The NFC South is home to the defending Super Bowl champ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and will definitely be one of the tougher divisions in the NFL this year. There is a lot of change going on within the division, with new starting QBs as well as top picks in the draft. How will the division shape up? How will these teams look this upcoming season? Who will each team draft in the first round this year? Here’s an early preview on the NFC South in 2021.
Atlanta Falcons (2020 Record: 4-12)
In 2020, the Falcons were riddled with injuries to superstars WR Julio Jones and WR Calvin Ridley. This might explain why the team’s record was 4-12, but the big question is who will will they take with the 4th overall pick? All signs point to TE Kyle Pitts from Florida, and it would be hard for Atlanta to pass up a generational talent like him even if it is an early spot for a Tight End. Other rumors have them addressing the QB position, as the team could look to draft Trey Lance to take over for Matt Ryan in the near future. The Falcons could also fill their O-Line by taking Rashawn Slater or Penei Sewell. Whoever the pick may be, they’ll be looking to make an immediate impact on the sub .500 Falcons team, not to mention offsetting the loss of veteran Safety Keanu Neal to free agency. Atlanta will look to bounce back from an underwhelming season, as Matt Ryan’s time in the NFL is winding down and the division continues to grow stronger. With Drew Brees gone and Carolina getting a new QB, the Falcons could potentially be looking at second place in the NFC South.
1st round pick: TE-Kyle Pitts
2021 record prediction: 7-10 (17-game season)
Carolina Panthers (2020 Record: 5-11)
The Panthers were also banged up, as workhorse RB Christian McCaffrey only played in 3 games last season, which left Teddy Bridgewater as the leader on the offense. Although Bridgewater threw for career high passing yards (3,733) and passing touchdowns (15), the Panthers weren’t sold on him being the Quarterback of the future. This led to them trading for Sam Darnold from the New York Jets, and he will most likely be the starter heading into the season. The Panthers could shake up the draft, as rumors of them possibly trading down from the 8th pick continue to circulate. Carolina will need to draft defensive players, after being in the bottom half of the league in defensive ranking, although they may just take the best available player in the first round. This will be a new look team heading into next season, and they will be looking to make some noise in the tough NFC South division. That being said, many questions remain with this fairly young roster and a second year Head Coach in Matt Rhule.
1st round pick: OT-Rashawn Slater
2021 record prediction: 8-9
New Orleans Saints (2020 Record: 12-4)
In 2020, the Saints continued their usual success, even with franchise QB Drew Brees injured and forced to sit 4 games with broken ribs. At least this gave fans an opportunity to look into the future at QB, with Taysom Hill and former Buccaneer Jameis Winston taking the helm during that stretch. Finishing first in the division, New Orleans has a choice to make at the QB position to potentially lead them to back-to-back division titles, since future Hall-of-Famer Drew Brees retired after 20 seasons in the NFL. Taysom Hill seems to be the front runner at the moment, but Winston will definitely bring some much needed competition against the long time Saint. On the defensive side of the ball, they’ll look to add depth in the draft by drafting either a Cornerback or Linebacker with the first round pick, although they could also look to give Michael Thomas a partner in crime at the Wide Receiver position just as well. The Saints still have an above average team, and could possibly give the defending champs a run for their money.
1st round pick: WR-Rashod Bateman
2021 record prediction: 11-6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020 Record: 11-5)
The Bucs became the first team in the Super Bowl era to return all 22 starters from a Championship season during the offseason. What does that mean for the upcoming season? Add. More. Depth. Tampa has a long road ahead of them if they want to return to last year’s glory, although they are a favorite to win the big game again. The former Wild Card team will look to build upon its current roster, rather than signing a bunch of new players or making any coaching changes. Tom Brady still looks like a top player, even at his advanced age, and they’ll look to add more protection to keep him that way. Last year, the Bucs drafted OL Tristan Wirfs with their first round pick, and it turned out to be a home run for them. PFF graded him at an 82 overall, and the Bucs used him in all 16 games during the regular season. They’ll attempt to replicate this production in this year’s draft with the 32nd overall pick. Look for the Bucs to have some competition from the Saints for the division title but, barring any major injuries, they will have another winning season and might make another run to be repeat champs.
1st round pick: OT-Jalen Mayfield
2021 record prediction: 13-4
