The Buccaneers have added some talent so far in the draft this year, but just as important is what the rest of the NFC south added. Let’s take a look.
The NFL draft is over, and it’s time to take stock in how everything went. We have talked about the Buccaneers and how Jason Licht went and filled a lot of the team needs. He got value in every round. But what about the rest of the division? What type of players did the NFC South teams add as potential combatants this season? Let’s take a look:
Saints
1.11 – CB – Marshon Lattimore:
Most people had Lattimore high on their boards, The issue for me is his hamstrings. It’s well understood that hamstrings can be a recurring issue *Ahem* Doug. Setting that aside, the Saints did a good job of addressing the need with a talented player. In a division like the NFC South teams need corners to cover the length of opposing teams, if Lattimore can stay healthy, he’s an instant upgrade over often injured Delvin Breaux. Lattimore will have to play big and physical if he wants to succeed in the NFC South.
1.32 – T – Ryan Ramsczyk
A bit of a head scratcher here . The defensive side of the ball needs the most help, but Ryan helps solidifies their line for the next few years. With a high draft pick spent on Peat in 2015, my bet would’ve been on defense, or even a wide receiver to fill Cooks’ spot. Instead they go Ramsczyk. They must keep Brees safe and healthy I suppose? With a weak offensive line class they obviously did not want to risk him being gone by day two.
2.10 – S – Marcus Williams
The safety out of Utah again addresses a big need for the Saints again. Williams can come in and fight for a starting spot right away. Williams has a small frame, but at 6’1 can help offset the height in the NFC south. The Saints secondary looks to be a bit more formidable with this Lattimore and Williams
3.3 – HB – Alvin Kamara
Keep in mind Adrian Peterson is 32 and at 27 Ingram is not young. Kamara figures to be the eventual heir to the backfield in New Orleans. Also makes you wonder if Adrian Peterson mentioned how long he would play/ Regardless Kamara was never a first round running back, but in the third, solid value for the Saints.
3.12 – LB – Alex Anzalone
“Thor”, the product from Florida has suffered through many injuries. Although NFL.com projected him to get between rounds two and three, the injuries and lack of both interceptions and forced fumbles raise questions for me. He does fill a need and it’s decent value, but with Carl Lawson and a few other notable prospects on the board, seems questionable.
3.39 – DE – Trey Hendrickson
More of a depth pick. At the combine he ran a 4.65 40 yard dash. Another addition to a position of need. We’ll see where Hendrickson ends up but decent value for a four-year starter with 29.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles. His versatility is an added bonus.
Draft grade: B
Panthers
1.8 – HB – Christian McCafrey
McCafrey in a ton of different mocks. They make the safe pick and take the “Swiss army knife” from Stanford. McCaffrey adds speed to the offense and if he can run between the tackles, an eventual replacement for aging Jonathan Stewart. He gives Cam Newton an easy dump off option with the propensity for an explosive play. Well see how Rivera incorporates him in the offense.
2.8 – WR – Curtis Samuel
Staying with the trend of adding speed to the offense, the Panthers take another solid pick. I had a small glimmer of hope that Samuel might slide to the Bucs depending on the board, but the Panthers continue to revamp their play makers around Newton. With a need in the secondary, the Panthers make it clear they want to revitalize the offense.
2.32 – T – Taylor Moton
The offensive line is not getting any younger and Cam Newton can’t continue to absorb the hits he does. the Panthers do the smart thing in a weak OL draft class and wait until the third to take an offensive lineman. He helps make an aging OL, younger. I’m assuming he moves to guard and fights for a starting spot this year.
3.13 – DE – Daeshon Hall
With the four great quarterbacks in the NFC South, every team needs a good pass rusher. Hall fills another need for the Panthers. In his career at A&M he posted 15 sacks, 158 total tackles and four forced fumbles. Hall helps Rivera strengthen the defense. Another position of need, another solid pick.
Draft grade: A-
Falcons
1.26 – OLB – Takkarist McKinley
When it comes to this pick, i might not be the right one to ask. Being a UCLA fan, I think McKinley is a great pass rusher. It pains me to see him head down to Atlanta and pair up with Vic Beasley. Those two are a dangerous pass rushing tandem, with the addition of Poe, Dan Quinn is building a strong defense. This, in my opinion, is the best pick from our division opponents, not only for the player but for the fit.
3.1 – OLB – Duke Riley
First came Kwon Alexander, then came Deion Jones and then came Duke Riley. LSU is very quietly turning into a linebacker factory. Riley ran a 4.58 40 yard dash at the combine, that’s .3 seconds slower than Kwon at 4.55. Riley looks to pair with a fearsome linebacking core of McKinley, Jones, Riley and Beasley. If Riley turns out anywhere near Kwon and Deion that linebacking core could be one of the best in the NFL.
Draft grade: A
The Buccaneers have seen some tough players enter the division during this draft. The battles will certainly be fun to watch.