in the first round -- back when Brett Favre was at quarterback.
With the 24th overall pick, the Vikings selected offensive lineman Donovan Jackson out of Ohio State. They're hoping that he becomes a pillar on their offensive line as they transition to J.J. McCarthy at quarterback following the departure of Sam Darnold. The selection of Jackson speaks to their commitment to keeping McCarthy upright.
With the 28th overall pick, the Lions selected defensive lineman Tyleik Williams out of Ohio State. Williams posted an 88.6 run grade in 2024, per Pro Football Focus, which was the fourth-highest among all FBS interior defensive linemen.
After the Bears took a player from Michigan, two of the other three NFC North teams responded with players from Ohio State. It is perfect theatre in this division in the year 2025.
The NFL draft continues Friday night with Rounds 2 and 3, where the Bears have three selections (two in the second and one in the third) to continue to bolster the roster.
The NFC North is already stacked with talent, and teams are only getting better. The Bears need to keep up with their division rivals in the draft if they are going to have any chance at passing them up in the standings. These next two days are incredibly important.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Recapping NFC North moves in first round
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With that said, none of those playoff-worthy teams won a single game in the postseason. If the Bears are able to take a step and contend for the division crown, they should be able to overtake them eventually. Being smart in the draft is a good way to help with that goal. way to help with that quest.
The 2025 NFL draft kicked off Thursday night in Green Bay, where the Bears held the highest pick in the division at 10th overall. But Chicago wasn't the only team to add an impact contributor to the roster. We're recapping how things unfolded in the NFC North after Day 1.
10. Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
With the 10th overall pick, the Bears selected tight end Colston Loveland out of Michigan. Loveland is a playmaking tight end who appears to be a guy perfectly suited to fit Ben Johnson's system and a soldi complement to Cole Kmet. Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams will enjoy having another big target in the passing game.
23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
With the 23rd overall pick, Green Bay selected wide receiver Matthew Golden out of Texas. Golden is a speedy, versatile receiver with great hands who will add another weapon for quarterback Jordan Love. This is the first time since 2002 that the Packers selected a receiver in the first round -- back when Brett Favre was at quarterback.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson, OT, Ohio State
With the 24th overall pick, the Vikings selected offensive lineman Donovan Jackson out of Ohio State. They're hoping that he becomes a pillar on their offensive line as they transition to J.J. McCarthy at quarterback following the departure of Sam Darnold. The selection of Jackson speaks to their commitment to keeping McCarthy upright.
28. Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DL, Ohio State
With the 28th overall pick, the Lions selected defensive lineman Tyleik Williams out of Ohio State. Williams posted an 88.6 run grade in 2024, per Pro Football Focus, which was the fourth-highest among all FBS interior defensive linemen.
After the Bears took a player from Michigan, two of the other three NFC North teams responded with players from Ohio State. It is perfect theatre in this division in the year 2025.
The NFL draft continues Friday night with Rounds 2 and 3, where the Bears have three selections (two in the second and one in the third) to continue to bolster the roster.
The NFC North is already stacked with talent, and teams are only getting better. The Bears need to keep up with their division rivals in the draft if they are going to have any chance at passing them up in the standings. These next two days are incredibly important.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Recapping NFC North moves in first round
Continue reading...
