NFC North Roundtable: Bevy of talent in the division will lead to major breakout stars, including multiple top NFL Draft picks
The NFC North is arguably the most talented division in the National Football League. That pairs with it being the toughest division in the league, which is really an impressive duo. When you look at the rosters of all four teams in the division, there are some really impressive players at the top, but there […]
The NFC North is arguably the most talented division in the National Football League. That pairs with it being the toughest division in the league, which is really an impressive duo.
When you look at the rosters of all four teams in the division, there are some really impressive players at the top, but there are multiple players who are set to break out in a major way. Our NFC North beat writers identified four players set to break out in a major way.
Minnesota Vikings beat writer Tyler Forness: Vikings CB Isaiah Rodgers
When you look at the Vikings roster, it's essentially quarterback-proof. J.J. McCarthy is about as insulated as you can get for a first-year starting quarterback. Outside of McCarthy, the biggest question is with the cornerback position.
Right now, the Vikings are set to have Rodgers on the opposite side of Byron Murphy Jr. and it's quite an interesting move. He has never been a starter in the National Football League other than as an injury replacement, and his slight build at 5'10 and 175 lbs. He's also not a slot corner, meaning the Vikings are trusting two cornerbacks under 5'11 to play on the outside.
What Rodgers brings is a package that is very appealing to defensive coordinator Brian Flores: fast, quick, and patient. Despite the size, he attacks the ball in the air really well and can drive fast and hard downhill exactly how Flores wants his players play in off coverage. If Rodgers takes the necessary step forward, the Vikings will be in a great spot moving forward.
Green Bay Packers beat writer Wendell Ferreira: Packers LB Edgerrin Cooper
He was unbelievable as a rookie in 2024, but in a limited role. Off-ball linebacker is a rough position to play in the NFL these days, and Cooper needed to learn more about where he should be on the field, especially in coverage, to be viable. Initially, Jeff Hafley used him as a role player to stop the run and blitz, and he was impressive. Throughout the season, Cooper played more and more, and the results were better and better. He made the All-Rookie Team and was impactful in all areas of the game, with 11 pressures, 3.5 sacks, 35 stops, a forced fumble, an interception, and two pass breakups. Cooper's explosiveness and ability to generate big plays were impossible to ignore, and his athleticism makes him a real blue-chip player candidate — something the Packers desperately need on the roster.
Chicago Bears beat writer Kole Noble: Bears WR Rome Odunze
The rookie season for Rome Odunze was a bit of a letdown after seeing what Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., Ladd McConkey, and even Marvin Harrison Jr. did in 2024. Even still, Odunze went over 700 yards as the third option at the position and is in line for a bigger role in 2025. The frustrating part of Odunze’s rookie season was the way he was used in the offense. His route tree was limited to downfield jump balls and comebacks, despite having a full green route tree coming out of college. With Ben Johnson drawing up plays now, Odunze will be better utilized for his talents and having another offseason working with Caleb Williams will clean up some of the connection issues. I easily see Odunze eclipsing 1,000 yards as a sophomore and being the player many expected to see coming into the league.
Detroit Lions beat writer Mike Payton: Lions EDGE Ahmed Hassanein
People are going to call me crazy, and I don’t care. I’ve been on the Hassanein train since the Combine, and I see a player who can get pressure and get home. He’s still pretty green when it comes to football since he’s only been playing for a few years, but like Ezekiel Ansah was for the Lions in 2014, he’s just an athlete who can adapt to any sport. That’s not to say he’s a Pro Bowler in 2025 or anything like that, but he is a guy who could come out of nowhere and net 6-8 sacks, and that would be a big breakout for a sixth-rounder.
His pro Cross-Fit background really lends itself to his ability to power guys. He’s violent with his hands and has a high motor that really pops on tape. He’s also got the things that Dan Campbell loves the most: work ethic and grit. On draft night, he told Campbell he would die for him. The thing is, I believe him.