The NFC North Is Now The Most Interesting Division In The NFL
During the first round of the 2024 NFL draft there were a few specific selections made that will not only shape the future of a specific team, but has potential to impact the entire league. As a results of the six picks made by four teams, the NFC north is now the most interesting division in the NFL.
Here is what happened Thursday night in Detroit. Caleb Williams was selected first by the Chicago Bears and was then quickly joined by Rome Odunze. The Minnesota Vikings traded up one spot to grab their guy in quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Then they traded again and took edge rusher Dallas Turner. The Green Bay Packers added some security in tackle Jordan Morgan. Lastly, the pick right before that belonged to the hometown team with the Lions picking Terrion Arnold at number 24.
That’s a lot to digest, so let’s break it down by team, which will ultimately show how this solidified the entire division.
The NFC North Is A Force To Be Reckoned With
What’s fascinating here is that each of the four teams handled their first-round business differently. Yet, they each addressed both their immediate needs and the future of their franchise.
Chicago Bears
There is perhaps only one other team in the NFL that set up their team to properly welcome in a rookie quarterback. The Bears loaded up with solid weapons so that Caleb Williams would have support and dynamic playmakers to help him as he learns the pro game. Believe it or not, this is unusual, as often rookie QBs are supposed to be the savior right away as they are dropped into the fire.
The Bears added receiver Keenan Allen, running back D’Andre Swift, have a solid line and tight end and a good defense. New WR Rome Odunze spent a lot of time with Williams throughout the draft process. They were thrilled to be joining forces in Chicago and have the potential to be quite the explosive duo.
Minnesota Vikings
Here’s the other team that is a fantastic situation for a rookie QB to walk into. The Vikings have the best receiver in the league with Justin Jefferson, and added a great running back in Aaron Jones. Furthermore, their head coach Kevin O’Connell is a QB guru having been one himself in the NFL, and is wizard at calling offenses. His right-hand man is the team’s QB coach, Josh McCown, who also played the position in the league for 18 years.
Green Bay Packers
The pack might have made the least flashy pick in the first round, but it is equally as important. They are a young team with a high ceiling. With that, we find a roster full of young players. Adding Jordan Morgan proves to be an investment in the entire offense. It solidifies the offensive line, adding protection for Jordan Love, who has been the byproduct of a very specific success plan up there in Wisconsin.
Detroit Lions
The second cornerback (and the best-dressed player in attendance) fell into the laps of the Lions. When the film crew cut to a glimpse of the Lions war room they were elated upon handing in their card. Terrion Arnold from Alabama is completely from the Dan Campbell fabric. He should thrive under the team’s defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, who was a Pro Bowl corner himself. As you may recall, the Lions struggled deeply against the pass in the NFC title game, where they lost a huge lead to the 49ers.
In addition, “Terrion” has potential to chant in the same rhythm as the now infamous Jared Goff chant Lions fans have created.
So, regardless of what happens the rest of the way, we now have a division that has four young and promising quarterbacks who have a complete system around them. Furthermore, their franchises seem to be set on establishing strong foundations with tactful head coaches.
The battles between these teams over the next 8 -10 years should be quite entertaining.
