State of the NFC South: The NFL Draft Edition

Let’s see how teams are looking after the draft

Carolina Panthers

Entering the draft, many believed that the Panthers would go with a defensive lineman at pick eight, and it makes sense why. Carolina’s edge rush group has been bad, and after making massive investments on offense the year before, the defense needed to improve. Trading back was also on the table, which could have messed up the New Orleans Saints’ first-round selection at nine. Instead of those directions, Carolina ended up sticking at eight and selecting Tetairoa McMillan. This was an interesting decision by the Panthers, but their mission has been putting QB Bryce Young in the best situation to succeed, and they were missing a real top WR. Still, they needed to invest heavily in the edge group throughout the draft, and they did this on day 2. Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen were great value selections, and many were surprised that both players were still available.

Full Panthers Draft

• Round 1 - Tetairoa McMillan (WR)
• Round 2 - Nic Scourton (EDGE)
• Round 3 - Princely Umanmielen (EDGE)
• Round 4 - Trevor Etienne (RB)
• Round 4 - Lathan Ransom (S)
• Round 5 - Cam Jackson (DT)
• Round 6 - Mitchell Evans (TE)
• Round 7 - Jimmy Horn Jr (WR)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Like the Panthers, the Buccaneers were believed to go with defense at their first-round selection but instead went with WR Emeka Egbuka. The interesting difference is that receiver was not really a position of need for Tampa Bay, but this could be a real best player available situation that helps the future outlook for that room. Besides this selection, which was a bit questionable, the Buccaneers hit on every single selection. Benjamin Morrison in the second round could be the steal of the draft (if he is healthy), David Walker was one of my favorite draft prospects, and getting Tez Johnson in the 7th round could be fantastic value. Having a draft like this after day 1 makes that WR selection in the first look much better, and overall, the Bucs had the best draft in the NFC South.

Full Bucs Draft

• Round 1 - Emeka Egbuka (WR)
• Round 2 - Benjamin Morrison (CB)
• Round 3 - Jacob Parrish (CB)
• Round 4 - David Walker (EDGE)
• Round 5 - Elijah Roberts (DT/EDGE)
• Round 7 - Tez Johnson (WR)

Atlanta Falcons

Here is oddest draft in the division. The Falcons only interviewed defensive prospects at the NFL Combine. Doing this is a good sign that a team will invest heavily in defense in the draft, and that is exactly what the Falcons did. Picking Jalon Walker at 15 was a home run selection. Walker was supposed to go in the top 10, but he started to fall a bit, and the Falcons were the team to stop the slide. After this pick, it would be hard for Atlanta...