NFL Draft Review: NFC North
The 'Black & Blue' division is ready to brawl.
NFC NORTH 2025 NFL DRAFT RECAP
The Detroit Lions magical run was cut short by the upstart Washington Commanders in January. It’s the closest the Lions have ever come to reaching the Super Bowl. While they remain the slight favorites to win the division again in 2025, it will have to come minus their offensive (Ben Johnson to the Bears) and defensive (Aaron Glenn to the Jets) coordinators. Continuity counts in the NFL and losing these coaches will be hard to overcome.
With the return of Aidan Hutchinson still up in the air, Detroit had a major need at pass-rusher but opted for defensive tackle Tyleik Williams out of Ohio State instead. It was probably the biggest reach of round one but the front office has done a masterful job of identifying players who fit their scheme, so they receive the benefit of the doubt. While the Lions didn’t obtain high impact players, they did add some quality depth to load up for another attempt at their first Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Last year was supposed to be a major growth year for quarterback Jordan Love. While he did make strides, the Packers fell short of expectations. Look for the offense to be much stronger with the selection of tantalizing wideout Matthew Golden (photo: Green Bay Packers) in round one, along with offensive tackle Anthony Belton out of North Carolina State in round two, plus gadget weapon Savion Williams in round three. On the final day of the draft, Green Bay decided to focus on beefing up their defensive line. Should this team get hot come winter time, watch out.
Minnesota is the wildcard bunch. They are clearly talented enough to tackle the Norris division but make the much-anticipated switch from Sam Darnold-to-JJ McCarthy. The Vikings made sure to add better protection by taking Ohio State stalwart Donovan Jackson with their first round pick. Later, they would add speed-burner Tai Felton out of Maryland who could emerge as a dangerous deep threat. Coming off a torn meniscus injury, some might be wary as to how McCarthy will respond but pound-for-pound, they can compete with anyone.
Expectations are extremely high in Chi-Town. The arrival of the aforementioned Johnson as new head coach has the organization full of optimism. They certainly improved themselves during the draft but it doesn’t come without question. Most controversial, was their decision to select Colston Loveland over Tyler Warren. It may prove to be the correct call but it appears suspect on the surface. Injecting Luther Burden III into this offense could turn out to be the most impactful draft choice, while they also acquired several hard-nosed, gritty prospects who bring top-level athleticism traits. It should be fascinating to watch it all blend together.
OVERALL IMPACT SCALE:
5 = Major Impact || 4 = High Impact || 3 = Average Impact || 2 = Low Impact || 1 = No Impact
CHICAGO BEARS
ROUND | PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL
Rd.1 No.10. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan — A major shock that would reverberate throughout the host city of Green Bay, the Bears go with Loveland over Tyler Warren of Penn State, who many viewed as a blue-chip. Get ready for the 12-personnel in Chi-Town.
Rd.2 No.39. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri — With weapons galore, Chicago has setup Caleb Williams for success. Burden is a super slot standout in the making and gives the Bears a trio of speed-demons, along with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.
Rd.2 No.56. Ozzy Trapilio, OT, Boston College — This selection speaks to the commitment that Chicago has made on the offensive line, as Trapilio projects as a swingman tackle who could step in and start in a pinch, if needed.
Rd.2 No.62. Shemar Turner, DT, Baltimore — With an excellent blend of size and speed, Turner brings vast experience, along with the versatility to play multiple spots. He’ll likely be eased into the rotation, as he deals with a stress fracture in his leg.
Rd.4 No.132. Ruben Hyppolite II, LB, Maryland — An interesting choice, considering Hyppolite II was not a combine invite and lacks size. However, he was impressive during Tropical Bowl week and might be the fastest linebacker in the draft.
Rd.5 No.169. Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA — Betting on traits and upside, Frazier possesses rare length, along with freaky athleticism. He’ll compete to add depth at cornerback but could possibly slide to safety if he runs into any struggles.
Rd.6 No.195. Luke Newman, OG, Michigan State — A late-riser during the process, Newman is a two-time FCS standout who excelled with the Spartans and can play all three interior spots. He had an outstanding Shrine Bowl and combine performance.
Rd.7 No.233. Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers — The gritty Monangai is a nice ‘break glass in case of an emergency’ type runner to have on the back-burner. He runs through arm tackles and can grind out the tough yards when needed.
