Fantasy Football Today: NFC North wants and don't wants for the 2026 NFL Draft

Detroit

Picks: Round 1 (17 overall), Round 2 (50), Round 4 (118), Round 4 (128), Round 5 (157), Round 5 (181), Round 6 (205), Round 6 (213), Round 7 (222)
Team Needs: OT, IOL, EDGE, DL, LB, CB
Fantasy Want: Running back depth
Fantasy Don't Want: Wide receiver

It says the Fantasy Want for the Lions is running back depth, but that's really more of an insurance policy in case something happens to Jahmyr Gibbs. While Isiah Pacheco would be OK as a replacement, he's let us down as a Fantasy running back in the past two seasons since suffering a broken leg in 2024 with the Chiefs. There might be a rookie with more upside, and that's something to monitor during the NFL Draft. I don't want to see Detroit add a rookie receiver since I love the trio of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jamison Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa. Along with tight end Sam LaPorta, who should benefit with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, the Lions have plenty of pass catchers to support Jared Goff -- and Fantasy managers. We don't need another distraction in the passing game in Detroit.

Green Bay

Picks: Round 2 (52 overall), Round 3 (84), Round 4 (120), Round 5 (153), Round 5 (160), Round 6 (201), Round 7 (236), Round 7 (255)
Team Needs: CB, DL, IOL, OT, LB, EDGE
Fantasy Want: Running back depth
Fantasy Don't Want: Wide receiver

The Packers lost some key pieces on offense this offseason with Romeo Doubs (Patriots), Dontayvion Wicks (Philadelphia), and Emanuel Wilson (Seahawks) all joining new teams. That's great news for the receivers left in Green Bay, including Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Jayden Reed, along with tight end Tucker Kraft, and we want to see concentrated targets for that quartet. But it's not a bad idea for the Packers to add a backup running back for Josh Jacobs with Wilson gone, especially since MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) has a hard time staying healthy. Jacobs missed two games in 2025, and the right handcuff in Green Bay could be worth a late-round pick in all leagues.

Minnesota

Picks: Round 1 (18 overall), Round 2 (49), Round 3 (82), Round 3 (97), Round 5 (163), Round 6 (196), Round 7 (234), Round 7 (235), Round 7 (244)
Team Needs: LB, CB, S, DL, WR, QB, EDGE, TE
Fantasy Want: Running back depth
Fantasy Don't Want: Wide receiver

The two questions I have about the Vikings are who will start at quarterback, although we all expect Kyler Murray to win the job. And what's going to happen with the backfield after Aaron Jones stayed in Minnesota? It would be great if the Vikings left Jones and Jordan Mason in defined roles, with Mason playing on running downs and near the goal line, while Jones handles passing-downs work. But it will likely be a split again, like we saw in 2025, and it could be frustrating for Fantasy managers unless one suffers an injury. Now, despite that potential frustration, I'd be OK if Minnesota decided to add a running back of the future since Jones is 31 and Mason is more of a backup than a featured option. I don't want to see another receiver join the Vikings so Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson can soak up targets. But with Jalen Nailor now in Las Vegas, Minnesota could add another rookie receiver in the NFL Draft for depth.