A new team was crowned the best in the NFC North in 2022 as the Minnesota Vikings dominated their way through the schedule. The Detroit Lions finished the season strong, while the Green Bay Packers finished third and missed the playoffs thanks to a Week 18 meltdown against the Lions. The Bears were the worst team in the NFL and will have the first pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Here are the 2023 NFC North team needs.
Chicago Bears
Team Needs: WR, OL, DL
The Bears are in the perfect spot. They have a franchise-quarterback and hold the #1 overall pick in a QB heavy class. Chicago will likely trade out of the top spot, stockpile on picks, and grab a franchise player like Georgia DT Jalen Carter in the first 10 selections. If they can trade for a star wide receiver or acquire one in free agency, they are in business. Tampa could be trade partners with the Bears as they have receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and could choose to deal one. The Bears could come calling and give up a second-round or third-round pick for one. This could be a great offseason for Bears fans.
Detroit Lions
Team Needs: DT, CB, LB
The Lions had one of the top offenses in 2022 and I don’t see them replacing QB Jared Goff. They have the Rams top-10 pick from the Matthew Stafford trade, and their own draft choice in the first round this year where they can upgrade their struggling defense and go all-in one some of the best prospects on that side of the ball. Getting an established corner like Philadelphia free agent James Bradberry would be a great addition. If they choose to go with an untapped player with big upside, Tampa free agent CB Jamel Dean will be a pricey player but one who could immediately improve their secondary.
Green Bay Packers
Team Needs: TE, LB, EDGE
The Packers could have ample draft picks to plan their future around if they end up dealing QB Aaron Rodgers this offseason and getting high quality picks for him and focusing the future on Jordan Love. If that’s the case, a reload through the draft will be key where some really talented tight ends like Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer can be had, and a couple of great pass rush options could make them legit on defense.
Minnesota Vikings
Team Needs: CB, LB, RB
RB Dalvin Cook could be a salary cap casualty this offseason. I expect Minnesota, whose head coach has an offense-first mindset, to be looking at someone like Texas RB Bijan Robinson in the first round. He could be one of the top backs we’ve seen in recent years. With Brian Flores taking over the defense, expect a bevy of additions on that side of the ball. One big decision will be whether to keep CB Patrick Peterson or to see if they can get younger through the draft, trade, or in free agency.