NFC North tight end units ranked from worst to best in 2023

A year ago, things looked a little different at the tight end position in the NFC North, especially for the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers have overhauled the position this offseason, drafting two tight ends in the opening three rounds to replace their previous veteran starters.

Robert Tonyan swapped the Packers for Chicago Bears this offseason and the Detroit Lions found their new starter in the draft. And let's not forget that less than a year ago, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson played for the Lions.

Where does each team stand entering the new season?

4. Detroit Lions

Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, James Mitchell, Shane Zylstra, Derrick Deese Jr.

The Lions might be favorites to win the division, but it's not based on the tight end position.

Rookie Sam LaPorta is an exciting prospect and could become a great starter in the coming seasons, but the Lions lack depth at tight end. The other four players on the roster have a combined 55 catches for 540 yards and 11 touchdowns in the NFL.

LaPorta gives Lions fans plenty of reasons to be optimistic. He could end up the best tight end in this year's draft class. With his yards-after-catch ability, he will be fun to watch in this Lions offense.

But he needs to prove it. LaPorta is the future, but the Lions don't have a proven tight end after trading away T.J. Hockenson last season.