The NFC South has turned into a very competitive division in football last year as they had two of the top teams in the NFC. The Saints are a perennial power and Cam Newton has the Panthers fighting hard to rip the division back from the Saints and Falcons. Last year the Falcons fell to the bottom of the division mainly through injuries.
But the Falcons and the other teams in the NFC South still have a wealth of talent. But who is the best player in the division at each position.
The NFC South has turned into a very competitive division in football last year as they had two of the top teams in the NFC. The Saints are a perennial power and Cam Newton has the Panthers fighting hard to rip the division back from the Saints and Falcons. Last year the Falcons fell to the bottom of the division mainly through injuries. But the Falcons and the other teams in the NFC South still have a wealth of talent. But who is the best player in the division at each position.
Quarterback
1. Drew Brees New Orleans Saints
2. Cam Newton Carolina Panthers
3. Matt Ryan Atlanta Falcons
4. Mike Glennon Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Newton has passed Ryan in my eyes, his dual threat capability adds to how dangerous he has become. But in the end the future Hall of Famer Drew Brees is still top dog in the South and I don't see any of these guys taking the crown from him. But three out of these four guys are thought to be top quarterbacks, so if you like to watch good quarterback play this will be a fun division to watch.
Running Back
1. Doug Martin Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2. Stephen Jackson Atlanta Falcons
3. DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Kenjon Barner Carolina Panthers
4. Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas New Orleans Saints
Martin is the best running back in this division with (a healthy) Jackson not too far behind. The Panthers and Saints positions are filled by committee. I really like the Panthers group, if Barner can have a breakout season they can easily be the number one group.
Wide Receivers
1. Julio Jones, Roddy White, Devin Hester Atlanta Falcons
2. Brandin Cooks, Brandon Coleman, Marques Colston, Kenny Stills New Orleans Saints.
3. Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4. Kelvin Benjamin, Jerricho Cotchery Carolina Panthers
When healthy the Falcons receivers can be the one of the top groups in the league. But I will say the Saints are a close second, watch out for the young speedsters (Cooks and Stills) they are extremely talented and they make playmaking look easy.
Tight Ends
1. Jimmy Graham New Orleans Saints (Shocker right?)
2. Greg Olson Carolina Panthers
3. Levine Toilolo Atlanta Falcons
4. Austin Seferian-Jenkins Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Graham is the best tight end in football and the biggest offensive threat in the entire NFC South. Olson is a consistent veteran, but we have to see what these young tight ends in the division do in Atlanta and Tampa Bay.
Offensive Line
1. New Orleans Saints
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Carolina Panthers
4. Atlanta Falcons
The Saints offensive line has always done a great job protecting Brees, and with the high amount of drop backs he has his low sack stats is impressive.
Defensive Line
1. Carolina Panthers
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. New Orleans Saints
4. Atlanta Falcons
The Panthers and Buccaneers have really good all around defensive lines but you have to like the star power of Cameron Jordan on the Saints line.
Linebackers
1. Carolina Panthers
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. New Orleans Saints
4. Atlanta Falcons
Luke Kuechly may be the best linebacker in the league he has really taken the step to becoming a star in the league. Same with Lavonte David I really enjoy watching him play he’s a special player with a long career ahead of him.
Cornerbacks
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Atlanta Falcons
4. Carolina Panthers
The Buccaneers signed Alterraun Verner who turned into one of the top corners in the league last year which will immediately make them better. The Saints made their whole defense better when they picked up future H.O.F. Champ Bailey. Bailey can play both corner and safety and can be a great mentor to the young players on the team.
Saftey
1. New Orleans Saints
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Carolina Panthers
4. Atlanta Falcons
The Saints went out and got top free agent Jairus Byrd and paired him with their top young talent. But you can also make the argument for Mark Barron and Dashon Goldson in Tampa Bay as well. Both of those units are in for a great year.