Longtime veterans are no stranger to the NFL's biggest stages. Just ask , who won his latest Super Bowl at 43; or , who at 37 is fresh off at two straight NFC Championship Game appearances Chase Claypool Jersey . But football is . That's why we're identifying players on their rookie contracts who are key to the succe s of their respective teams in 2021. Right here, we're focusing specifically on the NFC North, where the , , and will go head to head.Here are which youngsters matter most to each of the NFC North foes:Bears: QB Player experience: first seasonHow acquired: 2021 draft (No. 11 overall)It doesn't get much simpler than this. Chicago may be touting as its scheduled Week 1 starter, but you don't move up in the first round for a quarterback if you don't expect him to take over sooner rather than later. Turning to the bigger, better Fields won't be enough to guarantee the Bears a return to the playoffs (the Jack Ham Jersey offensive line, wide receiver and secondary depth are all legitimate concerns). But it sure as heck should get them closer to exciting fans and challenging opponents. Fields was added to be the future in Chicago, but he's also easily the biggest X factor of the present. Whether or not he emerges and/or thrives quickly could determine the fate of not only the Bears in 2021 but the team's leadership structure beyond it.Lions: OT Player experience: first seasonHow acquired: 2021 draft (No. 7 overall)The Lions could make do without Sewell if they bumped back to right tackle, and their other starters up front -- and , in particular -- are better than they get credit for. But with set to take over under center as a reclamation project/stopgap QB, nothing is more important in Detroit than a sturdy O-line. Of course it might not matter regardle s, considering Goff will be throwing to the likes of and , but this is a QB especially dependent on a comfortable pocket. The only way the Lions are going to surprise in 2021 is if Goff somehow rekindles some of the poise and magic of his peak, and that means getting immediate protection from Sewell as a bookend.Packers: C Player experience: first seasonHow acquired: 2021 draft (No. 62 overall)Let's Jerome Bettis Jersey start by noting that this would look different in the event Aaron Rodgers actually holds out, hangs up the cleats and/or forces a trade elsewhere: In that scenario, second-year QB would instantly become the obvious X factor of the 2021 season. Should Rodgers return, however, Myers holds arguably more sway over Green Bay's Mark Gilbert Jersey chances than any other rookie-deal player. Why? Because the Packers are trusting him to immediately take over for All-Pro center . You could make a case for rookie cornerback since is the only proven steady hand at that spot, or other young pieces like and , but Myers will be responsible for protecting either Rodgers, Love or some other QB out of the gate.Vikings: OT Player experience: first seasonHow acquired: 2021 draft (No. 23 overall) Second-year receiver is already a star, and we trust that he's a safe bet to produce again in 2021. Tight end Jr. is also an underrated X factor considering he could be ' new No. 3 target after finally taking over for . As is corner , who faces slightly le s pre sure now that and are in town. That leaves Darrisaw, a gem of a first-round find Buddy Johnson Jersey who's set to step in for the departed right away. Are we expecting too much of a seamle s transition for Darrisaw, who'll be charged with keeping Cousins upright in an important year for the veteran QB? The rookie just has to be solid to succe sfully replace Reiff, but if he falters early, it could disrupt the Vikings' entire offense.