Four NFC North players who will make the biggest leap in 2023

The NFC North could potentially be one of the more entertaining divisions in the NFL this season. 

The defending division champion Minnesota Vikings look to retain their title while the upstart Detroit Lions loom. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers begin a new era under center, and the Chicago Bears hope to take a positive step forward with their own young signal-caller. 

Ultimately, the players will tell the story of the four clubs, so let's look at one from each team primed to take a giant leap in 2023. 

Minnesota Vikings 

T.J. Hockenson, tight end: The two-time Pro Bowler is set up nicely for a more prominent role in Minnesota's offense this season. Hockenson saw his target share rise significantly after a mid-season trade from the Detroit Lions last year, a trend likely to continue and lead to even more production in his first full season with Minnesota. 

Hockenson averaged nearly three more targets (8.6) per game with the Vikings last season, up from 6.1 with the Lions. With the departure of wideout Adam Thielen in free agency, 107 targets have opened up in the Minnesota offense. Hockenson recorded 86 receptions for 914 yards and six touchdowns with the Lions and Vikings, finishing with 129 targets, trailing only Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce (152) for the NFL lead among tight ends. Hockenson is poised to eclipse those numbers in 2023 as the clear number two option for quarterback Kirk Cousins behind star receiver Justin Jefferson. 

Detroit Lions

Jameson Williams, wide receiver: Williams played sparingly during his rookie campaign in 2022 after missing the first 11 weeks of the season recovering from a torn ACL. However, once healthy, the former first-round pick showed flashes of his dynamic, game-breaking abilities. 

Despite playing in a measly 19 percent of Detroit's offensive snaps, Williams took full advantage of his opportunities, turning his only two touches (one catch, one carry) into a combined 81 yards and a touchdown. A six-game suspension for violating the NFL's gambling policy puts a damper on Williams' sophomore campaign. Still, Williams should have no problem carving out a spot in the Lions' offense upon his return. With blazing speed and versatility, many, including teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown, believe the "sky is the limit" for Williams. 

Green Bay Packers 

Jordan Love, quarterback: After patiently waiting his turn behind Aaron Rodgers, Love is finally the guy in Green Bay. The 24-year-old already has the demeanor of a veteran, and despite having started only one professional game, Loves said he's "improved drastically" entering his third NFL season. 

Filling the shoes of a Hall of Famer is a tall task for anyone, but running back Aaron Jones recently confirmed that Love has the backing of the locker room, saying when the quarterback talks, "everybody listens." 

Seeing action in four games last season, Love showed a tiny glimpse of his potential, completing 66.7 percent of his passes (14-of-21) for 195 yards and a touchdown. However, Dan Orlovsky of ESPN believes the small sample size is only the beginning for Love. Shortly after Green Bay traded Rodgers to the New York Jets, Orlovsky said he thought the Packers' offense would look "more explosive" with Love under center in 2023.

Chicago Bears 

Justin Fields, quarterback: Fields made massive strides last season, dazzling with his arm and legs. However, the dual-threat passer could be on the cusp of a breakout campaign in 2023, thanks to offseason investments made by the Bears into their franchise QB. 

With little help last season, Fields improved in nearly every category compared to his rookie season, completing 60 percent of his passes while rushing for a remarkable 1,143 yards. Fields will have more weapons this season with the addition of a legit No. 1 receiver in D.J. Moore, acquired in a trade with the Carolina Panthers, along with depth signings in running back D'Onta Foreman and veteran tight end Robert Tonyan. Meanwhile, the Bears also selected former Tennessee standout Darnell Wright to solidify the offensive line.