NFL: Intriguing Players to Watch in the NFC North
With the start of the NFL season just around the corner. We are going to highlight a player from every franchise that intrigues us. That can be a rookie asked to start, a player set to breakout or a league star who’s just fun to watch.
Next up the NFC North…
Chicago Bears - Gervon Dexter Sr., DT
The Bears are basking in the offseason hype that comes with two top-10 draft picks and a busy free agency. They’ve seemingly made all the right moves to go from bottom-10 team to playoff hopeful. The only glaring deficiency is the defensive line. Montez Sweat being the sole standout player. That’s why the Bears will be desperate for second-year defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. to make a leap. He was 29th of 129 qualifying defensive tackles in pass rush productivity and had 29 pressures along with four sacks. He needs to shore up in the run game, but the flashes were all there.
Detroit Lions - Jameson Williams, WR
Jameson Williams could be the missing link in this Detroit Lions offense. Amon-Ra St Brown may have secured receiver no.1 money, but he isn’t the archetype for the role, taking plenty of snaps in the slot. Sam LaPorta has been excellent from tight end, but it is Williams who has the blazing speed to take the top off offenses. He missed four games due to suspension and, on his return, didn’t carve out a substantial role with 354 receiving yards and two TDs. Now with Josh Reynolds out of the equation, Williams can hope for a greater target share and to show off his unique skillset.
Green Bay Packers - Xavier McKinney, S
Jeff Hafley takes over the defense in Green Bay, and blockbuster free agent signing Xavier McKinney is expected to be a huge part of the new scheme. He played all across the secondary for the Giants, including time in the box and at nickel. McKinney earned a coverage grade of 91.2 with PFF and an 89.1 for tackling, highlighting his versatility. It’ll be a big job for him, considering his playing partner will be one of three rookies. How he settles into the role of leader will be pivotal to Hafley and the new staff on that side of the ball.
Minnesota Vikings - Sam Darnold, QB
The injury to JJ McCarthy is disappointing to Vikings’ fans, but in all likelihood, it would’ve been Darnold who would’ve started the season regardless. He should benefit from a sense of stability around him. Going from the Jets to the Panthers is not the best career choice, given the two franchises’ recent struggles. Now, under the tutelage of Kevin O’Connell, Darnold gets one last shot at NFL success. He has an elite left tackle in Christian Darrisaw and the best receiver in the league in Justin Jefferson, is the stage set for a career renaissance?
Rory-Joe Daniels
NFL & Cfb contributor
AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.