2025 NFC North NFL Draft recap | Pick-by-pick, trades, analysis
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The NFC North's NFL Draft recap featured a number of talented lpass catchers entering the division.
The 2025 NFC North NFL Draft recap reinforced why this division has been one of the best over the last two seasons. Could the Lions keep the top spot with the Vikings, Packers and Bears breathing down its throat?
Bear Claws
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles continues to stay aggressive. Poles gave up draft picks in trades for interior offensive linemen Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. Chicago also signed former Atlanta center Drew Dalman in free agency. They were not done.
In this year’s draft, they selected a receiver who was projected to be a Top 10 selection over a year ago. In preparation for a possible departure at the tackle spot, they got a 6-foot-7-inch potential replacement. And if that wasn’t enough, they also secured the services of a defensive tackle whose best season came in 2023.
Pack Attack
In 2024, Green Bay had three wide outs with 600 yards receiving, a 400-yard plus (415) receiver and a tight end with 700 yards.
And they drafted a receiver in the first round with 4.29 speed. Plus, they snagged another 222-pounder with multi-dimensional skills and 4.4 speed.
Skol Vikings
The fans should be screaming over a first-round pick who can play any of three different positions on the offensive line. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had a plan and stuck to it.
In the process, the team traded around yet still added one of the most athletic defensive tackles in the draft. Each of the team’s two sixth-round picks started for multiple years in college.
Lions Den
The Lions and general manager Brad Holmes continued its theme of adding to the trenches. During his tenure, they’ve selected at least one offensive lineman and one defensive lineman in each draft. 2025 marked the third time in five years Detroit has chosen two defensive linemen. And they’ve drafted at least two offensive linemen in each of the last two drafts.
We go into all of the team’s selections in our 2025 NFC North NFL Draft recap.
| 2025 NFC North NFL Draft recap | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | |||||
| Rd, Selection | Player Selection | Position- School | Nasty’ Take | Value (1-5) | Trades |
| 1 (30) | Tyleik Williams  | 6’3 334 DT-Ohio State | Few defenders had the impact that Williams had for the Buckeyes back in 2023. During that season, he registered three sacks and 10 tackles for losses. All told, he posted 11.5 QB sacks in school to go along with 27 TFLs. For good measure, the Buckeyes “block destroyer” broke up 10 passes in school. He fights duo blocks effectively and possesses quickness laterally going either right or left. | 4.5 | |
| 2 (57) | Tate Ratledge | 6’6 1/2” 308 OG-Georgia | At 6-foot-6, Ratledge contains excellent lateral agility. In fact, he posted the fastest three-cone drill of all the interior OL at the NFL Combine. He flips his hips to shield defenders away from the action on scoop blocks. Comes to balance vs. LBs on the 2nd level. There has been the occasional mental lapse vs. multiple looks (Vandy ’23), but he mirrors well and passes off stunts consistently. | 4.5 | The Lions traded a a 2025 second-round pick (60th overall) and a 2025 fourth-round pick (130th overall) to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick (57th overall-Ratledge) and a 2025 seventh-round pick (230th overall-Jackson). |
| 3 (70) | Isaac TeSlaa | 6’4 214 WR-Arkansas, Hillsdale | TeSlaa grew up a Detroit Lions fan and will get a chance to play in the same state he started his collegiate career. His combine performance was elite but the Lions took a gamble with a receiver who averaged just 10.3 yards per catch in 2023. TeSlaa broke out with two 100-yard receiving games this past season. | 4 | The Lions traded a 2025 third-round pick (102nd overall), a 2026 third-round pick, a 2026 third-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a a 2025 third-round pick (70th overall-TeSlaa), a 2025 sixth-round pick (182nd overall) and a 2026 sixth-round pick. |
