The NFC North has long been regarded as a weak division that poses no threat to the rest of the league. That has changed considerably, with the Detroit Lions emerging as one of the preseason favorites to win the NFC championship, the Packers looking like a playoff club, and the Bears expected to be the league’s most improved squad. However, the Minnesota Vikings remain a massive question mark.
The Bears were the biggest story of the draft, and their selections of Caleb Williams with the first pick and Rome Odunze with the ninth choice are anticipated to help the Chicago offense reach new heights this season.
The Bears are expecting Williams to do for their offense what C.J. Stroud did for the Houston Texans last year. That may be a lot to ask because Stroud was one of the most productive quarterbacks in the league – and not just a good rookie. Williams clearly has all the tools that a quarterback must have to be successful – accuracy, arm strength, escapability and the ability to read defenses – but he must show he can handle the pressure of being the man in the Chicago offense.
While the pressure on Williams will be intense, Odunze should be able to function at a high level without having to carry the team. The Bears already had a top receiver in D.J. Moore and they also added star wideout Keenan Allen through free agency. Cole Kmet is a solid tight end, and that should give Williams a plethora of outstanding pass catchers. Odunze will certainly get his share of passes thrown his way, but he won’t have to be the team’s go-to playmaker.
The Lions moved to the top of the division last year and most of their strength resulted from sharp building through the draft. Detroit appeared to have another excellent draft this year, as they selected a pair of cornerbacks with their first two picks in Terrion Arnold of Alabama and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. of Missouri.
The Lions traded up to the No. 24 spot to get Arnold, and he should be able to work his way into the starting lineup. He has the kind of Dan Campbell make up as he is extremely competitive and takes any attempt by opposing quarterbacks to throw to the receiver he is covering personally.
Rakestraw has 4.51 speed in the 40, but he is a very physical cover man who will punish opposing receivers with his jam. He has a great ball punch that will allow him to knock the football loose from the receiver. On the negative side, he may not have the catch-up speed to stay with double moves.
