2024 NFL Mock Draft: 1 premier first-round selection for each NFC North team

As the thrill of the NFL Draft approaches, the NFC North division is filled with anticipation and excitement. The draft is where dynasties are forged, fanbases are won, and it's one of the most inclusively exciting days of the year. While it is still many months away, and all sorts of developments and changes will arise before the magical day, it's never too early to start preparing. 

Every team, from the Bears to the Packers, the Lions, and the Vikings, are strategizing for the future, identifying potential star players and filling gaps in their rosters. Now it's our next division in our speculative 2024 Midseason Mock Draft for the NFC North. In today’s article, we will shine light on each team's potential picks and their impact on future performances.

We got a lot of action and trades going down in this mock draft. The Bears start with the No. 2 and No. 3 picks but trade the 3rd selection to the Cardinals for the 15th, 33rd and 80th overall picks. Chicago then pulls off a couple more savvy trade downs to secure plenty of Day 2 capital. It's rebuilding time in Chicago, and the Bears are not going lightly into the 2024 season. 

The Packers hold the No. 7 overall pick, the Vikings have No. 18, and the Lions, at 6-2, will draft at No. 29 as of this writing. These picks are based on the Week 10 NFL Draft order, but all trades were simulation proposals, not initiated offers. So, without delay, let's get to it… it’s time for our creative mock draft exercise.

The Bears' first pick at No. 2 overall in our 2024 NFC North Midseason Mock Draft is Marvin Harrison Jr, the exceptional wide receiver from Ohio State. With his impressive track record, Harrison provides the firepower the Bears need to support their quarterback, Justin Fields.

The Buckeye wideout is a standout prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft. His father, Marvin Harrison Sr., is a Hall-of-Famer, and Jr. has inherited his talent. He has been showing off his skill on the field and making quite a name for himself. 

With his size and speed, MHJ is a nightmare for opposing defenders. His ability to catch the ball and his knack for making big plays when it matters most has been acknowledged. Harrison Jr. is 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, making him the ideal size for a WR1. His precision and calculated approach to the game are evident through his hands and footwork, plus his contested catch percentage of 60.0 percent last season was impressive. 

Also, he led all wide receivers in the FBS with 36 explosive plays. His stat sheet in 2022 was impressive, with 77 catches, 1,263 yards, and 14 touchdowns. However, he wasn't satisfied and said to watch his 2023 season for a better all-around showing. And nine games in, he has the Buckeyes ranked No. 1 in the country with 52 catches, 904 yards, and 10 touchdowns. Marvin Harrison Jr. is the complete package and one of the top receivers in recent college football history.

There was a lot of debate about the quarterback situation in Chicago. Still, this draft is deep enough, and the Bears have the draft capital to select the top wide receiver prospect of a generation and stand by the capable Fields while drafting a contingency plan later on. 

With the No. 7 pick in the NFC North Midseason Mock Draft, the Packers select Olumuyiwa Fashanu, offensive tackle from Penn State. Fashanu is renowned for his blocking skills, offering the Packers a formidable barrier to protect quarterback Jordan Love.

Protection is a need for the Packers, and Fashanu is arguably the best offensive lineman in the draft. If not for the Bears trading out of their No. 3 pick, Fashanu would have gone sooner. The Packers get a steal and an o-line anchor for years to come. 

A redshirt junior, Fashanu is already a highly-skilled, unshakeable player with an intuitive understanding of the game. His powerful inside hand, independent punches, and capacity to recognize stunts display his impressive composure and control. Even though he is already a fourth-year player, Fashanu is still only 20 years old and will be 21 during his rookie season. His youthfulness notwithstanding, he already displays the talent of a top-notch NFL prospect.

Fashanu possesses a tall, sturdy frame with fantastic length and an overall well-proportioned physique. He has strong agility and quickness in a limited range and the power to stop rushers in their tracks and can easily drive them away. He can easily reset and re-establish himself to maximize his force. His torso flexibility allows him to absorb the initial impact of contact. Incredibly balanced and well-leveraged in pass protection, with an excellent feel for the game.

In addition to his polished technique, Fashanu has the high-end physical tools of a first-rate tackle. At 6-foot-6 and weighing 321 pounds, he has exceptional length, strength, power, and ability to take on high-impact rushes. Olu Fashanu is a blue-chip tackle prospect who will be a highly sought-after commodity in the upcoming April draft.

While there is no singular statistic to measure a lineman's impact, Fashanu will easily add 25-50 yards of rushing productivity and more time for Jordan Love to operate in the pocket. Thus, decreasing his pressure and increasing his effectiveness. 

The Vikings select Michael Penix Jr., quarterback from Washington, with the 18th overall pick. Penix could be the key to revitalizing the Vikings' offense with his impressive passing skills and high football IQ as they likely move on from Kirk Cousins.

In 2019, Penix had a breakout season at Indiana but was hampered by injuries and inconsistencies. He then moved to Washington, where he became a star again, tallying 4,641 yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions with a 65.3 percent completion rate. Penix is an accurate, smart thrower with a good touch on his passes and trusts his receivers in contested coverage. The downside is his lack of physical traits, which makes it difficult for him to throw into tight windows. Furthermore, since he is not much of a runner, he must be dominant from the pocket to be a successful NFL starter.

The Vikings’ offensive system is customizable for Penix Jr. He will thrive in the fast-paced, big-weapon style. With Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at receiver and Hockenson at tight end, just a little more protection is all Penix will need to look like 2024's C.J. Stroud.

The Lions' first pick of the 2024 Midseason Mock Draft, at 29th overall, is J.J. McCarthy, quarterback from Michigan. McCarthy's passing skills and leadership ability make him a strong contender for the Lions' quarterback position.

Detroit has Jared Goff, and he is performing exceptionally well. That allows McCarthy a season or two to develop and mature at the NFL level under intense scrutiny and pressure. Additionally, the Lions will have a fantastic offensive line when he steps into the starting role, along with an impressive arsenal of weapons. Much like the last few draft classes, this is an all-around win for general manager Brad Holmes. 

McCarthy is a force to be reckoned with. His performances have led the Wolverines to a Big Ten Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoffs. McCarthy's precision, poise under pressure, and ability to change the game's dynamics have earned him a special place in the hearts of many fans.

J.J. McCarthy's scouting report highlights his strengths, including a whip-like arm that can fit throws into tight coverage, a crisp release, and the athleticism to bend and accelerate out of would-be sacks. He possesses good aerial accuracy and can layer velocity and touch on throws to hit receivers in stride. He also can look off safeties and work high-to-low on progressions. Additionally, he has good competitive toughness as a runner and is willing to finish forward.

With McCarthy leading the offense and superstar pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson holding down the defense, the Lions will have a duo of Wolverines to chase that elusive Super Bowl. 

It was an exciting first round that broke well for the NFC North teams. Stay tuned for Day 2 of the mock draft, when the Bears turn their No. 3 overall pick into five much-needed players in Rounds 2 and 3.