NFL Draft 2012: NFC South Team Needs

The NFC South has produced multiple playoff teams each of the last two seasons and has never had a repeat champion since the NFL realigned the divisions in 2002. The defending division champions, the New Orleans Saints, enter the season reeling from the punishments handed down following the Gregg Williams bounty scandal. Head coach Sean Payton will miss the entire season, leaving a huge void on offense. Drew Brees has not received a long-term contract and decided to skip the team’s voluntary strength and conditioning activities beginning on Monday.

With uncertainty surrounding the Saints, the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers will look to take advantage and earn a trip to the playoffs.

Atlanta Falcons

Needs: LB, TE, DE, S, RB

The Falcons posted a winning season for the fourth consecutive year, a franchise record. But there is certainly a feeling of disappointment and uncertainty entering a pivotal 2012 season. Head coach Mike Smith, the most successful coach in Falcons history, has come under heavy scrutiny for his fourth-and-short playcalling in the Wild Card loss to the eventual champion New York Giants. Matt Ryan, fantastic at home, has a career regular season record of 17-15 outside of the Georgia Dome.

He also has a career passer rating of 71.4 in the postseason. Key pieces to the offense, namely Tony Gonzalez and Michael Turner, may have just a year or two left in their respective primes. The time is now for the Falcons to make it happen. Atlanta traded its first-rounder in this year’s draft to jump up and grab Julio Jones with the sixth pick last April. So they will need to shine on the second and third day to fill holes. A big question could be at middle linebacker where Curtis Lofton bolted for New Orleans. Former Pro Bowler Lofa Tatupu will step in, but he missed the entire 2011 season due to injury.

Round One Possibilities: None

Carolina Panthers

Needs: DT, LB, OT, CB, DE

Any doubts about the Panthers’ selection of Cam Newton ended immediately following the greatest rookie season by any quarterback in the history of the NFL. Newton topped the 4,000-yard passing mark and scored a combined 35 touchdowns via ground and air. He’s the centerpiece of the Panthers’ rebuilding project and immediately has made the franchise relevant and competitive again.

Some experts believe Carolina can be a dark horse to make the playoffs next season, but to do so, they will have to make substantial improvements on defense. The Panthers ranked 24th against the pass and 25th against the run, allowing a total of 377.8 yards per game. The team spent two high-round draft picks on defensive tackles last season, but neither Sione Fua nor Terrell McClain established themselves as starters. McClain, in particular, struggled the entire season.

Middle linebacker Dan Connor left via free agency and star outside backer Jon Beason has struggled to stay on the field the last two seasons. Carolina could also elect to provide help across from defensive end Charles Johnson or cornerback Chris Gamble. Make no mistakes about it; Carolina will almost certainly draft a defensive player in round one,

Round One Possibilities: Memphis DT Dontari Poe, Mississippi State DE/DT Fletcher Cox, LSU CB Morris Claiborne, Boston College LB Luke Kuechly

New Orleans Saints

Needs: CB, DT, WR, LB, OT

The Saints won the NFC South for the second time in three years in 2011 but were eliminated by the NFC West champion for the second consecutive season. That’s the good news. General manager Mickey Loomis, head coach Sean Payton and assistant coach Joe Vitt were among the coaches suspended by Roger Goodell for their roles in Gregg Williams’ bounty system.

To make matters worse, the commissioner also forced the Saints to surrender their second-round pick in this year’s draft. The Saints had already given up their first-rounder to New England to acquire Mark Ingram. Impact players may be harder to find this season for the Saints, but the team has done a nice job finding talent in the later rounds; notably Jimmy Graham (Round 3) and Marques Colston (Round 7).

The Saints may miss a number of defensive starters if Goodell elects to punish any of the players, likely defensive captains Scott Fujita and Jonathan Vilma. They may also want to address the cornerback position early, since Super Bowl XLIV hero Tracy Porter bolted to Denver in March and 2010 first-rounder Patrick Robinson has been a liability in coverage. Perhaps the Super Bowl curse has already made its way to the Big Easy.

Round One Possibilities: None

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Needs: CB, RB, DT, S, LB

No NFC team regressed more last season than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Sure, their 10-6 record in 2010 was largely a result of a Charmin-soft schedule, but not many people expected the Bucs to tank so badly, for Josh Freeman to throw six more interceptions than touchdowns and for Raheem Morris to be fired.

New head coach Greg Schiano steps in with a potentially huge decision at pick No. 5. Tampa Bay will be completely dependent on the Cleveland Browns, since the two best possible fits are also being heavily considered by Cleveland – Alabama RB Trent Richardson and LSU CB Morris Claiborne.

LeGarrette Blount struggled as the full-time starter last season, as the Bucs finished 30th in rushing. The Bucs couldn’t stop the run either, finishing dead last by season’s end. Tampa also finished a lackluster 21st against the pass. Aqib Talib faces potential legal trouble, Ronde Barber is now 37 years old and no one else on the roster has stood out.

The Bucs have had a very busy offseason, handing out big contracts to Carl Nicks, Vincent Jackson and Eric Wright. A good draft may give them a shot to contend again quickly.

Round One Possibilties: Alabama RB Trent Richardson, LSU CB Morris Claiborne

To stay up to date on the latest from NFL Spin Zone, become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.