The NFC North is a crucible of competition, and with the 2025 NFL Draft set to ignite in Green Bay on April 24, the division’s teams are poised to reshape their rosters. On the latest episode of Who Will Be King, a Fans First Sports Network production, host Dave from Vikings 1st & SKOL leads a spirited discussion with Pay from Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans (Chicago Bears) and June and Foster from Bleachers to Speakers (Detroit Lions). Recorded on April 23, 2025, the podcast dives into draft strategies, trade rumors, and the prospects who could tilt the balance of power in one of the NFL’s fiercest divisions. Without a Green Bay Packers representative, the trio still covers the hosts’ plans, blending insider buzz with fan passion to preview a draft that could crown the next NFC North king.

Dave sets the stage with infectious energy:

“The NFC North is a battleground, as you’ve heard me say numerous times. Today we’re diving into the draft strategies, trade rumors, and the prospects that would help crown the next king in our division.”

Chicago Bears: Chasing Ashton Jeanty or Playing Chess?

The Chicago Bears, holding the No. 10 pick, are at the epicenter of draft speculation, with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty dominating headlines. Reports from Yahoo Sports and ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggest GM Ryan Poles is “praying” Jeanty, who racked up 2,600 rushing yards in 2024, falls to Chicago. However, rumors of a blockbuster trade-up to No. 5 with Jacksonville have fans buzzing—and Pay skeptical.

Pay, whose podcast moniker might shift to “Pissed Off Chicago Sports Fans” thanks to Dave’s playful jab, reflects the fanbase’s mixed emotions. While Bears supporters crave Jeanty’s explosive playmaking for rookie QB Caleb Williams, Pay questions the cost of trading up.

Pay voices his concerns:

“Awful big price tag for a running back. Why would I wanna pay that much for a running back? Running backs don’t even get paid that much. Their second contract… For a five-win team to trade up that far for a running back, there’s so many other holes on this squad that they need to fill first.”

He points to needs at pass rush, offensive line, and secondary, suggesting a trade-up could signal troubling priorities for the Ben Johnson-led regime. June, from the Lions’ perspective, agrees, noting the draft’s depth at running back allows Chicago to wait for talents like North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton.

June advises caution:

“The NFL draft is really, that’s one of the deepest positions, the running back position. The Bears could wait and probably get Henderson or Hampton with their next pick.”

Pay counters with a bold prediction, calling the Jeanty buzz “smoke.” He suggests Poles might pivot to Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter by trading up to No. 7, a move that would stun Bears fans expecting a skill-position splash. Alternatively, trading back with teams like the Colts to snag Georgia’s Mykel Williams or Penn State tight end Tyler Warren aligns with Poles’ flexible approach, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.

Detroit Lions: Edge Rushers and Trade Drama

The Detroit Lions, fresh off a 15-2 season but a one-and-done playoff exit, hold the No. 28 pick and aim to bolster their pass rush, which ranked 23rd in sacks in 2024. GM Brad Holmes, known for unorthodox draft moves, has fans like June and Foster on edge—especially with trade rumors swirling around wide receiver Jameson Williams and cornerback Amik Robertson.

June expresses frustration:

“It’s to the point where I wanna change our name to the Frustrated Off Season Detroit Fans Show… They’re talking about trading Jamo, like it’s everywhere. It’s all over the media here. He even went as far as unfollowing Detroit on Twitter.”

Foster, however, suspects a publicity stunt, noting Williams’ cryptic social media posts and the Lions’ response with a “Gucci” caption. Still, trading Williams to teams like the Chiefs or Steelers, as suggested by SideLion Report, could net draft capital to move up for a top edge rusher like Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. or Michigan’s Josaiah Stewart.

Foster on the trade buzz:

“That one [Robertson trade] I think is a lot more likely to come to fruition than the Jamo situation. I feel like the whole situation is kind of a publicity stunt of sorts.”

On the draft board, Georgia’s Mykel Williams is a frequent mock target, praised for his athleticism opposite Aidan Hutchinson. June also eyes Alabama’s Tyler Booker for offensive line depth, especially after re-signing Michael Niese, per MLive. Foster’s wildest take? Holmes might trade out of the first round entirely, testing fans’ patience but aligning with his methodical approach.

Foster’s bold prediction:

“I think the wild take would be trading out of the first round, which would piss off a lot of people… It’ll be wild in the sense that everybody got their hearts set on whatever respectable edge rusher is there, but that’s not how we operate.”

