The NFC North is buzzing with anticipation as the NFL offseason heats up, and the latest episode of Who Will Be King delivers a front-row seat to the action. Hosted by June and Foster of Bleachers to Speakers, with contributions from Pay of Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans and Dave of Vikings 1st & SKOL, this Fans First Sports Network podcast brings together passionate voices from the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and Minnesota Vikings. Recorded on March 26, 2025, the episode tackles everything from NFL Draft strategies to free agency updates and even a spirited debate about playoff seeding rules—all while keeping the NFC North rivalry alive.

With the NFL Draft set for April 24, 2025, in Green Bay’s Lambeau Field, the hosts waste no time dissecting their teams’ offseason moves and draft prospects. From quarterback rumors to sleeper picks, this episode is a treasure trove for fans hungry for insider takes. Let’s break down the highlights.

Draft Talk: Deep Positions and Dream Picks

The NFL Draft looms large, and the hosts kick things off by analyzing the deepest positions in this year’s class. Pay, representing the Bears, jumps in with conviction: “I think the deepest position of the draft is actually defensive lineman. When I say deepest, I mean the amount of talent that can be a rotational player—not everybody’s a starter, but I think you can find quality defensive linemen in this draft more than any other position.”

Dave, the Vikings’ voice, agrees but adds another layer: “Defensive lineman is a good one. There’s probably only a handful that are good at rushing the passer, but the rest are going to be great run stoppers. The other section I’d give is running back. You can get one in the third, fourth, or fifth round that can turn into something.” He points to Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson and Ole Miss’s Quinshon Judkins, ranked second and fourth among running backs, as evidence of the position’s depth.

Foster, speaking for the Lions, throws in a curveball: “Edge rusher is the highest one, but the sleeper is tight end. There’s two pretty good tight ends at the top—Loveland out of Michigan and Warren out of Penn State. Big Ten’s doing big things this year.” The discussion highlights the draft’s versatility, with each host eyeing players to bolster their roster.

For the Vikings, picking at 24th overall, Dave dreams of Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon or North Dakota State guard Gray Zabel. “We could go wide receiver, which is weird, but it’s possible,” he muses, noting Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka as a potential steal. Pay, with the Bears at No. 10, pushes for Missouri tackle Armand Membou: “I’m really impressed with the tape on this kid. He’s nasty, strong, and his footwork is really good. That’s the type of player we need protecting Caleb’s blind side.”

Foster, at No. 28 with the Lions, keeps it flexible: “I just want a high-impact player on the defensive side—edge rusher or linebacker. We’ve addressed most starters, so we can go best player available.” June echoes the sentiment, targeting a rush end to pair with Aidan Hutchinson but remaining open to front-seven help later in the draft.

Free Agency Frenzy: NFC North Bolsters Rosters

Free agency has already reshaped the NFC North, and the hosts dive into their teams’ latest moves. Pay celebrates the Bears’ signing of return man Devin Duvernay: “Minor signing in the grand scheme, but the Bears have had trouble securing the return. He’s an upgrade—an experienced return man and gadget player. It’s the little things that build a winner.”

Foster details the Lions’ secondary reinforcements: “We signed Rock Ya-Sin, a former second-round pick who’s played for the Raiders, 49ers, and Ravens. He’s a tough, physical corner to add depth. We also got Avonte Maddox, a Super Bowl winner from Detroit King High School. He’s undersized but versatile—good at blitzing from the nickel.” With injuries plaguing the Lions’ secondary last season, these additions signal depth as a priority.

Dave keeps it brief for the Vikings, focusing on quarterback chatter: “Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had a presser today and explained the process of talking to Aaron Rodgers. Kevin O’Connell led the discussion, but they’re going a different direction. They haven’t anointed J.J. McCarthy as QB1 yet, though he is QB1.” The ambiguity leaves Vikings fans guessing as draft day nears.

June stirs the pot with Lions trade rumors: “Amik Robertson’s name popped up today—possible trade piece to Buffalo. Hendon Hooker’s name has been on the rumor mill a lot this offseason, maybe as a piece to move up in the draft.” Foster quips, “When the rumor was Ben Johnson going to Oakland, they said they might bring Hendon Hooker with them. Is Chicago in the market for a backup?” Pay shuts it down: “That job’s not available. Our backup, Tyson Bagent, has a following that might exceed our starter’s talent.”

Playoff Rule Debate: Tradition vs. Fairness

A hot topic emerges when June raises a Lions-suggested playoff rule change following last season’s 15-2 Detroit and 14-3 Minnesota teams having to play wildcard games on the road. Dave explains: “They’d seed by record, so an 8-9 division winner wouldn’t host over a 14-3 wild card. The highest teams would host, even if they weren’t division winners.”

Dave resists the idea: “It cheapens the division title. We play each other twice a year—it makes no sense to weaken that. The NFC North has a tougher schedule ahead; we shouldn’t have precedent over others because of one year.” He proposes a compromise: “Wildcard weekend, division winners host; after that, rank by record. But I don’t think it’ll pass—there’s not enough votes.”

June sees both sides: “The reward is the guaranteed playoff spot, but I didn’t like Minnesota at 14-3 playing on the road. It’s so rare, though, you don’t change the rule for one year.” Pay takes a swipe at the Eagles’ tush push instead: “I’m against those thugs in Philadelphia getting away with their nonsense. Let’s advance the game, not bring it back to 1912.” Foster sums it up: “Whatever doesn’t water down the rivalry, I’m for.”

Breakout Stars and Opening Day Vibes

The hosts predict breakout players for 2025. Pay picks Bears right tackle Darnell Wright: “Year three is gonna be his year. He’s been mid, but this year he’ll wake up with wins on the mind.” Dave taps Vikings safety Theo Jackson: “With Cam Bynum going to the Colts, he’s starting next to Harrison “Hitman” Smith. I think he’s gonna do great.” Foster chooses Lions corner Terrion Arnold: “He fell in our lap last year. With D.J. Reed’s mentorship, he can be CB1.”

With baseball’s opening day on March 27, 2025, the crew debates its allure versus football’s kickoff. Foster favors baseball: “It has a true culture—your opener is whenever you’re at home.” Dave counters: “The NFL’s week one celebration owns everything now.” Pay leans baseball: “It’s a full day of watching—it’s special.” June hedges: “It depends on the city. Here in Detroit, opening day is huge, but nothing beats football’s Thursday kickoff.”

Draft in Lambeau: A Rivalry Twist

The NFL Draft’s Lambeau Field setting sparks laughs. June jabs: “The air’s gonna stink—I don’t think it’s a good place for young players.” Pay grins: “It’s special. They get to see the Bears draft the final piece of a Super Bowl dynasty at their rival’s house.” Dave hopes for “a lot of Annie Agar,” while Foster quips, “It’ll bring some culture to that spot.”

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Wrapping Up: Where to Find More

The episode closes with plugs. Dave teases The Real Forno Show at 6 p.m.: “We’ll talk why the national media thinks J.J. McCarthy starting is absurd and why locals disagree.” Pay touts film reviews at Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans: “Shamar Stewart tape drops today on YouTube.” Foster previews Corner to Copa: “Tonight, we’ll talk Tigers’ roster and the Dodgers series.”

June wraps it: “Find us on Bleachers to Speakers on YouTube and podcast aggregators. We’ll keep dropping content all offseason.” With SKOL Vikings, Bear Down, and Detroit grit, the NFC North’s king remains uncrowned—but the battle’s just begun.

FAN WITH US!!!
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.