The NFL Draft is the best way for teams to improve their roster, as the latest influx of collegiate talent allows teams to address their biggest needs in a cost-effective manner. The NFC South is probably the weakest division in football, and each team has a lot to improve in the coming weeks.
The Top Draft Need For Every NFC South Team
Atlanta Falcons: EDGE
The Falcons have needs at just about every position on the roster, but the biggest one is at edge defender. The team appears to be all-in on Desmond Ridder for at least the 2023 season, and the duo of Drake London and Kyle Pitts should be enough to support him. So, with that in mind, Atlanta should focus on finding somebody that can actually get after the opposing quarterback.
The bad news is that there isn’t a great fit for them in the NFL Draft. The only elite edge defender in this class is Will Anderson, and the Falcons would have to trade up to get him. Instead of reaching for a good-but-not-great prospect, perhaps the Falcons would be better off drafting someone like Christian Gonzalez and focusing on edge rusher later in the NFL Draft.
Carolina Panthers: Wide Receiver*
Technically, Carolina’s biggest draft need is quarterback, but seeing as they’ve already traded up for the first-overall pick in the draft, it’s safe to assume they’re going to address that need. So, with that in mind, the next priority for the Panthers should be finding a good, young wide receiver. Adam Thielen and DJ Chark are fine veterans, but neither player is a long-term solution for the position. Ideally, somebody like Zay Flowers will still be on the clock when the Panthers are picking in the second round, but even Jalin Hyatt would be a good add.
New Orleans Saints: Defensive Line
The New Orleans Saints lost several key players along the defensive line in free agency, so they’ll need to do something to mitigate that loss. Playing in the NFC South, the Saints don’t exactly have to face the hardest stretch of quarterbacks, so finding someone that can excel at collapsing the pocket should be vital in divisional clashes. Based on where they’re picking, the best option available is likely to be Calijah Kancey. While traditionally undersized, Kancey excels at getting after the quarterback and should be able to contribute on Day 1.
Cross-chops, hand-swipes, bull rushes, swim moves, Pitt 3T Calijah Kancey tape has every pass rush move you want to see and more. This guy is a dynamo!
He disrupts the offense on almost every play. He's not the #Bears type, but he's got the tape you make an exception for đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/XLxLo5i1v5
— Robert Schmitz (@robertkschmitz) April 6, 2023
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quarterback
It’s never easy losing somebody like Tom Brady, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in no position to replace him. Right now, the team is going to go into the season with Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask battling for the starting job, and that is not ideal for anyone. Unfortunately, the Buccaneers hold the 19th pick in the draft, and there isn’t a logical choice for a quarterback at that point. Perhaps the Buccaneers could draft someone like Tanner McKee in the second round, but it’s highly unlikely they’ll be able to address their biggest draft need on Day 1.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