Minnesota Vikings: Trenches or Trade-Down?

With only four picks, including No. 24 in the first round, the Minnesota Vikings face pressure to maximize value. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, still haunted by a criticized 2022 draft, is leaning toward interior linemen like North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel or Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson, per The Athletic and Sports Illustrated. However, a rumored trade-down with the Giants for Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart has sparked debate.

Dave dismisses the QB talk:

“McCarthy’s our QB1, no question. The Dart rumor feels like Giants’ wishful thinking.”

Vikings fans, including Dave, prioritize trenches over secondary needs, despite national media pushing safety prospects like Georgia’s Malaki Starks. Local beat writers emphasize Adofo-Mensah’s focus on size, with Oregon’s Derrick Harmon as a defensive tackle option. Dave’s bold prediction is that Minnesota stands pat at 24, selecting a quality player like Zabel over chasing quantity through trades.

Dave on draft strategy:

“I just want them to pick quality, a quality player and not just go for quantity, because quantity doesn’t always work.”

June agrees, noting the Vikings’ 14-3 record leaves little to fix, allowing them to target best-player-available fits. However, fan chatter on X, like @SkywalkingMcCarthy’s suggestion of trading up for Michigan’s Will Johnson, reflects the division’s high stakes.

June on Minnesota’s position:

“You went 14 and 3. You kept most of your players intact… You’re at a position where you can basically draft the best available.”

Green Bay Packers: The Draft’s Wild Card

Hosting the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field, the Green Bay Packers face pressure to make a splash with their No. 23 pick. ESPN’s Ben Solak labeled them the toughest team to predict, citing “medium needs” at corner, edge, receiver, and offensive line. Rumors of trading up for Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, a Mike Evans-like receiver, have fans buzzing, especially after GM Brian Gutekunst’s solo attendance at McMillan’s workout, per @SleeperPackers.

Dave mocks the hype:

“I’m hoping they trade up and get a long snapper. That’s what I hope the Green Bay Packers do.”

Alternatively, Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams could bolster the defensive line, addressing run-stopping woes. Trade rumors involving receiver Romeo Doubs, linked to the Patriots by Sports Illustrated, add intrigue, potentially freeing picks for a bold move. Foster suggests the home crowd might push Gutekunst toward a “sexy” pick like McMillan over a lineman like Zabel, despite fan diligence.

Foster on the hosting pressure:

“It kind of sways people to make the sexy pick. Nobody wants a terrible pick to happen in their hosting stadium… That probably wouldn’t be as attractive as going and getting that guy outta Arizona, McMillan.”

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Fan Frenzy and Final Thoughts

The episode thrives on fan engagement, with X users like @SkywalkingMcCarthy and @VIKINGSpeeps fueling debates in the chat. From Sarah’s playful jab at the Bears needing a quarterback to Bob’s quip about Caleb Williams, the banter underscores the NFC North’s passionate rivalry. Dave encourages listeners to join the conversation with #WhoWillBeKing, amplifying the podcast’s reach.

Dave’s call to action:

“Thanks for watching and listening. Peace out, like, subscribe, and rate us on your favorite podcast aggregator.”

As the draft looms, the Bears, Lions, Vikings, and Packers stand at a crossroads. Will Poles’ gamble on Jeanty or Carter pay off? Can Holmes defy expectations with a trade or surprise pick? Will Adofo-Mensah deliver a franchise-altering lineman? And will the Packers’ home-field draft yield a star or a bust? Who Will Be King leaves fans eager for answers, cementing its place as a go-to source for NFC North draft buzz.

June’s parting wisdom:

“This is a very talented draft, and I think everybody improves within the first round because there’s plenty to pick.”

Why Tune In?

Stream Who Will Be King on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or FansFirstSportsNetwork.com for unfiltered NFC North draft analysis. With Pay’s Bears skepticism, June and Foster’s Lions optimism, and Dave’s Vikings pragmatism, the podcast captures the division’s pulse. As draft day unfolds, follow @Vikings1stSKOL, @FrustratedChicago, and @Bleachers2Speakers for live reactions and join the rivalry with Who Will Be King.

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Follow us on Twitter ✖️ for more updates… Pay @TheRealPayday, host of the Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans, June @asgjune & M Foster @Mbrfosterchild, hosts of the Bleachers To Speakers [Lions] podcast, and Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare, from @Vikings1stSKOL. This has been a joint podcast production partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and Fans First Sports Network’s NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.