There are young quarterbacks aplenty in the NFC North, but what other players might we see improve the most this coming season?
Here are our picks for who’s most likely to take that next step forward, including a talented receiver who hasn’t quite put it all together yet at the NFL level.
The Top Candidates To Improve for Each Team in the NFC North in 2024
Chicago Bears: Kevin Byard
While it might seem crazy to list a former All-Pro, 30-year-old safety as a most improved candidate, Kevin Byard struggled in coverage last season. Byard’s struggles, though, were likely due to the horrendous situation that was the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense.
KEEP READING: NFL Cut Candidates 2024
The Eagles acquired Byard midseason and then changed defensive coordinators. It was an absolute mess that Byard was unfortunately caught in the middle of. He should improve and return to his former level of play in a more stable situation with the Bears.
Detroit Lions: Jameson Williams
As Jameson Williams heads into his third season in the NFL, it’s time for the former first-round pick to step up. The Detroit Lions have managed to find success despite Williams’ underwhelming level of play, but the team will be relying on him more in 2024. He is projected as Detroit’s WR2 and should improve after a disappointing start to his career.
Green Bay Packers: Eric Stokes
Eric Stokes hasn’t necessarily played poorly during his first three seasons in the NFL, but he has struggled to stay healthy. The Green Bay Packers are suddenly viewed as one of the top teams in the NFC and Stokes is expected to start at CB2 in 2024. If Stokes can finally stay healthy and fight off Carrington Valentine for the starting job, he should improve accordingly.
Minnesota Vikings: Byron Murphy Jr.
The Minnesota Vikings signed cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. to a two-year, $22 million contract in 2023. While his first season in Minnesota certainly didn’t go according to plan, Murphy should improve in 2024. The Vikings added a ton of talent on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, which should alleviate some of the pressure on Murphy at cornerback.
