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 Draft Day Needs: NFC South
by Chris Brophy
23/4/2008
Atlanta Falcons: After a messy season that really started last off-season when Mike Vick landed himself in a heap of a trouble, the Falcons find themselves approaching this draft with a new Head Coach and a new GM. Given that and the QB situation, a new franchise QB makes a lot of sense because they are not going far with either of Chris Redman or Joey Harrington.
With that in mind, Matt Ryan at #3 could well be likely but is he worth it and can they get better value? This draft is deep for both sets of lines and that is something the Falcons need plenty of so it might make more sense to address those needs with their top pick and then at the top of the 2nd round, go for a QB as they are likely to be a few players at the position that look better value at that point. If the Falcons can come away with a good prospect for each line and a possible future QB in the opening three rounds, it’ll be a job well done.
Lower down, a TE to replace the departed Alge Crumpler and more prospects for the line, which GM Tom Dimitroff has a history of doing from his time with the Patriots’ front office, are likely.
Carolina Panthers: Another team needing help along the lines is the Panthers. More so on the defensive line where Mike Rucker is close to the end and Julius Peppers has not been as productive. It’s worth noting Peppers is also a free agent in 2009. With Kris Jenkins dealt to the Jets, a new influx of blood for the D-line is vital from this draft but they may well look to help out their offensive line at some point too.
Other needs include QB and safety as well as depth at RB. With DeShaun Foster gone, they’ll want someone to help out DeAngelo Williams, maybe a back with more power to increase their offensive options. QB is hard to read, Delhomme is coming off a nasty injury with a long rehab period but maybe the team seen enough in last year’s undrafted rookie Matt Moore to believe he can be the future?
Lower down, again like the Falcons, TE could well get a look as well as WR.
New Orleans Saints: The Saints have been very active in the off-season already, adding some defensive help but they could still use more, mainly at OLB and especially DT. Given they are picking at #10, it’s probably too late for either Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis but a trade up could be possible. If not, sitting and picking the cream of the linebackers or cornerbacks is most probable.
Assuming that happens, defensive tackle help should follow soon afterwards. The team might look to add a TE too, especially in round two where the pick of the top prospects could still be around. The Saints have a good offense, but it’s made up of too many bit part or one-dimensional players so adding a more consistent threat somewhere else could be a massive help.
Lower down, depth for the defense and possibly the OL should be what the Saints are looking for.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers best offensive playmaker is Joey Galloway and whilst he can still bring something to the table, the mileage on his motor is high. With Michael Clayton not building on a great rookie year, it’s probably time to go after a wide receiver and given the state of the receivers in this draft, the Buccaneers are actually in a pretty good position to get one of the top prospects and for it to look good value. Even though they finally managed to return a kick for a TD last year, if that receiver can double up as a return specialist, that would really help.
After that, Tampa Bay will be looking to get some help at cornerback and defensive tackle. Ronde Barber is getting on a bit and Brian Kelly departed for the Lions (like quite a few other Bucs in recent years) so adding someone who can contribute early might well be the other top priority.
Assuming Jon Gruden doesn’t want yet another QB prospect somewhere, lower rounds should see the Buccaneers targeting some OL depth and possibly another WR.
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