The NFC South was thought to have two playoff teams locked in this season, and a third right on the brink. The division did boast two playoff teams, but no one thought it was going to be the Panthers and Saints. The Falcons were the favorite at the beginning of the season, but with massive injuries, among other things, Atlanta fell to 4-12.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were also 4-12, and had a realm of drama to start the season. First with the MRSA scare, and then the entire Greg Schiano fiasco. Pair that with bad coaching and underperforming players, the Bucs did not have a successful season. The trend is up for the organization though, as the hiring of Lovie Smith is a promising one. He will undoubtedly help the team get much better, and quickly.
The New Orleans Saints had an incredible turnaround this season, and for no other reason but Sean Payton. First of all, the Saints offense was back to “normal” scoring at will.
But the best thing Payton did was hire defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. In 2012, the Saints defense set records for futility, but after Ryan was hired, the Saints 2013 was not only better, but the unit was among the best in the NFC. The Saints have a promising future ahead of them with young stars on defense, and one of the best offensive minds in football at head coach.
The Carolina Panthers were the biggest surprise in the NFL this season for one reason. They started 1-3, and everyone had the feeling that it was the same old Panthers, and that Ron Rivera was going to be fired. But then, Cam Newton and that Panthers defense led the team to 11 wins in their last 12 games and the division crown.
The Panthers were one of the hottest teams in the NFL heading into the playoffs, but could not hold off the San Francisco 49ers, who were just too much for the young Carolina team. The future is incredibly bright for the Panthers, as they possess one of the best defenses in football, and Cam Newton is a budding star in the NFL.
First Round
Atlanta Falcons - Defensive End/Outside Linebacker Khalil Mack, Buffalo. The Falcons need help on defense, and Mack is the best player not named Clowney on that side of the ball. He can literally do anything that is asked of a defensive end or outside linebacker.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Tackle Greg Robinson, Auburn. With the Bucs cap situation, Donald Penn may not be on this team next season. Robinson would be a more than adequate replacement at a fraction of the salary.
New Orleans Saints - Tackle Taylor Lewan, Michigan. The Saints drafted and started Terron Armstead at left tackle by the end of this season, but Taylor Lewan would be a great addition to play on the other side of Armstead in the future. The Saints were good on the ground in the playoffs, but could be better. Lewan is a great run blocker, and a good fit for the Saints.
Carolina Panthers - Wide Receiver Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt. The Panthers need some weapons for Cam Newton to throw to, and there are not many better options than Jordan Matthews. He will soon be Newton’s favorite target, and “Newton to Matthews” will be something that rings in our ears for years.
Second Round
Atlanta Falcons - Defensive Tackle Dominique Easley, Florida. Easley can only fall this far because he is coming off an injury, but in terms of talent, he is a first rounder. Pairing him with Khalil Mack on the defensive line quickly turns the Falcons defense around.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Defensive End Trent Murphy, Stanford. The Buccaneers need a defensive end as much as any team in the NFL. The rest of that defense is almost complete, but the need for a consistent pass rusher is glaring. Murphy could step in and help right away in Tampa.
New Orleans Saints - Cornerback Pierre Desir, Lindenwood. The Saints need some help at corner, and Desir will be a guy who will be talked about immensely from now until May. His length and ability will help the Saints stop the big receivers in the division.
Carolina Panthers - Wide Receiver Odell Beckham Jr., Louisiana State. After picking Matthews, the Panthers add yet another playmaker, and an immediate starter in the slot for Cam Newton. In just two rounds, the Panthers offense just became scary good.
Third Round
Atlanta Falcons - Offensive Lineman Billy Turner, North Dakota State. The Falcons need a hard-nosed run blocker, and Turner fits that bill perfectly. He possesses an elite ability to move forward in the run game, and that will help the Falcons right away. Can play tackle, but best suited as a guard.
New Orleans Saints - Outside Linebacker Adrian Hubbard, Alabama. Rob Ryan needs more talent on that defense, despite being very successful in his first year. Hubbard is a versatile player that will add immediate impact for the Saints
Carolina Panthers - Cornerback E.J. Gaines, Missouri. Gaines is one of the underrated corners in this draft, and after adding some top targets for Cam, the Panthers add depth at corner in the third.
Fourth Round
Atlanta Falcons - Running back Charles Sims, West Virginia. Sims can run, block, and catch out of the backfield which is a perfect fit for the Falcons. Steven Jackson is not getting any younger, and Jacquizz Rodgers is not a starter in the NFL. Sims could start right away for the Falcons.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Wide Receiver Robert Herron, Wyoming. The Buccaneers are set at receiver on the outside, but could use a slot guy who can make plays. Robert Herron is one of the underrated talents this draft class, and would be an excellent fit in Tampa Bay.
New Orleans Saints - Wide Receiver Cody Hoffman, Brigham Young. The Saints add yet another weapon to their arsenal, and Hoffman is a playmaker down the field. He also fits the mold in New Orleans at well over six feet tall.
Carolina Panthers - Offensive Tackle Ja’Wuan James, Tennessee. The Panthers add another tackle who could take over for Jordan Gross right away, a steal in the fourth round.
Fifth Round
Atlanta Falcons - Offensive Tackle Seantrel Henderson, Miami. Henderson controls his own destiny. If he wants to, he can be a great offensive tackle, but sometimes he does not seem interested. This gamble could pay huge dividends for the Falcons. If he wants to play, and get into shape, Henderson can be a great player.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Linebacker Andrew Jackson, Western Kentucky. The Bucs add much needed depth at inside linebacker, Jackson is quick enough to be a good special teamer as well.
New Orleans Saints - Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois. Drew Brees is not a spring chicken anymore, and the Saints get a good developmental quarterback here to sit for a few seasons and learn from one of the best.
Carolina Panthers - Defensive End Taylor Hart, Oregon. Hart adds depth to an already good defensive line. If he can be taught to change his technique, Hart can be a good player in the NFL.
Sixth Round
Atlanta Falcons - Tight End Richard Rogers, California. Rogers is a steal in the six round, and will be a great compliment to Levine Toilolo in Atlanta.
New Orleans Saints - Running back Isaiah Crowell, Alabama State. The Saints continue to add talent in the late rounds, and that is what makes their offense grow.
Carolina Panthers - Quarterback Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech. Thomas by no means can play quarterback in the NFL at the moment. But learning behind Cam Newton is perfect for the former Hokie, and he possesses great tools. If he can develop on the bench for a few seasons, the Panthers may have themselves a perfect backup quarterback in that system.
Seventh Round
Atlanta Falcons - Defensive Tackle Zach Kerr, Delaware. Kerr dominated in the FCS, and with a good showing in the offseason, he could go a lot higher. But the Falcons would gladly take him in the seventh round to add depth to the defensive line.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Tight End Colt Lyerla, Oregon. This is an incredibly risky pick, but in the seventh round why not take a guy who could potentially be a pro bowler should he get his life in order?