The NFC South is undergoing seismic change this offseason. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have jettisoned Jameis Winston, bringing down Tom Brady from New England on a two-year, $50 million deal. Just to make things even more interesting, the Buccaneers also sent a fourth-round draft pick to New England for freshly un-retired Rob Gronkowski. The Carolina Panthers have a new head coach in Matt Rhule, who turned around Temple and Baylor in the world of college football and has decided to try his hand at the pro game. The New Orleans Saints let Teddy Bridgewater leave via free agency, so now it’s Drew Brees and Taysom Hill on the depth chart at quarterback — but do the Saints have another playoff run in them? Then there’s the enigmatic Atlanta Falcons, who have great talent on paper but who have underperformed ever since they had that 28-3 lead on New England in Super Bowl LI. For sports betting enthusiasts thinking about the NFL draft, we have some thoughts and gambling odds about the NFC South and the upcoming draft.
NFC South Mock Draft For 2020
Atlanta Falcons
Draft Picks Available- 1st round (16th overall)
- 2nd (47)
- 3rd (78)
- 4th (119)
- 4th (143)
- 7th (229)
Atlanta had an elite defensive line a couple seasons ago, but no more. Grady Jarrett is the only top-shelf player on the Falcons’ first level, so look for Atlanta to pick some interior linemen.
Possibilities: K’Lavon Chaisson (LSU), Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)
Another defensive need is cornerback. Kendall Sheffield and Isaiah Oliver have been impressive, but the departure of Desmond Trufant means the team needs to reload here.
Possibilities: C.J. Henderson (Florida), Kristian Fulton (LSU)
Yes, the Falcons added Todd Gurley II, but that’s just a one-year deal, and he already looked like he was trending downward in Los Angeles. There are plenty of running backs available in the draft, so look for the Falcons to shop on Day 2.
Possibilities: Cam Akers (Florida State), Antonio Gibson (Memphis)
Carolina Panthers
Draft Picks Available- 1st round (7th overall)
- 2nd (38)
- 3rd (69)
- 4th (113)
- 5th (148)
- 5th (152)
- 6th (184)
- 7th (221)
With the retirement of Luke Kuechly, the Panthers have an All-Pro-sized hole to fill at linebacker, and this is a class that has plenty of them, so the Panthers could take more than one if they are so inclined.
Possibility: Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)
Another defensive need appeared when cornerback James Bradberry signed a free-agent deal with the Giants. The team also has yet to sign a deal with free agent Ross Cockrell.
Possibility: Jeffrey Okudah (Ohio State)
Finally, the team also needs a safety, but they could wait until Day 2 to shop here. The team added Tre Boston via free agency, but they could use some youth in their defensive backfield.
Possibility: C.J. Henderson (Florida)
New Orleans Saints
Draft Picks Available- 1st round (24th overall)
- 3rd (88)
- 4th (130)
- 5th (169)
- 6th (203)
Drew Brees just signed a deal with NBC Sports to join their team as soon as he stops playing football, so it looks like the Saints have one more season with him running the offense. Taysom Hill is an intriguing backup, and he can fill in a number of roles — he could become the first quarterback-punter to start in both roles since Dallas had Danny White do both back in the early 1980s, for example. But the Saints need a backup quarterback for now and a possible starter for the future.
Possibility: Jordan Love (Utah State)
At wide receiver, the Saints added Emmanuel Sanders to join Michael Thomas, but a third receiver in the slot would help out a lot, and this class has a ton of wideouts.
Possibilities: Jalen Reagor (TCU), Justin Jefferson (LSU), Brandon Aiyuk (Arizona State)
Finally, the Saints need help at linebacker. Manti Te’o has hit free agency, and A.J. Klein is now in Buffalo. There are also plenty of linebackers in this class who could at least fill spots in the rotation, if not start.
Possibilities: Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma), Patrick Queen (LSU)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Draft Picks Available- 1st round (14th overall)
- 2nd (45)
- 3rd (76)
- 4th (117)
- 4th (139)
- 5th (162)
- 6th (195)
The Buccaneers may have brought in a moon-shot quarterback, but they need help at offensive tackle. Donovan Smith is the starter on the left side, but he is not consistent, and the right side has not been nailed down yet, as the team has not yet re-signed Demar Dotson. They did add Joe Haeg, but he’s a depth piece rather than a starter.
Possibilities: Andrew Thomas (Georgia), Jedrick Wills (Alabama)
Peyton Barber has left, which means that Ronald Jones II is the top running back on the depth chart. That means it’s time to add some talent to the cupboard, and there are a lot of good choices in this year’s class.
Possibility: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (LSU)
The Bucs brought back Ndamukong Suh on a one-year contract, but they need help in the middle of the defensive line — especially players with athleticism and the intelligence to make quick adjustments.
Possibilities: Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina), K’Lavon Chaisson (LSU)