OVERALL IMPACT = 3 Average Impact
DETROIT LIONS
ROUND | PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL
Rd.1 No.28. Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State — Look for Williams to be an immediate force in stuffing the run. He ballooned up to 360 pounds during his time at Ohio State, so Detroit needs to make sure he keeps his weight in check.
Rd.2 No.57. Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia — When you factor in size, athleticism, pedigree and experience, Ratledge is all that and a bag of chips. This selection helps to offset the loss of Kevin Zeitler (Titans).
Rd.3 No.70. Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas — Let this be a valuable scouting lesson that good teams identify traits which fit their scheme. Despite his lack of college production, TeSlaa figures to play the role of a taller slot in the Motor City.
Rd.5 No.171. Miles Frazier, OG, LSU — This was tremendous value, as Frazier has experience playing all five positions along the offensive line. A four-year starter for the Tigers, he brings a sense pf physicality and toughness in the trenches.
Rd.6 No.196. Ahmed Hassanein, ER, Boise State — Whether he makes it or not, Hassanein will go down in NFL history as the first Egyptian-born player ever drafted into the NFL. His relentless pursuit should fit in well.
Rd.7 No.230. Dan Jackson, S, Georgia — A former walk-on, Jackson transformed into a stud during his time in Athens. He was snubbed from the combine in a puzzling decisions. His instincts, ball-skills and tackling ability are all top-notch.
Rd.7 No.244. Dominic Lovett, WR, Georgia — For a third time in this draft, Detroit dipped back into the UGA fountain for the savvy slot option in Lovett, who projects as a practice squad candidate.
OVERALL IMPACT = 3 Average Impact
GREEN BAY PACKERS
ROUND | PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL
Rd.1 No.23. Matthew Golden, WR, Texas — For the first time since 2002 (Javon Walker), the Packers select a wideout in round one of the NFL Draft. Golden provides a speed demon for quarterback Jordan Love to accompany a rising wide receiver corps.
Rd.2 No.54. Anthony Belton, OT, North Carolina State — With great size and agility, Belton is going to compete immediately for the left tackle job. He’s polished, moves well and will likely outplay some of his first round counterparts.
Rd.3 No.87. Savion Williams, WR, TCU — More of a gadget player, Williams is a playmaker with the ball in his hands. He is at his best when designed plays such as end-arounds and bubble screens are called in his direction.
Rd.4 No.124. Barryn Sorrell, ER, Texas — Opinions varied on Sorrell who lacks arm length and bend but compensates with strong hands, plus ‘know-how.’ He’ll likely factor as a stand-up situational pass-rusher.
Rd.5 No.159. Collin Oliver, ER, Oklahoma State — A leg injury limited Oliver who recovered in time for the Senior Bowl. He moonlighted between edge rusher and linebacker in college, the Packers will need to define his role.
Rd.6 No.198. Warren Brinson, DT, Georgia — One of the key rotational players along the defensive line for the Bulldogs, Brinson brings size and versatility. He should add to the depth up front on defense.
Rd.7 No.237. Micah Robinson, CB, Tulane — The speedy cornerback popped onto the Packers radar at pro day and would then host him in for a pre-draft visit. A four-year starter at Furman, Robinson would finish at Tulane.
Rd.7 No.250. John Williams, OL, Cincinnati — An undersized tackle who performed well, Williams enjoyed a stellar week during East-West Shrine Bowl but was snubbed from the combine. He may need to kick inside due to his lack of length.
OVERALL IMPACT = 4 High Impact
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
ROUND | PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL
Rd.1 No.24. Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State — One of the cleanest players in the draft, Jackson supplements an excellent offensive line unit, which should only help the development of quarterback JJ McCarthy.
Rd.3. No.102. Tai Felton, WR, Maryland — Should the potential of Felton come to fruition, McCarthy will have a third amigo to throw to. The Vikings vision is appreciated, although there were more attractive options available.
Rd.5 No.139. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DT, Georgia — A sawed off defensive tackle with excellent agility, Dawkins possesses a high-motor and toughness, flashing the ability to penetrate the backfield.
Rd.6 No.201. Kobe King, LB, Penn State — A downhill thumper who thrives against stuffing the run, King is almost aggressive to a fault and a liability in pass coverage. He’ll need to earn his keep on special teams.
Rd.6 No.202. Gavin Bartholomew, TE, Pittsburgh — A big-bodied tight end who will likely be used as a tight end first, Bartholomew can contribute in spots as a pass-catcher but is a limited athlete.