This is the time of year when teams begin their Rookie Minicamps, where they have all the draft picks, undrafted free agents and even tryout players go through a regular team practice, and it gives teams and fans a look at the new additions. With the new season ahead, Rookie Minicamp, the 2021 schedule release and, yes, even a look at jersey numbers for rookies, here is a quick update of the NFC South Division.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Champs are right where they want to be this time of year, minus the lingering recovery to First Round pick Joe Tyron. He didn’t pass a physical in time for camp, which may be a red flag for the rookie, although there is still time for him to get healthy before training camp. Meanwhile, Robert Hainsey (their 3rd Round pick) was getting used to his new position at Center after formerly playing Right Tackle in college. Of course, he was snapping to Second Round pick, Quarterback Kyle Trask out of University of Florida, who sported the number 2 jersey in his Minicamp performance. He stole the show, as coaches were impressed with his debut as a Buccaneer. Tampa Bay has been given an even better chance to repeat with the releasing of the 2021 schedule. The Bucs have the fourth easiest schedule based off of last year’s team records, which doesn’t guarantee a another Championship but does make them heavy contenders at the very least.
Carolina Panthers
Carolina is now in its next era, as the 34 rookies in attendance at the mini training camp all started to work for a spot on the 53-man roster. Second round pick Terrace Marshall Jr., who has First Round talent, was not a full participant at camp due to a foot injury. Although there wasn’t a gaping whole at Wide Receiver, Marshall Jr. wasn’t a bad pick at 59 because he has a high ceiling if he can stay healthy. First Round pick Jaycee Horn is wearing No. 8 in honor of Kobe Bryant, and I’m really loving the new number rules, with this is another great example why. He is expected to start Week 1 of the upcoming season against the New York Jets, and we may get a rookie matchup with Horn and Wide Receiver Elijah Moore. This year, the Panthers have the eighth easiest schedule in the league, which should help with the young team’s success. Besides the tough division, they do have two late season games against Arizona and Buffalo that will show what this team can do.
New Orleans Saints
The NFC South Division Champs have been busy signing over the last couple of days, adding three more DBs to their secondary. This group was above-average last year, but the Saints address the depth with these free agent signings. The Rookie Minicamp was held from May 14th through 16th. Joshua McMillon was invited to the camp, and he is an undrafted rookie out of Alabama. Ian Book, the former Notre Dame Quarterback, will be wearing No. 16 in his first season with the Saints as he develops in the already interesting QB room in New Orleans. These rookies will look to make some noise if they want to be wearing a uniform when the season starts rolling. New Orleans starts off its season with a home game against Green Bay, which could lead to a very different outcome based on how the Aaron Rodgers situation plays out. The Saints are just in the top 10, with the tenth easiest ranked schedule in 2021, but they do still have to worry about the two matchups against Tampa Bay if they want to win the NFC South again.
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta had a total of 39 players in attendance for the two day camp, and the man of the hour (Kyle Pitts) put on a show for coaches and fans in his debut at camp. He was used in a lot of motion and two Tight End sets, as he is being groomed to be a staple in the offense. He will be wearing No. 8 at Tight End (another great look with the rule change) while striving for a breakout rookie year, which is crucial due to the possibility of star Wide Receiver Julio Jones being traded. The Patriots and the Colts are reported to be suitors for Jones, which would then leave a big share of the offensive load to Pitts. Javian Hawkins is another name to remember, as it seems the Falcons are invested in the speedy back going into the second day. Richie Grant, Safety out of UCF, also has work to be done to crack the rotation and strengthen the Secondary. Opening at home against Philadelphia should be a good first matchup before going on the road to face Brady in Tampa Bay. However, ESPN does have Atlanta with the third easiest schedule in the league this year. A lot of this team comes down to what happens to Julio Jones and whether Kyle Pitts can pick up the slack, as well as the defensive unit improving from last year.
