The 2025 NFL Draft has concluded, and the NFC North teams have made their selections. Here’s an analysis of each team’s draft performance, highlighting the winners and losers in the division.
🦁 Detroit Lions
Winners
- Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State): Selected 28th overall, Williams is a powerful defensive tackle with a high motor. His addition bolsters the Lions’ defensive line, providing a strong interior presence.
- Tate Ratledge (OG, Georgia): A versatile offensive lineman, Ratledge adds depth and flexibility to the Lions’ offensive front.
- Miles Frazier (OG, LSU): Another solid addition to the offensive line, Frazier brings experience and strength to the interior.
- Christian Mahogany (OG, Boston College): Mahogany offers depth and potential for development in the interior offensive line.
Losers
- Isaac TeSlaa (WR, Hillsdale): Drafted 101 picks earlier than projected, TeSlaa’s selection has raised eyebrows. While he has potential, the reach may be considered a gamble.
🐻 Chicago Bears
Winners
- Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan): Taken 10th overall, Loveland is a dynamic tight end with excellent hands and route-running ability. His selection provides quarterback Caleb Williams with a reliable target.
- Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri): A deep-threat wide receiver, Burden adds speed and playmaking ability to the Bears’ receiving corps.
- Ozzy Trapilo (OT, Boston College): Standing at 6’8″, Trapilo adds size and potential to the offensive line, offering protection for Williams.
- Ruben Hyppolite II (LB, Maryland): A fast and aggressive linebacker, Hyppolite strengthens the Bears’ defense with his sideline-to-sideline range.
Losers
- D’Andre Swift (RB, Philadelphia Eagles): Although not drafted, Swift’s departure from the Bears’ roster leaves a gap at the running back position.
🧀 Green Bay Packers
Winners
- Matthew Golden (WR, Texas): Selected 23rd overall, Golden is a talented wide receiver with excellent hands and route-running skills. His addition provides quarterback Jordan Love with a reliable target.
- Anthony Belton (OG, Alabama): A strong and experienced offensive lineman, Belton adds depth and protection to the Packers’ offensive front.
- Barryn Sorrell (DE, Texas): A pass-rushing specialist, Sorrell brings speed and pressure to the Packers’ defensive line.
- Micah Robinson (CB, Tulane): A late-round pick, Robinson has shown promise as a cornerback with good coverage skills.
Losers
- Delayed Defensive Selections: The Packers focused heavily on offense early in the draft, which may have delayed necessary defensive reinforcements.
🐺 Minnesota Vikings
Winners
- Jordan Addison (WR, USC): A dynamic wide receiver, Addison adds speed and playmaking ability to the Vikings’ offense.
- Mekhi Blackmon (CB, USC): A physical cornerback, Blackmon strengthens the Vikings’ secondary with his coverage skills.
- Jay Ward (S, LSU): A versatile safety, Ward adds depth and flexibility to the Vikings’ defensive backfield.
Losers
- Lack of Early Picks: The Vikings traded away early-round picks, limiting their ability to select top-tier talent.
In the NFC North, the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears emerge as the primary winners of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Lions’ strategic selections bolster their defense and offensive line, while the Bears’ picks provide quarterback Caleb Williams with the necessary weapons to succeed. The Green Bay Packers made solid picks but may have delayed defensive needs, and the Minnesota Vikings‘ limited early picks may hinder their immediate impact.