| 5 (171) | Miles Frazier | 6’6 317 OL-LSU | It is not without question that Frazier can even play some tackle. He fared OK at the position in the postseason. His mobility has continued to improve; as has his hand placement. A prospect who has gotten better since 2023. The Lions like OL who can fill multiple roles and Frazier certainly fits the bill. | 4.25 | The Lions traded a 2025 sixth-round pick (182nd overall) and 2025 seventh-round pick (228th overall) to the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick (171st overall-Frazier). |
| 6 (185) | Ahmad Hassanein | 6’2 267 DE-Boise State | Hassanein contains the ability to dominate TEs on the edge and fights with strain against OTs. He needs to set up his pass rush counters with more savvy. The former Boise State product has flashed a roll move to accompany an inside club. Keeping his pad level down will help with his speed-to-power bull rushes. Over the last two seasons, he produced 22 QB sacks and 32 TFLs. | 4.25 | |
| 7 (230) | Dan Jackson | 6’2 210 S-Georgia | Jackson’s smooth nature was exemplified throughout the last two seasons in the Bulldogs secondary playing alongside Malaki Starks. He disguises coverage, plays special teams and has superb instincts matching routes. A solid depth addition for the Lions secondary. | 4.25 | |
| 7 (244) | Dominic Lovett  | 5’10 185 WR-Georgia, Missouri | Even at Missouri in 2022, Lovett was used as a slot option first-and-foremost. That theme largely continued at Georgia, where he never recorded a 100-yard receiving game. He was a solid third down this past season. Can he return punts or contribute in kick coverage? One career tackle. | 4 | |
| Notable UDFA signing: | Caden Prieskorn | 6’6 246 TE-Ole Miss, Memphis | Prieskorn’s potential was highlighted during the 2022 campaign. One of QB Seth Henigan’s top targets, he produced seven TD receptions. He finished the 2023 campaign with a career-high 10 receptions for 123 yards and two scores vs. Penn State in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. | 4.25 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.25 | ||||
| Green Bay Packers | |||||
| Selection | Player Selection | Position- School | Notes | Value (1-5) | Trades |
| 1 (23) |  | 5’11 191 WR-RET/Texas, Houston | Golden’s meteoric rise revolved around more than his 4.25 speed at the 2025 NFL Combine. He had a litany of one-hand dynamic catches versus man coverage in 2024 (see TD, VU ’24). One thing that wasn’t discussed nearly enough regarding his skill-set is the ability to return kicks. He averaged almost 36 yards per kick return at Houston in 2023 (2 TDs). Can he establish himself as a true WR1 in the NFL? | 4.25 | |
| 2 (54) | Anthony Belton | 6’6 336 OT-NC State | The Packers could use Belton in a number of different facets. He provides a solid option initially as a sixth offensive lineman but could very well be in a competition with incumbent Sean Rhyan at the RG spot. His heavy-handed nature may would up getting him reps at the RT spot. Zach Tom’s positional versatility gives the team firepower to put out their five best offensive linemen. | 4.5 | |
| 3 (87) | Savion Williams | 6’4 222 WR-TCU | Williams needed to be picked by an offensive coordinator with a creative mind. He has been used in a number of ways. The Red Zone skills of Williams were overlooked as a result. His ability to adjust to passes thrown away from his body was on full display this past season versus UCF. | 4.5 | |
| 4 (124) | Barryn Sorrell | 6’4 251 OLB-Texas | Sorrell is a hard-working edge rusher who plays with the necessary intensity to compete for playing time in a now depth-filled Packers defensive front seven. Sorrell’s productivity spanned over a three-year period that saw him post 15.5 QB sacks and 24.5 TFLs. Can he counter once his initial upfield charge has been stopped? | 4.25 | |
| 5 (153) | Collin Oliver | 6’2 240 OLB-Oklahoma State | Oliver was largely ignored when it came time to talk about the 240-pound pass rush options in this draft. However, that’s largely because he only played in two games this season. With 4.5 speed, his 21.5 sacks through three seasons exemplify his pass rush acumen. | 4 | |
