The NFC South had a solid draft weekend overall, but it also felt like a division where every team left with at least one question. Carolina added value and depth. Atlanta found some athletes, but the class still feels a little light. New Orleans attacked major roster needs with volume. Tampa Bay grabbed a premier pass rusher, but Sportsvival still sees a few picks that could determine whether this class becomes good or just average.
Carolina Panthers, Grade: B
Panthers Draft Picks
Round 1, Pick 19, T Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Round 2, Pick 49, DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Round 3, Pick 83, WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
Round 4, Pick 129, CB Will Lee III, Texas A&M
Round 5, Pick 144, C Sam Hecht, Kansas State
Round 5, Pick 151, S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
Round 7, Pick 227, LB Jackson Kuwatch, Miami, Ohio
Carolina did a nice job adding pieces to both sides of the football. Monroe Freeling gives the Panthers another tackle option, and that was important with questions around the offensive line. Lee Hunter brings toughness inside, while Chris Brazzell II gives the offense another vertical option who can stretch the field. The Panthers’ seven-pick class also included Will Lee III, Sam Hecht, Zakee Wheatley, and Jackson Kuwatch.
Sportsvival gives Carolina a B because this was a strong value draft, but maybe not one that completely changes the outlook of the roster overnight. Freeling and Hunter could become early contributors, while Wheatley and Hecht were picks we liked later in the draft. Carolina did not reach much, and that matters. This was a steady class with a chance to look better in a couple of years.
Atlanta Falcons, Grade: C+
Falcons Draft Picks
und 2, Pick 48, CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Round 3, Pick 79, WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia
Round 4, Pick 134, LB/S Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma
Round 6, Pick 208, DT Anterio Thompson, Washington
Round 6, Pick 215, LB Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
Round 7, Pick 231, OL Ethan Onianwa, Ohio State
Atlanta did not pick until the second round, but the Falcons added some interesting athletic traits. Avieon Terrell stays in Atlanta and joins his brother A.J. Terrell, giving the Falcons another corner with instincts and football IQ. Zachariah Branch gives them speed and return ability, while Kendal Daniels adds a versatile defensive piece after Atlanta traded back from No. 122 to No. 134 and picked up No. 208.
Sportsvival gives Atlanta a C+ because this draft had upside, but it also had some projection. Branch is explosive, but he still has to show he can be more than a gadget and return weapon. Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr. are both intriguing, but both have hybrid profiles that require the right plan. Anterio Thompson and Ethan Onianwa are depth swings. There is talent here, but Atlanta needed more sure things.
New Orleans Saints, Grade: B
Saints Draft Picks
Round 1, Pick 8, WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Round 2, Pick 42, DT Christen Miller, Georgia
Round 3, Pick 73, TE Oscar Delp, Georgia
Round 4, Pick 132, G Jeremiah Wright, Auburn
Round 4, Pick 136, WR Bryce Lance, North Dakota State
Round 5, Pick 172, S Lorenzo Styles Jr., Ohio State
Round 6, Pick 190, WR Barion Brown, LSU
Round 7, Pick 219, CB TJ Hall, Iowa
New Orleans came away with eight picks and made a clear effort to give the offense more weapons. Jordyn Tyson gives the Saints a big-play receiver to pair with Chris Olave, while Bryce Lance and Barion Brown add more competition and speed to the receiver room. Christen Miller brings defensive line help, Oscar Delp adds tight end depth, and Jeremiah Wright gives them another interior offensive line option.
Sportsvival gives the Saints a B because this class had direction. Tyson was the headliner, and if he becomes a true No. 2 wide receiver, this draft can look very good. Miller was a strong addition up front, and Delp fits as a developmental tight end. The question is whether New Orleans needed this many pass-catching additions instead of attacking a few other areas earlier. Still, the Saints improved their roster and gave themselves options.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Grade: B-
Buccaneers Draft Picks
Round 1, Pick 15, EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami, Fla
Round 2, Pick 46, LB Josiah Trotter, Missouri
Round 3, Pick 84, WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State
Round 4, Pick 116, CB Keionte Scott, Miami, Fla
Round 5, Pick 155, DT DeMonte Capehart, Clemson
Round 5, Pick 160, G Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
Round 6, Pick 185, TE Bauer Sharp, LSU
Tampa Bay landed one of the better pass rushers in the class with Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 15, and that pick alone gives the Buccaneers’ draft a strong foundation. Josiah Trotter adds physicality at linebacker, Ted Hurst gives them size at wide receiver, and Keionte Scott brings toughness to the secondary. The Bucs also added DeMonte Capehart, Billy Schrauth, and Bauer Sharp on Day Three.
Sportsvival gives Tampa Bay a B- because Bain was a great pick, but the rest of the class has to prove itself. Trotter fits the physical identity Tampa wants, but he has to improve in coverage. Hurst is a big target, but he may need time. Schrauth could end up being one of the better value picks if he stays healthy and develops inside. This class has upside, but it may be carried heavily by how good Bain becomes.
Final NFC South Thoughts
The NFC South did not have the flashiest draft in the league, but every team found players who can help. Carolina had the most balanced class. New Orleans had the clearest offensive plan. Tampa Bay got the best individual player in the division with Rueben Bain Jr. Atlanta took some big swings, but that class may need the most patience.
For Sportsvival, this division comes down to development. A lot of these picks have traits, speed, length, versatility, power, but several of them are not finished products. Carolina and New Orleans feel like the safer drafts. Tampa Bay could jump higher if Bain becomes a star. Atlanta has some fun pieces, but the Falcons needed more immediate answers.