The 2024 NFL Draft is finally here as we take a look at each team in the NFC South Division's needs heading into draft day.
Last year, the underwhelming NFC South had three teams that could have easily walked away with the division in the final weeks of the season. Now each team approaches the 2024 NFL Draft looking to address some major flaws within their rosters, hoping to make the NFC South a much more competitive division compared to the rest of the NFL.
Here are each team's needs in the NFC South ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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2024 NFL Draft Needs (NFC South): Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Team Needs: OL, Edge, CB, LB, S
Last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the NFC South Division by a hair, finishing the year with a 9-8 record behind quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Bucs made it to the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game, where they fell to the Detroit Lions.
Tampa Bay re-signed Baker Mayfield, trusting him for the long run. Now they come into this year's NFL draft needing to address major issues on defense, more specifically in their secondary.
With Devin White's and Carlton Davis' departures, the Buccaneers should look to use their picks to address these secondary positions.
An edge rusher also comes to mind when discussing the NFL draft needs for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
2024 NFL Draft Needs (NFC South): New Orleans Saints
Team Needs: OT, WR
The New Orleans Saints find themselves in an interesting position ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. The team missed the playoffs finishing at 9-8 and now heads into the draft only having to address a small amount of roster issues, but will eventually pay the price in cap space down the line.
Offensive line help is a significant concern for the Saints as right tackle Ryan Ramczyk missed the season's final four games with a nagging knee issue and Trevor Penning was benched in six games due to poor play.
Continuing on offense, the New Orleans Saints could bring in another wide receiver, being that they released Michael Thomas and will need another wideout alongside Chris Olave to help out Derek Carr.
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2024 NFL Draft Needs (NFC South): Atlanta Falcons
Team Needs: Edge, CB, DT, QB
The Atlanta Falcons were one of the busiest teams in the league during free agency,
The Falcons signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal worth up to $180 million while also adding receivers Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore to play alongside Drake London.
Atlanta is stacked on offense. After taking Bijan Robinson and Drake London in the past two drafts, they could address their issues on defense this year.
Pass rusher is a position of concern for the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta did double their total sacks last season from 21 to 43. However, they still finished at the bottom of the league in that area.
Another position the Falcons could use some more depth at is cornerback, being that Jeff Okudah left Atlanta via free agency.
Despite signing Kirk Cousins, who is coming off an Achilles injury, the Falcons could use one of their picks to take a young quarterback. It's unlikely, but whoever they take will probably not see the field anytime soon. However, having someone to sit and develop behind Kirk Cousins couldn't hurt for the future.
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2024 NFL Draft Needs (NFC South): Carolina Panthers
Team Needs: WR, CB
The Carolina Panthers' goal this offseason is to make life easier for second-year quarterback Bryce Young.
Wide receiver is the first position the Panthers should address in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Panthers have taken a positive step by acquiring Diontae Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this offseason. Their next move should be to continue adding more playmakers to support Bryce Young in a seemingly fruitful receiver draft this year.
Last season the Panthers wide receiver core consisted of Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall Jr.; all were at times productive wideouts but weren't the difference-makers that Young needed for his development.
In other areas, the Carolina Panthers could look to upgrade their secondary. The Panthers sent their starting cornerback, Donte Jackson, to Pittsburgh in the trade to acquire Johnson. They re-signed Troy Hill, but still they could use more depth at the position.
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