| 6 (198) | Warren Brinson (click name)  | 6’5 315 OL-Georgia | Brinson never developed into a game-wrecker at Georgia but that is not a knock on his upside. He could work into the rotation at the defensive tackle spot due to his two-gapping potential at 315 pounds. At 6-foot-5, how will he hold up at the one-technique spot versus double teams? | 4 | |
| 7 (237) | Micah Robinson | 6’0 184 CB-Tulane, Furman | Robinson’s skill at reading the three-step passing game from off coverage was on full display versus Charlotte in 2024. The Georgia product turned in a top-end starter for a Furman defense that led FCS football in turnovers produced in 2023. | 4 | |
| 7 (250) | John Williams | 6’4 322 OT-Cincinnati | Williams was consistent for Cincinnati in the Big 12 the last two seasons. Possessing enormous 11” hands, hand placement has been an issue. Problems arise getting attached versus defenders who get skinny off the edge (QB sack allowed, East-West Shrine ’25). With that said, his ability to slide with a wide base could get him repetitions at the guard spot. | 4 | |
| Notable UDFA signing: | Johnathan Baldwin | 6’0 190 SS-UNLV | The Houston native did it all for an 11-win UNLV team in 2024. His ability to come down effectively to tackle in the alleys was evident versus Kansas in 2024. He was effective as a blitzer, made plays on the ball and generally played a variety of roles in the Rebels defensive packages. | 4.5 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.22 | ||||
| Minnesota Vikings | |||||
| 1 (24) | Donovan Jackson | 6’4 315 OL-Ohio State | Jackson’s power and ability to pull were evident even after the team moved him to LT in place of the injured Josh Simmons (see CFP Semifinal ’24). That ability to pull has gone back as far as 2022 (1st QTR/10:54, Rutgers ’22; 1st QTR, Penn State ’22). In matchups versus Mason Graham (Michigan ’23), Jackson more than held his own. Penalties were an issue during the 2022 campaign. | 5 | |
| 3 (102) | Tai Felton | 6’1 183 WR-Maryland | Felton is one of those players whose play speed mirrors what was seen in T-shirts and shorts. The savvy that he flashed this past season at WR was largely a result of the tutelage he received from WRs coach Gunter Brewer. His playing style and flexibility fits the room in Minnesota. | 4 | The Vikings traded a 2025 third-round pick (97th overall) and a 2025 sixth-round pick (187th overall-Reed) to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick (102nd overall-Felton) and a 2025 fifth-round pick (142nd overall). |
| 5 (139) | Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins | 6’5 276 DL-Georgia | Ingram-Dawkins’ workout numbers may not even match the upside. Capable of playing LDE, DT or RDE, he can become a factor stunting in the Vikings use of multiple blitz packages. | 4.25 | |
| 6 (201) | Kobe King | 6’1 231 LB-Penn State | Of King’s 97 tackles in 2024, many were of the impactful variety. He’s an excellent blitz option but needs more fluidity in pass coverage. His ability to mirror the action while scraping made him one of this draft class’ better ILB prospects. | 4.5 | The Vikings traded a 2025 fifth-round pick (172nd overall) to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for two 2025 sixth round picks (201st overall-King) and (202nd overall-Bartholomew). |
| 6 (202) from Rams | Gavin Bartholomew | 6’5 246 TE-Pittsburgh | Bartholomew’s TD catch vs. Tennessee in 2022 was a thing of beauty. He catches the pass from Kedon Slovis and leaps over the inside-out pursuit of the safety to take it to the house. He has operated in a pro-style offensive system and should transition well to the NFL. Just two career tackles. Ca he find a role in kick coverage? | 4 | |
| Notable UDFA signing: | Tyler Batty | 6’5 269 DE-BYU | Batty won’t wow with workout testing numbers. But performances like the one he had against UAB in the 2021 Independence Bowl (2.5 QB sacks, 3 TFLs) show off his energetic profile. There is not a slippery nature to his pass rush style, but he’s a solid run defender who can set a strong edge. | 4.5 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.38 | ||||
| Chicago Bears | |||||
