NFC North training camp watch: Biggest surprise, hottest seat, more

With training camps underway, it's time to preview the biggest storylines throughout the NFL. Here's what to watch for in the NFC North:

THE BIGGEST SURPRISE WILL BE... | Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions: After cleaning house in the backfield, the Lions came under fire for selecting a running back 12th overall in April's NFL Draft. However, following a standout career at Alabama, the versatile Gibbs could make an immediate impact for the franchise. 

Even with the value of running backs plummeting seemingly by the day in the NFL, Lions general manager Brad Holmes believes Gibbs is position-less and can't be put in a box, calling him a "weapon." We'll have to wait and see how Gibbs' collegiate 5.6 YPC and 11.8 YPC averages will translate to the NFL level. But, if the Lions plan to use Gibbs like D'Andre Swift – who was targeted 205 times over three seasons – the rookie could be in for a massive role in 2023 and beyond.

HOTTEST SEAT | Joe Barry, DC, Green Bay Packers: Despite having multiple first-round picks at his disposal, Barry's defenses have unperformed. After the addition of linebacker Lukas Van Ness with the 13th overall pick this spring, 2023 will likely be a make-or-break season for the coordinator. Last season, the Packers defense was tied for 17th in points allowed (371) while grading 21st in Pro Football Focus metrics. Without a step forward this year, Green Bay may look for a different voice to lead the unit. 

Ahead of his third season with the Packers, Barry received a vote of confidence from head coach Matt LaFleur. However, if there aren't serious strides made on the defensive side of the ball, it could be his last.

MOST SURPRISING CUT | Velus Jones Jr., WR, Chicago Bears: Jones flashed an ability to impact the game on the ground and through the air last season, finishing with a combined 210 yards while tallying a rushing score and a receiving touchdown in 2022. However, Jones' spot is far from guaranteed in Chicago's now-crowded receivers room. 

While Jones proved game-breaking ability in spurts, he saw most of his time on special teams, fielding 22 kickoffs (27.6 yards per return) and five punts (7.0 yards per return). With DJ Moore, Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool all arguably ahead of Jones on the depth chart, the team may not be able to justify keeping a former third-round pick who played in only 22 percent of offensive snaps a season ago.

THE BIGGEST QUESTION | Is it finally the Lions' time? The last time the Lions won a division title in 1993, they played in what was then called the NFC Central. Now, 30 years later, Detroit has perhaps its best opportunity to break the streak. After posting their first winning campaign since 2017 last season, the Lions are poised to take the next step after making several off-season additions on both sides of the ball.  

The Lions head into 2023 as one of the favorites to win the division, ahead of the Dalvin Cook-less Minnesota Vikings, as well as the Packers and Bears – teams led by young, still-growing quarterbacks. As training camp kicks off, the Lions hold the best odds to win the North (+155), per Oddschecker. 

BIGGEST HEADLINE COMING OUT OF CAMP | Vikings trade DE Danielle Hunter: Entering the final year of his contract with Minnesota, Hunter has already been the topic of trade rumors throughout the offseason. He is due to make $4.9 million in 2023 and a hefty raise after that, so a new deal for the edge-rusher may be too rich for the Vikings – especially if the franchise wants to lock up wideout Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson and Christian Darrisaw long-term. 

Despite the $11.24 million dead cap hit the Vikings would incur with a trade of Hunter, the assets another outfit might offer for the three-time Pro Bowler may be too good to pass up. Furthermore, clubs were calling the Vikings – even after the NFL Draft – inquiring about Hunter's availability, as relayed by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.