2026 NFL Rookie Spotlight - NFC North

Five weeks into the 2026 NFL season, the NFC North offers four different stories, and the quarterback position plays a role in each one. Green Bay and Detroit are leaning on their signal-callers to make things happen, Chicago is fighting through injuries at the position, and Minnesota is winning despite its uncertainty under center. The Purple People Eaters have a defense that can cover a lot of problems.

Each week, Draft Nation’s Rookie Spotlight will take a quick trip around one NFL division to see why its teams are winning or losing and which members of the 2026 draft class are beginning to ball out. First stop: the NFC North.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (5-0)

The Vikes are undefeated, and they’re doing it in spite of their quarterback situation. Whether Kyler Murray or Carson Wentz is under center, Minnesota keeps finding ways to win. A big reason is the defense directed by coordinator Brian Flores. That unit has been good enough to keep the Purple & White rolling.

Rookie contributors: First-round selection Caleb Banks has worked his way into the starting nose tackle spot. The former Florida Gator has appeared in all five games, recording 10 tackles (four solo and six assists) and one tackle for loss. Banks is finding a home in the middle of Minnesota’s 3-4 defensive front.

The rest of the Vikings’ 2026 draft class is contributing primarily in reserve roles. Second-round linebacker Jake Golday and third-round defensive tackle Domonique Orange provide depth and relief behind the starters.

GREEN BAY PACKERS (3-2)

Green Bay is winning largely because Jordan Love is making plays when the Pack needs them most. With an offensive line that has been in shambles, the quarterback has had to do more than his share to keep the offense moving.

Rookie contributors: Second-round pick Brandon Cisse has cracked the starting lineup and made an immediate impact. Through five games, Cisse has 21 tackles (16 solo and five assists), 1.5 sacks for nine yards and two passes defensed. The former South Carolina standout is listed as questionable for Sunday’s meeting with Dallas because of a hip injury.

Fifth-round center Jager Burton is the only other member of Green Bay’s 2026 draft class currently listed as a primary backup on the depth chart.

CHICAGO BEARS (3-2)

The Monsters of the Midway have been fighting the injury bug at quarterback. With starter Caleb Williams and backup Tyson Bagent both sidelined, Chicago has turned to third-string signal-caller Case Keenum. That revolving door makes it difficult for an offense to develop the continuity it needs, even with the Bears sitting at 3-2.

Rookie contributors: First-round safety Dillon Thieneman has been a mainstay in the Chicago secondary since opening day. The former Oregon Duck leads the team in tackles through five games with 37, including 20 solo stops and 17 assists. He also has one tackle for loss, four passes defensed and an interception. Thieneman is putting together the kind of early résumé that belongs in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation, provided he stays healthy.

Second-round center Logan Jones is listed as a primary backup, as is third-round receiver Zavion Thomas. The former LSU Tiger has two catches for 12 yards, including a long of 11, and one rushing attempt for another 11 yards.

DETROIT LIONS (3-2)

In the Motor City, Jared Goff is the man keeping the offense firing. Detroit’s defense has had trouble keeping opponents off the scoreboard, which means the Lions have needed their gunslinger to put up points. It seems like a shootout every week, and Goff has been answering the call.

Rookie contributors: First-round tackle Blake Miller has moved into the starting right tackle position. Fifth-round defensive back Keith Abney has also earned a starting role. In four appearances, the former Arizona State Sun Devil, has eight tackles (seven solo and one assist), including one tackle for loss, along with a pass defensed and an interception.

Defensive end Derrick Moore and linebacker Jimmy Rolder are listed as immediate backups, giving the Lions additional young depth on defense.