Ranking NFC South defensive players post-Free Agency
Outside Linebackers
1. New Orleans Saints - Pete Werner, Willie Gay, Nephi Sewell, Monty Rice
2. Carolina Panthers - Jadeveon Clowney, K'Lavon Chaisson, D.J. Wonnum
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Yaya Diaby, Anthony Nelson, Markees Watts
4. Atlanta Falcons - Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie, Ade Ogundeji, DeAngelo Malone
The Saints top this section via the addition of Willie Gay. He is a truly underrated talent in this league and he should thrive in the Saints defensive system. Werner is another very strong tackler and reads the game well.
Carolina shot up this ranking with the addition of Clowney coming off of one of his best seasons in recent years. He will bring a veteran leader that has a track record of getting to the quarterback.
I like almost all the Bucs outside linebackers, however, they lack the week-to-week consistency right now to really prove their worth. Tryon-Shoyinka did show signs of taking the next step last year.
The Falcons don't have bad options at this spot. Yet, none of them truly jump off the page when you look at what they bring to the table.
Inside Linebackers
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Lavonte David, KJ Britt, SirVocea Dennis, J.J. Russell
2. New Orleans Saints - DeMario Davis, D'Marco Jackson
3. Carolina Panthers - Josey Jewell, Shaq Thompson, Chandler Wooten, Claudin Cherelus
4. Atlanta Falcons - Nate Landman, Kaden Elliss, Milo Eifler, Troy Andersen
David and Britt form the best duo at this spot in the divison. David has shown no signs of slowing down as he remains a tackling machine and one of the best defensive leaders in the Division.
Davis is a stud at linebacker as he calls the shots on a typically stingy Saints defense. He always pops up everywhere on the field.
The addition of Jewell was a nice move for the Panthers as he and Thompson compliment each other well and should give offenses fits this coming season.
Once again, it's a group of average or slightly above average players in Atlanta. Raheem Morris could coach them up into something nice.