Chicago Bears NFC North Rivals: A look at the Detroit Lions
It is time to take a look at each NFC North rival, see what they have done this off-season, and analyze who they could draft on April 25. We begin with the Detroit Lions, who won the division last season.
As the Chicago Bears continue to rebuild the last two years under Ryan Poles, this off-season offers the fans the most optimistic view of this team in quite some time.
The Bears have hired two experienced coordinators on both sides of the ball (Shane Waldron and Eric Washington), acquired Gerald Everett, Keenan Allen, and D'Andre Swift, and are ready to draft Caleb Williams first overall to lead the team, and their 9th pick could be another blue-chip player, an edge rusher or WR, who could make a huge difference this season.
Meanwhile, their division rival Detroit Lions have already emerged from their rebuilding which began a year earlier than the Bears. Since general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell took over in 2021, the Detroit Lions have been trending upwards. Holmes became the Lions general manager in 2021 after a successful stint as the director of college scouting for the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams between 2013-2020 and their scout for a decade (2003-2012).
Holmes hired Dan Campbell, which was considered an out-of-the-box decision and was met with great skepticism. While we all have made fun of him plenty of times for his 4th down decisions and eccentric press conferences, his personality and authenticity are genuine, and his players play hard for him. Xs and Os might not be his strength, but Dan Campbell and the Lions will likely be the favorites not only in the NFC North but perhaps the NFC next season.
They came very close to reaching the Super Bowl last season after blowing a lead against the San Francisco 49ers on the road. Can they finally reach the Super Bowl next season or are they due for a letdown? Let's take a look at their off-season.