NFL Draft 2024 needs for Bears, Lions, Packers, and Vikings in NFC North, plus pick breakdown

We are officially one week away from the 2024 NFL Draft.

Which makes today the perfect day to spin around the NFC North.

Why? Because a week from tonight Roger Goodell will officially declare the 2024 NFL Draft underway. In Detroit. And the first time on the clock? The Chicago Bears.

And a team that might rock the first round with a stunning trade up the board? The Minnesota Vikings.

It is almost like we planned this ...

Detroit Lions

• CB
• S
• EDGE
• WR
• OL

Last season the Detroit Lions shocked the NFL world, advancing to the NFC Championship Game where they lost on the road to the San Francisco 49ers.

Just what do they need to get over that last hurdle?

Cornerback is again a need, particularly in the wake of the team releasing Cam Sutton after a warrant was issued for his arrest for domestic battery. They also need to add depth at a number of positions, from pass rusher and safety on the defensive side of the football to wide receiver and offensive line. While the Lions returned the bulk of their offensive line — and added Kevin Zeitler at right guard — backup options would be a wise investment.

Detroit Lions draft selections

• Round 1, Selection 29 (Pick No. 2 overall)
• Round 2, Selection 29 (Pick No. 61 overall)
• Round 3, Selection 9 (Pick No. 73 overall)
• Round 5, Selection 29 (Pick No. 164 overall)
• Round 6, Selection 25 (Pick No. 201 overall)
• Round 6, Selection 29 (Pick No. 205 overall)
• Round 7, Selection 29 (Pick No. 249 overall)

Chicago Bears

• QB
• WR
• OL
• EDGE
• DT

We can look at the Chicago Bears a few different ways.

First off, the Bears do not have a ton of draft capital at their disposal, as they currently hold just four picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. Which might be okay, given the fact they addressed a number of needs already in free agency, adding players like Kevin Byard, D’Andre Swift, Gerald Everett, and Keenan Allen. The Bears also re-signed some key players, such as cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

But there are glaring needs, starting with quarterback. Followed by adding another pass catcher for that QB to target in the passing game.

Thankfully, two of their four selections are inside the top ten, so Chicago should be able to address those needs early. Later in the draft look for the Bears to add some depth in the trenches.

Chicago Bears draft selections

• Round 1, Selection 1 (Pick No. 1 overall)
• Round 1, Selection 9 (Pick No. 9 overall)
• Round 3, Selection 11 (Pick No. 75 overall)
• Round 4, Selection 22 (Pick No. 122 overall)

Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images

Green Bay Packers

• OT
• LB
• CB
• DT

One of the most pressing needs in Green Bay was safety, but the organization addressed that need with the addition of Xavier McKinney, who might fit perfectly in the defense we expect to see under new DC Jeff Hafley. Expect Green Bay to perhaps add a safety later in the draft for additional depth. As the Packers build their new defense under Hafley, linebacker and cornerback are some other needs.

The release of David Bakhtiari means tackle becomes a more pressing issue on offense. Jordan Morgan, Amarius Mims, and Tyler Guyton have been popular picks for the Packers in mock drafts.

Thankfully, the Packers have a ton of draft capital at their disposal.

Green Bay Packers draft selections

• Round 1, Selection 25 (Pick No. 25 overall)
• Round 2, Selection 9 (Pick No. 41 overall)
• Round 2, Selection 26 (Pick No. 58 overall)
• Round 3, Selection 24 (Pick No. 88 overall)
• Round 3, Selection 27 (Pick No. 91 overall)
• Round 4, Selection 26 (Pick No. 126 overall)
• Round 5, Selection 34 (Pick No. 169 overall)
• Round 6, Selection 26 (Pick No. 202 overall)
• Round 6, Selection 43 (Pick No. 219 overall)
• Round 7, Selection 25 (Pick No. 245 overall)
• Round 7, Selection 35 (Pick No. 255)

Minnesota Vikings

• QB
• EDGE
• IOL
• DT
• WR

The most pressing need for the Vikings? Quarterback. Yes the team added Sam Darnold to the roster this offseason, but with Kirk Cousins now in Atlanta — and questions surfacing about how deep the 2025 crop of passers will be — this might be the year for Minnesota to add a QB at the top of the draft.

The Vikings have been rumored to make an aggressive move towards the top of the board for one of the top quarterbacks, but they do have other needs. They added Jonathan Grennard in free agency, but another pass rusher is an option for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

Additions to the trenches on both sides of the ball would be wise, and then there is the wide receiver room. With Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson the Vikings have a tremendous WR tandem, but another option at receiver makes sense.

Especially when you consider Jefferson is a free agent in 2025.

Minnesota Vikings draft selections

• Round 1, Selection 11 (Pick No. 11 overall)
• Round 1, Selection 23 (Pick No. 23 overall)
• Round 4, Selection 8 (Pick No. 108 overall)
• Round 4, Selection 29 (Pick No. 129 overall)
• Round 5, Selection 22 (Pick No. 157 overall)
• Round 5, Selection 32 (Pick No. 167 overall)
• Round 6, Selection 1 (Pick No. 177 overall)
• Round 7, Selection 10 (Pick No. 230 overall)
• Round 7, Selection 12 (Pick No. 232 overall)