| 1 (10) | Colston Loveland | 6’5 249 TE-Michigan | Loveland can stretch the field vertically if need be. His innate ability to find the soft spots in zone coverage served as a security blanket for former QB JJ McCarthy in 2023 (see Ohio State). Possessing a solid feel for the passing game, Loveland still needs work as an insert blocker to get significant playing time in two tight end sets for the Bears. | 4.5 | |
| 2 (39) | Luther Burden III | 6’0 206 WR-Missouri | One of the nation’s top recruits coming out of high school, Burden III delivered for the most part at Missouri. The yards per catch totals were hidden in a scheme that relied on him in the slot. Missouri gave the blueprint on how to use him during his time in Columbia. Can he be a factor on the outside lanes? | 4.25 | |
| 2 (56) | Ozzy Trapilo  | 6’7 318 OT-Boston College | Trapilo works his technique to create a cup for the QB. An outside-in punch from time-to-time causes him to lean forward, but he can recover adequately. Light on his feet, the former Eagle has worked at both tackle spots with efficiency. He’s urgent releasing on screens, something that will be important in the Bears’ offensive scheme. Trapilo contains a number of similarities to Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker. | 4.5 | The Bears traded a 2nd round pick pick (41st overall), a 2025 third-round pick (72nd overall) and a seventh-round pick (240th overall to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a second-round pick (56th overall-Trapilo), a second round pick (62nd overall-Turner) and a 2025 fourth-round pick (109th overall) to the Chicago Bears. |
| 2 (62) | Shemar Turner | 6’3 290 DT-Texas A&M | Did Turner take a step back in 2024? Perhaps, but he put together an All-Star caliber campaign in 2023 (6 sacks, 10.5 TFLs, 2 FFs, 2 blocked kicks). Can he find a rhythm in his play? Will it matter? Turner should be able to find a place in the team’s interior DL rotation. | 4.25 | |
| 4 (132) | Ruben Hyppolite II | 6’0 236 LB-Maryland | Not many players fly around the field with the intensity or foot speed of Hyppolite II. He’s adequate in coverage matching routes. Becoming a more consistent read-and-react downhill player is the next step in his growth. Overall, an immediate four-core special teams player. | 4.25 | The Bears traded the original pick they received from the Bills (4th Rd, 109th overall) to the Chicago Bears in exchange for the Bills fourth-round pick (132nd overall-Hyppolite II) and a 2025 fifth-round pick (169th overall-Zah Frazier). |
| 5 (169) | Zah Frazier | 6’3 186 CB-UTSA | Frazier’s confidence combines with positive movement skills on the perimeter. After a slow start to his Roadrunners career, the first-team All-AAC selection led the conference with six interceptions in 2024. He performed well during the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl. | 4.5 | |
| 6 (195) | Luke Newman (click name) | 6’4 315 OG-Michigan St, Holy Cross | Newman is one of the most intense competitors in the draft. Despite a lack of length, he finds a way to win with angles. This was on display at Holy Cross in a matchup versus Donovan Ezeiruaku. This past season -working at OG for the first time- he more than held his own vs. Iowa’s Yayha Black. | 4.75 | The Bears traded a fifth-round pick (148th overall) to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick (195th overall-Newman) and a 2026 fourth-round pick. |
| 7 (233) | Kyle Monangai  | 5’8 211 RB-Rutgers | Were there truly many more violent runners in the draft? Monangai plays fast with above average vision. A downhill runner with quick feet, can he find playing time in a rotation with DeAndre Swift and Roschon Johnson? Only if he finds a role on special teams in training camp. | 4.25 | |
| Notable UDFA signing: | Major Burns | 6’2 207 S-LSU, Georgia | The film was a mixed bag for Burns during his career. He started as looking like an athletic tackler and special teams cover back in 2022. By 2023, it seemed as if his movement skills were diminished. There is some stiffness in place. The tackling has been hit-or-miss. But the former Georgia Bulldog has enough speed and pop to make an impact on special teams. | 4 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.36 |
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