The NFC North made some interesting moves within the division during the NFL Draft as the Minnesota Vikings traded not only with the Detroit Lions, but also the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings moved back on both occasions to allow their divisional rivals nab receiving prospects Jameson Williams and Christian Watson. Will the Vikings regret dealing down? Find out in our SEC Football Draft recap.
Recapping the NFC North’s SEC Football picks from the 2022 NFL Draft
Detroit Lions
- Round 1 Pick 12: Alabama WR Jameson Williams
- Round 2 Pick 46: Kentucky DE Josh Paschal
The Detroit Lions were aggressive in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Lions wanted to add another premier playmaker to their offense, so they traded up with their division-rival Minnesota Vikings to add the speedster Jameson Williams. Williams will open up the Lions offense in a big way. The Lions were not done adding firepower to their defensive line. They drafted Josh Paschal out of Kentucky to develop into Aidan Hutchinson’s long-term running mate at defensive end.
Green Bay Packers
- Round 1 Pick 22: Georgia LB Quay Walker
- Round 1 Pick 28: Georgia DT Devonte Wyatt
- Round 5 Pick 179: South Carolina DE Kingsley Enagbare
The Green Bay Packers had two 1st round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft and chose to stay in the SEC for both of their selections. Quay Walker was a name that was on fire as we got closer to the draft. Walker coming off the board as early as he did may have been a surprise to some, but not those in draft inner circles. Devonte Wyatt is an older prospect but should immediately slide in with day one impact for the Packers. Kingsley Enagbare needs some work to refine his pass-rushing arsenal, but could develop into a starter in due time.
Minnesota Vikings
- Round 1 Pick 32: Georgia S Lewis Cine
- Round 2 Pick 59: LSU IOL Ed Ingram
- Round 4 Pick 118: Missouri CB Akayleb Evans
- Round 7 Pick 227: South Carolina TE Nick Muse
The Minnesota Vikings traded back and selected Georgia S Lewis Cine with the final pick in the 1st round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Cine should be a day one starter and makes for an ideal complement to Harrison Smith. Ed Ingram is a plug-and-play offensive guard and should start sooner before later. Akayleb Evans is a physical talent but will take some time to adjust to the NFL game. Nick Muse is nothing more than a special teams flier.
Chicago Bears
- Round 3 Pick 71: Tennessee WR Velus Jones Jr.
The Chicago Bears were short on draft capital since they spent their 2023 1st round pick to move up a year ago for Justin Fields. The Bears waited before any play makers to this offense. They did draft Velus Jones Jr. out of Tennessee. Jones Jr. is more of an ‘offensive weapon’ than traditional WR. The Bears fell in love with Velus Jones Jr. and his explosiveness, so look for them to utilize him in a number of ways.