NFC South Draft Outlook: Four Teams, One Wide-Open Division
The NFC South was a rollercoaster in 2025 - and not the fun kind. It was more like a tug-of-war where nobody could quite pull away.
In the end, it was the Carolina Panthers who emerged from the chaos, clinching the division with an 8-9 record after a late-season surge and a little help from the Atlanta Falcons, who knocked off the New Orleans Saints in Week 18. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite a promising start behind Baker Mayfield, faded late, and the Saints never really found their footing.
Now, as the dust settles and all four teams look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the question isn’t just who can add talent - it’s who can finally take control of a division that’s been up for grabs for far too long. Each team has holes to fill, and how they approach their top picks this spring will go a long way in shaping the next chapter of the NFC South.
Let’s break down the early draft outlook for each team, with a focus on potential first- and second-round fits.
New Orleans Saints (6-11): Rebuilding Around Shough
Round 1, Pick 8 - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Saints believe they’ve found their quarterback in Tyler Shough, and now it’s about giving him the tools to succeed.
Enter Carnell Tate, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound playmaker from Ohio State who brings size, speed, and polish to the wide receiver room. Tate posted 838 yards and 9 touchdowns on just 48 catches this past season - a model of efficiency and explosiveness.
Pairing Tate with Chris Olave, another Buckeye standout, gives New Orleans a dynamic duo on the outside. If Shough is the guy, this is how you help him take the next step - with weapons who can stretch the field and win one-on-one matchups.
Round 2, Pick 42 - Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
On the other side of the ball, the Saints need to start thinking about life after Cameron Jordan.
Miami’s Akheem Mesidor might not have the name recognition of some top edge rushers, but he’s been a force for the Hurricanes during their playoff run. At 6-foot-3 and 280 pounds, Mesidor has the size and versatility to line up across the front and make an impact early.
He’s a bit older than your typical rookie, but that experience could work in his favor. If he shows out in the national championship - especially against a top quarterback like Ferando Mendoza - his stock could skyrocket. For now, he’s a strong Day 2 value who fills a clear need.
Atlanta Falcons (8-9): Reloading Without a First-Round Pick
Round 2, Pick 48 - Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
Atlanta’s first-round pick is already spoken for after last year’s trade, but that doesn’t mean they can’t find impact talent on Day 2. With Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. already added to the defense, the Falcons can now turn their attention to the offense - specifically, finding another weapon to pair with Drake London.
Chris Brazzell II is a long, fast wideout who can stretch the field and make contested catches. He’s got the kind of vertical speed that forces safeties to think twice, and with Michael Penix Jr. under center, that deep connection could become a staple of the Falcons’ offense. If Kyle Pitts walks in free agency, Brazzell’s presence becomes even more important.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9): Building a Tougher Defense
Round 1, Pick 15 - Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Tampa Bay needs to get younger and more disruptive on defense, and Keldric Faulk checks a lot of boxes.
The 6-foot-6, 285-pound defensive end has the size to hold up against the run and the athleticism to get after the quarterback. He’s not as flashy as some of the top edge rushers in this class, but he’s steady, physical, and versatile - a true three-down player.
With Todd Bowles' defense relying heavily on scheme flexibility, Faulk’s ability to shift inside or out makes him a great fit. He may not be a household name yet, but he’s got the tools to become a difference-maker in Tampa.
Round 2, Pick 46 - Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
Replacing Lavonte David - if he retires or moves on - is no small task.
But Alabama’s Deontae Lawson brings the kind of leadership and instincts you want in a middle linebacker. At 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, Lawson is rangy, physical, and smart.
He reads plays quickly and isn’t afraid to fill gaps or drop into coverage.
He’s not just a stopgap - Lawson could be a long-term anchor in the middle of that defense. For a team trying to stay competitive in a winnable division, this is the type of pick that keeps the defense from slipping.
Carolina Panthers (8-9): Protecting Bryce Young and Shoring Up the Secondary
Round 1, Pick 19 - Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
The Panthers may have won the division, but they’ve still got work to do - especially up front.
With left tackle Ikem Ekwonu recovering from a torn patellar tendon, Carolina needs insurance at one of the most important positions on the field. Francis Mauigoa gives them that and more.
At 6-foot-6 and over 330 pounds, Mauigoa is a big, athletic tackle who moves well in space and holds up in pass protection. For a young quarterback like Bryce Young, having a stable blindside protector is crucial. Even if Ekwonu returns to form, Mauigoa gives the Panthers flexibility and depth - two things you can never have enough of on the offensive line.
Round 2, Pick 51 - Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
With Nick Scott potentially leaving in free agency, Carolina adds a versatile safety in Dillon Thieneman.
At 6-foot and 205 pounds, Thieneman has shown the ability to play deep, in the box, or in the slot. His ball skills and football IQ make him a natural fit in a secondary that could use a playmaker.
Given the Panthers' tendency to run multiple defensive looks, Thieneman’s versatility will be a big asset. He’s not just a depth piece - he could challenge for a starting role early, especially in nickel packages.
The Bottom Line
The NFC South is wide open, and none of these teams are far from the top - or the bottom. With just two games separating all four squads in 2025, the 2026 draft could be the difference between another middling season and a true breakout.
The Saints are arming their young quarterback. The Falcons are quietly building a balanced roster.
The Bucs are retooling a once-feared defense. And the Panthers, fresh off a division title, are protecting their franchise QB while adding pieces on the back end.
The moves made this April might not make headlines right away. But come fall, they could decide who finally takes control of the NFC South.