NFL insider grades Packers, NFC North rookies after 2023 season

The NFC North was full of young and talented players during the 2023 NFL season. Now, with that season in mind, NFL insider Eric Edholm went back to look at the division’s rookies following one season in the league.

In his breakdown, Edholm looked at both the players selected as well as some of the key rookie free agent signings that each team made. He also listed how many games each pick played and how many of those were starts.

First, he broke down the Detroit Lions, who had eight draft picks, including two first round picks that the Lions used on running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell. On top of that, two second round picks that were used on tight end Sam LaPorta and defensive back Brian Branch. Between those four players, they played in 64 games. Edholm also gave Detroit his top draft grade among NFC North teams, with an A- grade.

The next team that Edholm broke down was the Green Bay Packers, who had 13 selections and a couple of key free agent signings. With their first round pick, the Packers took edge rusher Lukas Van Ness. He played in 17 games and had four sacks. Green Bay also snagged a sleeper in the seventh round with defensive back Carrington Valentine, who started in 12 games and played in all 17. That helped Green Bay earn a B+ grade.

After that, the next NFC North team that Edholm looked at was the Chicago Bears. The Bears had 10 picks and a couple of key rookie free agents in their own right. That included first round pick and offensive lineman Darnell Wright. Most selections after Wright saw good playing time but started infrequently. However, undrafted rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent did earn four starts. All of that led to Chicago getting a B grade for its 2023 NFL Draft.

Finally, the Minnesota Vikings rounded out last year’s NFL Draft for NFC North teams. With only six draft picks, Minnesota had little room for players who didn’t work out and started by taking wide receiver Jordan Addison in the first round. He played every game with 14 starts. However, between the five other drafted players, they only had six starts. At the same time, undrafted rookie Ivan Pace Jr. did earn 11 starts. All of that contributed to Minnesota’s C grade.

These 2023 NFL Draft grades for NFC North teams could change again in the future. After all, it’s only been one year out of each player’s entire career. There is still plenty of time for players to improve or regress from where they’re at now. Still, it’s a good way of looking at how these teams did last season heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.