Chicago Bears

Projected Starters: Tyrique Stevenson (LCB), Jaquan Brisker (SS), Kevin Byard III (FS), Jaylon Johnson (RCB), Kyler Gordon (NB)

With a combination of elite veterans and rising young stars, the Chicago Bears secondary has emerged as one of the best in the NFL. On the outside, they boast great length and impressive speed, anchored by seasoned veteran Kevin Byard III patrolling over the top. If the Bears want to stay competitive in what might be the deepest division in football this season, this unit will need to stay healthy and maintain last year’s high level of play—while also avoiding unnecessary distractions, like taunting opposing fans before a Hail Mary.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 64.6% (10th lowest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 12.2 yards (2nd most in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 17 (least in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed:  (9th highest in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 11 (tied 12th fewest in the NFL)

Detroit Lions

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Projected Starters: Terrion Arnold (LCB), Brian Branch (SS), Kerby Joseph (FS), D.J. Reed (RCB; free agent acquisition), Amik Robertson (NB)

Another elite group on an overall strong Detroit Lions team, this secondary holds its own alongside the other position groups. Last season’s stats may not fully reflect how good this unit truly was, as they—like many key players on the Lions’ defense—were hit with the injury bug. It’s hard to imagine they’ll face the same misfortune again, making this another NFC North secondary to watch closely next season.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 61.2% (2nd lowest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 11.8 yards (tied 3rd most in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 18 (tied second least in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 53.1% (12th highest in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 16 (tied 5th most in the NFL)

Green Bay Packers

Projected Starters: Nate Hobbs (LCB; free agent acquisition), Xavier McKinney (SS), Evan Williams (FS), Keisean Nixon (RCB), Javon Bullard (NB)

This Packers secondary is one of the youngest in the NFL and performed fairly well last season, especially given the limited game reps across this supporting cast. Heading into this season, expectations are cautiously optimistic. While it might be a stretch to call this group the best in the league, you never really know until the product hits the field.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 67.4% (8th highest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 10.4 yards (tied 6th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 23 (tied 9th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed:  52.5% (tied 15th highest in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 17 (tied 3rd most in the NFL)

Minnesota Vikings

Projected Starters: Isaiah Rodgers (LCB; free agent acquisition), Joshua Metellus (SS), Harrison Smith (FS), Jeff Okudah (RCB; free agent acquisition), Byron Murphy Jr. (NB)

Though the Vikings’ secondary led the NFL in interceptions last year, it’s hard to imagine they’ll be able to replicate that performance. This offseason, in addition to the two cornerback free-agent acquisitions mentioned above, they also added Tavierre Thomas. However, this secondary core is aging, with most players likely past their prime. It will be fascinating to see if they can maintain their turnover prowess.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 65.2% (tied 15th lowest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 10.7 yards (tied 13th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 24 (tied 12th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 52.5% (tied 15th most in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 24 (Most in the NFL)