NFC South Draft Review

Well folks, only two divisions to go now, and for those Seahawks fans out there....you have been very patient. Without further ado, here is the NFC South.

Atlanta Falcons (2007 record: 4-12)
Number of picks: 11
Best pick: QB Matt Ryan (3rd overall)
Sleeper Watch: CB Wilrey Fontenot (212th overall)
Analysis: The Falcons needed to get over the Mike Vick era, and they did so by bringing in a new franchise QB in Ryan. Ryan has the prototypical size for a QB (6'5, 226) and has a strong arm. He threw a lot of interceptions in his senior year, but he had little for a supporting cast at Boston College. The Falcons used two of their three second round picks to trade back into the first round and select huge OT Sam Baker. The offensive line has struggled of late, and getting Baker is a step in the right direction. In round two, the Falcons got a solid LB in Curtis Lofton. Lofton has good speed, but his height (6'0) is a concern. In the third they picked up slow-but-effective CB Chevis Jackson. Jackson had a productive career at LSU, and should challenge for starting time in Atlanta. Fontenot has the potential to be great. He was a record-setting relay runner in high school, so he has great speed. He was also a four year starter at Arizona opposite Antoine Cason. Great value pick at 212. They also drafted a wide receiver, a tight end, a safety, two linebackers and a running back.
Grade: A

Carolina Panthers (2007 record: 7-9)
Number of picks: 9
Best pick: RB Johnathan Stewart (13th overall)
Sleeper Watch: DT Nick Hayden (181st overall)
Analysis: The Panthers also had a tonne of needs. In Stewart they get a huge back in the mold of Stephan Davis to pair with Deangelo Williams. They have the makings of a great running game. They traded back into the first to select massive tackle Jeff Otah. Otah (6'6, 340) can start at either tackle position, and should push for a job right away. In round three, the Panthers selected versatile CB Charles Godfrey. Godfrey lacks speed, but could be successful as a cover two CB or be moved to S. The Panthers got a steal in round three by selecting LB Dan Connor. Connor was projected by some (myself included) to go in the first round, but he falls to the third. He is similar to recently departed LB Dan Morgan, and they hope Connor can avoid the injuries. Hayden is a beast, but he lacks consistancy. He will be a great run stuffer from day one, but needs to work on his pass rushing to be an every-down player in the league. The Panthers also selected a tight end, another linebacker and two more offensive lineman.
Grade: B+

New Orleans Saints (2007 record: 7-9)
Number of picks: 6
Best pick: DT Sedrick Ellis (7th overall)
Sleeper Watch: WR Adrian Arrington (237th overall)
Analysis: The Saints made a great move in jumping up three spots and snatching Ellis off the board. He compares greatly to number five pick Glenn Dorsey, but lacks the intensity. He should start from day one and pair nicely with All-Pro ends Charles Grant and Will Smith. 33 picks later, they made a nice depth choice in selecting CB Tracy Porter. Porter is not a great tackler, but should excel as a nickel corner for a few years. After watching rounds three and four, they made DT DeMario Pressley their pick in the fifth. Pressley has great measureables, and if he can crack the starting line up, he should be successful. After selecting an offensive tackle and a kicker, they took Arrington in the seventh round. Most felt Arrington was overshadowed by Mario Manningham at Michigan, and he could be a great player if developed properly.
Grade: B

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2007 record: 9-7)
Number of picks: 8
Best pick: CB Aqib Talib (20th overall)
Sleeper Watch: QB Josh Johnson (160th overall)
Analysis: The Bucs had few needs, but are trying to avoid a slip up in the division. Talib is talented, and if he can avoid off-the-field issues, he should be a starter right away opposite Ronde Barber. In round two, the Bucs selected speedy-but-unknown WR Dexter Jackson. Jackson ran a 4.3 40 yard dash, and will bring explosiveness to the return game. Could be great if developed properly. In round three, the Bucs went for offensive line depth by selecting OG Jeremy Zuttah. Zuttah is versatile, so he can fill in wherever needed while he is groomed. In round four, the Bucs went for aggressive DT Dre Moore. Moore bring intensity, and should be a starter by the end of his rookie season, as the Bucs continue to find a replacement for the long-departed Warren Sapp. Despite the fact that they have about a million QBs under contract, the pick of Johnson makes sense. He was very productive at San Diego St, and could be a great developmental prospect. They also drafted a linebacker and a late round running back.
Grade: B-

In other news, the Colts have brought back former starting RB Dominic Rhodes. They signed him to a one year contract, and he is expected to back up Joseph Addai. The question is: what happens to rookie Mike Hart. Well, he is likely to be buried, which is a shame. But kudos to the Colts for bringing back a player that helped them win the Super Bowl two years ago.
Come back tomorrow for the eighth and final installment in my NFL Draft review, where I will take a look at the NFC West.