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The NFC North is expected to be as competitive as ever in 2025, meaning all four teams made their first-round draft picks count on Thursday night.
The Detroit Lions won the division last year but couldn't overcome injuries on defense to advance in the playoffs. The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers both also came up short in the playoffs while the Chicago Bears fell short of the postseason altogether.
None of the four teams made huge splashes Thursday night, but did address needs headed into another competitive season within the division:
No. 10: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
New Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks to be building up a versatile offense around Caleb Williams. Colston Loveland will pair with current tight end Cole Kmet as bigger targets for Williams while also freeing up space for DJ Moore and Rome Odunze over the middle.
Loveland averaged nearly 15 yards per catch in his first two years at Michigan, but suffered a shoulder injury last year that put a damper on his 2024 season. He'll serve as a replacement option in the offense after the departure of the bigger-bodied receiver Keenan Allen.
No. 23: WR Matthew Golden, Texas
They said it enough times on the broadcast including during the actual announcement of the pick — but the streak is over. The Packers selected Matthew Golden, the first time they've chosen a wide receiver in the first round since 2002.
Golden adds 4.29 speed to a young group of receivers in Green Bay who've been inconsistent since the departure of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. Forming a strong connection with quarterback Jordan Love early could make this offense one of the more potent units in the league.
No. 24: G Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
The Vikings are aiming to keep quarterback J.J. McCarthy upright in his first year as their starter, picking up the versatile Donovan Jackson in the first round. Jackson was a pillar of Ohio State's offense last year, splitting time between guard and left tackle for their championship run.
Jackson was the best guard available late in a round full of offensive line talent.
No. 28: DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
The Lions opted for depth in their defensive interior with this pick, selecting defensive tackle Tyleik Williams.
Williams is a consistent defensive performer, playing 51 games at Ohio State and racking up 135 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. This pick also suggests that Alim McNeill may miss significant time to start the season following his late-season injury last year. Williams should slot in well to that spot as he carries a similar skillset.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Recapping the NFC North 2025 first-round draft picks
Continue reading...
The Detroit Lions won the division last year but couldn't overcome injuries on defense to advance in the playoffs. The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers both also came up short in the playoffs while the Chicago Bears fell short of the postseason altogether.
None of the four teams made huge splashes Thursday night, but did address needs headed into another competitive season within the division:
Chicago Bears
No. 10: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
New Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks to be building up a versatile offense around Caleb Williams. Colston Loveland will pair with current tight end Cole Kmet as bigger targets for Williams while also freeing up space for DJ Moore and Rome Odunze over the middle.
Loveland averaged nearly 15 yards per catch in his first two years at Michigan, but suffered a shoulder injury last year that put a damper on his 2024 season. He'll serve as a replacement option in the offense after the departure of the bigger-bodied receiver Keenan Allen.
Green Bay Packers
No. 23: WR Matthew Golden, Texas
They said it enough times on the broadcast including during the actual announcement of the pick — but the streak is over. The Packers selected Matthew Golden, the first time they've chosen a wide receiver in the first round since 2002.
Golden adds 4.29 speed to a young group of receivers in Green Bay who've been inconsistent since the departure of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. Forming a strong connection with quarterback Jordan Love early could make this offense one of the more potent units in the league.
Minnesota Vikings
No. 24: G Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
The Vikings are aiming to keep quarterback J.J. McCarthy upright in his first year as their starter, picking up the versatile Donovan Jackson in the first round. Jackson was a pillar of Ohio State's offense last year, splitting time between guard and left tackle for their championship run.
Jackson was the best guard available late in a round full of offensive line talent.
Detroit Lions
No. 28: DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
The Lions opted for depth in their defensive interior with this pick, selecting defensive tackle Tyleik Williams.
Williams is a consistent defensive performer, playing 51 games at Ohio State and racking up 135 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. This pick also suggests that Alim McNeill may miss significant time to start the season following his late-season injury last year. Williams should slot in well to that spot as he carries a similar skillset.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Recapping the NFC North 2025 first-round draft picks
Continue reading...
