NFC North rookies who will make the biggest impact in 2023

Now that the NFL Draft is over, teams will conduct rookie mini-camps followed by organized team activities (OTAs). Here are four rookies who will likely have the biggest impact in the NFC North:

Chicago Bears

Tyrique Stevenson, CB (Second round): Stevenson allowed a completion percentage of just 42.5 in 2022, surrendering only three touchdowns and 353 yards over 11 games. He recorded two interceptions and quarterbacks had a passer rating of 78.4 when targeting him.

The 6-foot, 214-pound Stevenson has the coverage skills to play in the nickel and the ability to jam and blanket receivers while playing Cover 2. His presence could keep Kyler Gordon playing the slot and allow head coach Matt Eberflus to employ more diverse coverage schemes with Stevenson, Jaylon Jones and Jaylon Johnson shadowing outside receivers.

Detroit Lions

Sam LaPorta, TE (Second round):  Most draft experts will probably tell you running back Jahmyr Gibbs will have the biggest impact of any Lions rookie, but truth be told, he’ll be splitting time with David Montgomery and the Lions have only ever had three RBs rush for 1,000 yards as rookies (Barry Sanders, Billy Sims, Kevin Jones).

There’s a clear path for LaPorta to be Detroit’s starting tight end from Day 1. The Lions got just 40 receptions and 389 yards from their tight ends last year after trading T.J. Hockenson to the Vikings. LaPorta is basically a faster, more physical version of Hockenson, who was Detroit’s second-most targeted weapon in 2020 and 2022. With Jameson Williams out for the first six games of 2023, LaPorta could be a security blanket for Jared Goff should teams come heavy with double teams on Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Green Bay Packers

Luke Musgrave, TE (Second round): While Jayden Reed is a great addition to Green Bay’s wide receiver room with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, it could be argued that Musgrave has the potential for a bigger rookie season. Tight ends played a key role in five of the eight seasons that Aaron Rodgers threw 30 or more touchdown passes, which is why Musgrave could be Jordan Love’s version of Jermichael Finley.

At 6-foot-6, Musgrave is a big target that Love will have a hard time missing. He had the fourth-fastest 40 time among tight ends at the combine, making him a legitimate vertical threat and adding a new wrinkle to Green Bay’s passing attack. His large hands help him win contested catches and he has the size and physicality to win most of his matchups against linebackers and safeties in coverage.

Minnesota Vikings

Jordan Addison, WR (First round): Addison couldn’t have asked for a more perfect landing spot than the pass-happy Vikings. And with Justin Jefferson on the opposite side, he’s sure to see a high number of targets as a rookie (Adam Thielen averaged 103 targets per year playing with Jefferson).

Addison’s elusiveness as a route runner allows him to create plenty of separation in man coverage and he can reach top speed rather quickly off the line of scrimmage. Addison may be small (5-foot-11, 175 pounds) but he wins more contested catches than he loses and he has the ability to go up and snatch the ball out of the air in tight coverage.