2024 NFL Draft Grades: NFC North
With the 2024 draft complete, theScore's NFL editors hand out their initial grades for each team's incoming rookies.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Grade: A
Williams is arguably the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck. While Justin Fields probably didn't get a fair shake, taking advantage of this opportunity was an absolute no-brainer. Chicago had already done a phenomenal job of building a strong foundation for its incoming rookie quarterback, and landing Odunze at No. 9 was the cherry on top. Don't overlook the addition of a potential starting left tackle in Amegadjie, either. Using the last of four picks on a punter is an odd move, but it doesn't take away from a franchise-changing draft haul. The Bears are so back.
Grade: A-
Believe it or not, the Lions are quietly becoming one of the league's premier organizations. Detroit entered this draft a few cornerback upgrades away from taking an important step forward on defense. Despite picking late, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell somehow came away with both Arnold and Rakestraw, who ranked as our No. 1 and No. 6 cornerbacks, respectively. Both players should be immediate starters, upgrading one of the few unsettled positions on the roster. Some mid-round weirdness (trading next year's third- and fourth-round picks in moves up for Manu and Vaki) briefly gave us some pause. But then Detroit came back with Wingo, our No. 4-ranked defensive lineman, in the sixth round. The Lions' dream start to the draft could be pivotal for their chances of making good on this Super Bowl window.
Grade: B+
Already a legitimate contender in the NFC, the Packers entered this week with some fairly clear needs to address. Only time will tell how the picks work out long term, but this was a masterful effort in getting everything needed to compete right now. Morgan is a versatile lineman who could contribute either as a tackle or guard at the next level. Cooper steps in as a long-term running mate for Quay Walker, while Bullard is a solid addition for the starting safety spot alongside free-agent addition Xavier McKinney. Lloyd may seem like a luxury pick after the signing of Josh Jacobs, but the Packers will find a role for a player with such impressive playmaking abilities. Green Bay's draft haul may seem unspectacular on paper, but this was yet another strong week from Brian Gutekunst and his staff.
Grade: B+
The Vikings were constantly linked to aggressive trade-up scenarios for quarterbacks, no matter the player. They would've likely only parted with both first-round picks if they were getting one of the top three. Once they were off the board, patience prevailed. Only needing to trade from No. 11 to No. 10 to secure McCarthy is a major win for Minnesota. While the Michigan product was a polarizing prospect, there's no denying his potential at the next level. Keeping the second Day 1 pick allowed the Vikings to capitalize on the early run of offensive players and trade up for our top-ranked edge rusher. Add in a Day 3 value pick in Jackson - a physical presence who addresses a glaring cornerback need - and this haul couldn't have turned out much better. The NFC North will be a fascinating division.