GREEN BAY, Wis. — The NFC North arms race continued Thursday as the Packers selected a wide receiver in the first round of the draft for the first time since 2002. They’re hoping Texas’ Matthew Golden, whom they picked 23rd, will help quarterback Jordan Love keep up in what could be the highest-scoring division in the NFL this coming season.
The Lions led the league with 33.2 points per game last season, the Packers were eighth at 27.1, and the Vikings were one spot behind them at 25.4. The Bears were way behind at 28th but hope to ignite their offense in quarterback Caleb Williams’ second season with the arrival of new coach Ben Johnson and a revamped offensive line.
The predominantly pro-Packers crowd went wild over the selection of Golden — team president Mark Murphy laughed knowingly as he announced it — and roared when he came out on stage.
The Vikings followed at No. 24 by doing what they usually do: invest premium resources in their offensive line. They chose Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson. Assuming he starts at left guard this season, the Vikings’ projected starting five on the O-line will be entirely first- or second-round picks and high-priced free agents.
Stability up front will be vital for the Vikings as they make a transition at quarterback. After Sam Darnold left in free agency for a huge contract with the Seahawks, their plan is to play J.J. McCarthy. The La Grange Park native was the No. 10 pick out of Michigan last year and became the first quarterback drafted in the first round to miss his entire rookie season because of injury after he underwent knee surgery in August.
The Lions were the only NFC North team to address defense with their first-round pick, taking Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams at No. 28. Many projected Williams as a second-rounder, but it’s hard to question Lions general manager Brad Holmes, given his exceptional track record in the draft.
In the second round, the Bears have the Nos. 39 and 41 picks. The Packers are at No. 54, and the Lions choose 60th. The Vikings don’t have a second-round pick because of a trade last year with the Texans.
Sanders’ slide
One of the bigger surprises Thursday was that no one drafted Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, widely thought to be the best at the position after No. 1 pick Cam Ward. He’s available for the quarterback-needy Browns with the first pick Friday at No. 33 overall.
Not only was Sanders bypassed in the first round, but Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart went ahead of him. The Giants, who signed veteran QB Russell Wilson last month, traded up with the Texans to take Dart 25th.
Giants coach Brian Daboll clarified that Wilson will be his starter when organized team activities begin.
McMichael tribute
Former Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael was “an extraordinary guy,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Thursday, one day after McMichael’s death at 67.
McMichael, who was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in August, died four years after being diagnosed with ALS.
“I enjoyed every moment I was with him,” Goodell said in an interview with ESPN before the draft began. “I’m really sorry [for] his family. We’re all going to miss him, and I know they are the most. He left his mark on football in general — not just the Bears, but football.
“I’m glad he got to be in the Hall of Fame while he was alive to see that. I know it was an important moment for him, and it should be.”
Goodell again offered condolences to McMichael’s family just before announcing the Bears’ pick at No. 10.
Schedule coming soon
The Bears will get the details on Johnson’s debut as coach next month. The NFL announced Thursday it will release the schedule for the 2025 season on May 14.
Contributing: Patrick Finley