Coming in as perhaps the weakest division in the NFL with the most draft needs, the teams of the NFC South have a lot to prove going into the 2024 season. Let’s dive into the needs of each team.
NFC South NFL Draft Needs
Atlanta Falcons
Notable Picks: 8, 43, 74
Draft Needs: Edge, WR, OT
Falcons fans eagerly await the 2024 season to see what version of Kirk Cousins they’re going to get. If the newly signed quarterback returns to his pre-injury form from 2023, then Atlanta will be an interesting story in this division next year.
The eighth pick in the draft might end up being the best available player to the Falcons if certain wide receivers are still on the board. Jonathan Alfano of Athlon Sports thinks so. He writes, “As the Falcons continue to overhaul their receiving corps after signing quarterback Kirk Cousins earlier this week, drafting a star pass-catcher in the first round could be the cherry on top of the metaphorical sundae.”
However, if the top wide receivers have already come off the board, or if the Falcons feel they are sufficiently staffed in that department, they might fill another big need and take either Dallas Turner or Jared Verse at No. 8. Atlanta’s defensive resurgence will be complete if they add a star edge rusher.
Carolina Panthers
Notable Picks: 33, 39, 65
Draft Needs: WR, TE, Edge
After a bleak season that the Panthers fans and organization would like to forget, Carolina is searching for any silver lining, any glimmer of hope to inject into the franchise before the 2024 season starts. Hiring Dave Canales as head coach will hopefully point this team toward redemption and better decision-making in the future. They are determined to get Bryce Young more help on the offensive line, and bringing in guys like Yosh Nijman, Robert Hunt, and Damien Lewis will surely help.
For Young and the Panthers to move in the right direction, they also will need receivers that can get open. This is why they need to use their highest picks and load up on the best receivers and tight ends available. This could be anyone from Jalen McMillan to Adonai Mitchell as wide receivers, and Ja’Tavion Sanders or Cade Stover at tight end.
New Orleans Saints
Notable Picks: 14, 45
Draft Needs: OT, G
New Orleans was one of many NFL teams stuck in a cycle of mediocrity last season. Their lack of cap space has prevented them from being super active in free agency. Despite mixed results, the Saints are running it back with Derek Carr as QB1, which means they absolutely need to improve their offensive line if they hope to have a better season.
The Saints should target Olumuyiwa Fashanu. Fortunately for New Orleans, if he doesn’t fall to their 14th pick, there might be opportunities to trade up for him if the top ten of this draft ends up being a wave of quarterbacks and receivers.
If things work out in round one, the Saints should look for interior line help in round two, and guys like Dominick Puni or Matt Goncalves would fit as potential future starters for this team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Notable Picks: 26, 57, 89
Draft Needs: CB, IOL
Sometimes, the best thing you can do as an NFL GM is keep the core intact. That’s exactly what Tampa’s Jason Licht did, in addition to signing Jordan Whitehead at safety to pair with Antoine Winfield Jr. Even with little offseason activity, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have to be feeling good about their trajectory, coming off a hot finish to the season and a third straight division title.
After ranking dead last in yards per carry a season ago, Tampa Bay needs to use the draft to find strength in their offensive interior. West Virginia’s Zach Frazier would be the ideal fit at No. 26 given his size and experience playing multiple offensive line positions.
The Bucs also could use depth in their secondary, and they’ll have plenty of options at No. 57 after the first wave of top corners is already gone. Cam Hart from Notre Dame will fall into this next group and should be their main target with that pick.
Next Division: NFC North
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1 Comment
Very good article. Love reading them Nate