The NFC North offers a variety of outcomes for the 2026 NFL season, as each team contends with notable uncertainties that could affect their overall performance. With no definitive leader emerging within the division, every franchise maintains the opportunity to establish itself as a contender in the NFC. Success will depend on how well they addressed key needs through strategic acquisitions, including selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
When reviewing the draft classes of the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, it's clear that several rookies selected outside the first round could still become major contributors. NFL Mocks identifies four players who could emerge as X-factors and give NFC North rivals plenty to worry about.
NFC North teams found value beyond the first round
Chicago Bears: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford (No. 69 overall)
The Bears added another tight end talent who fits Ben Johnson’s system with the selection of Sam Roush with the 69th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This was a bit of a surprise given the team already has second-year tight end Colston Loveland and veteran tight end Cole Kmet in the mix, but could this be a reason for the Bears to move on from Kmet?
In Roush, the Bears at the very least get a depth tight end behind Loveland and Kmet who could play a role in the heavy-personnel packages Johnson loves to run. As an elite in-line blocker, Roush also possesses the athleticism to create yards after the catch. He also has great speed for a tight end running a 40-time of 4.70 seconds at the NFL Combine. If his development continues, the Bears may have another complete tight end capable of making the same type of impact Tucker Kraft and Sam LaPorta have made within the division.
If Roush elevates his ceiling, the Kmet era in Chicago will come to an end and NFC North rivals will have to deal with the duo of Loveland and Roush for years to come. That will make Caleb Williams that more effective as a quarterback.
Detroit Lions: Derrick Moore, ED, Michigan (No. 44 overall)
The Lions took care of two top needs with the first two picks of the 2026 NFL Draft. With their first selection, they addressed the offensive line by drafting Blake Miller. With the first pick on Day 2, they selected Derrick Moore out of the University of Michigan.
While Miller takes care of an immediate need along the offensive line, Moore is the player who has the chance to make more of an impact. As a rotational pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, the three-time All-Big Ten selection has the tools to emerge as a foundational piece for the Lions going forward. In leading the Wolverines with 10.0 sacks in 2025, Moore showcased an elite bull rush in utilizing his size, arm length, blend of power and speed in pursuit to the QB. With Hutchinson on the other side, Moore has the upside to be a disruptive force for opposing quarterbacks in the NFC North for the next decade.
Green Bay Packers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina (No. 52 overall)
The Packers didn’t have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft due to the Micah Parsons trade but used their top pick to address an immediate need at cornerback with the selection of Brandon Cisse out of the University of South Carolina.
Although Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine are the projected starters going into training camp, Cisse has the speed, athleticism and overall skillset to compete for reps and eventually take over one of the starting roles. With his press-man ability and physicality when covering receivers, Cisse is a player who still has room for growth which is scary given his high production at the position while at South Carolina. If Cisse comes into his own and finds his niche quickly, he will be a problem in the NFC North and give the Packers the shutdown corner corner they have been searching for.
Minnesota Vikings: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State (No. 82 overall)
The Vikings moved on from veteran defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in the offseason which presents the challenge of revamping the interior of the defensive line with youth and production. They jumpstarted that effort in the 2026 NFL Draft by double dipping at the position, selecting Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick and Domonique Orange with the 82nd overall pick. All eyes will be on Banks, but the rookie NFC North rivals should really be watching is Orange, a 322-pound rookie out of Iowa State who is known as a run stopping machine.
After moving on from both Allen and Hargrave, the Vikings are putting a ton of expectations on Banks, who has the talent to be a stud in the NFL, but they really need Orange to step up into that role as well. If Banks and Orange develop into a younger, cheaper version of what Allen and Hargrave provided, Minnesota's defensive front could remain one of the NFL's most physical units.
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