NFC South 2008 Draft Needs, Team by Team

Carolina Panthers
Top Needs: OL, DL, RB
The Panthers needs aren’t as massive as some other teams, but depth is going to be a major concern.  They have some flexibility on the offensive line with Travelle Wharton, so replacing Mike Wahle may not require a specific position to be drafted, other than someone who could step in.  They could also use some depth along the defensive line, especially at DE, with Mike Rucker possibly not coming back.  The Panthers don’t need a RB to step in and start, with DeAngelo Williams on board, but they would like someone to help carry the load, as Williams did with DeShaun Foster the last two seasons.  They also would like to find a WR to help Mushin Muhammad push Dwayne Jarrett, and could use some additional competition at Free Safety as well.

New Orleans Saints
Top Needs: DB, DT, OL
The Saints upgraded their defensive backfield with Patriots CB Randall Gay, but that isn’t saying much—Gay isn’t that good, and their DBs were horrible.  That many experts project Gay to battle with Jason David for a starting spot is a prime example of this—if the Saints had signed a top CB in free agency, David likely would have been on the first bus out of town.  Hollis Thomas and Brian Young don’t really inspire at DT, but they should hold their own while showing a rookie the ropes.  The Saints could also use someone to challenge for a spot on the offensive line—they are set at LT, but other than that, they could upgrade a spot, and appear to have some flexibility to move guys around.  Drafting a project QB this year should also be a given for the Saints, with ex-QB Jay Payton at the helm and backup Jamie Martin being 38 years old and not all that inspiring.

Atlanta Falcons
Top Needs: QB, T, MLB
No doubt the Falcons need a quarterback, with Mike Vick still playing touch football in Leavenworth, Byron Leftwich released, Chris Redman penciled in as the starter and Joey Harrington re-signed but having his decision making skills questioned again after marrying Mick Jagger castoff Jerry Hall.  The Falcons also could use some help at both tackle spots, and up the middle on defense—at DT, MLB and S.  But at least they’re set at RB, after adding Michael Turner to the mix with Jerious Norwood, who apparently no one but us thought could be a full time starter.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Top Needs: WR, DT, CB
The Bucs appear to be the other front-runner in the Jared Allen sweepstakes, which would impact their draft significantly—and possibly questionably, given that a starting DE doesn’t appear to be as significant a need as some other spots, with Gaines Adams and Greg White looking to start, and Jimmy Wilkerson added to the mix.  Defensive Tackle would be another story, though, as Jovan Haye being nothing special, and Chris Hovan arguably not deserving a job in the league for several years.  Wide receiver is probably the biggest need for the Bucs, with Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard getting ready for Medicare and Michael Clayton entering the witness protection program after his rookie year.  The Bucs could also use some help at DB, especially with Ronde Barber soon to join his brother Tiki on the unemployment line (ok, technically Tiki isn’t unemployed—but he should be).  It would be somewhat surprising to see the Bucs draft a quarterback, given Jon Gruden’s penchant for aged veterans, but at some point, someone in the front office needs to realize that guys like trading for guys like Brian Griese and Jake Plummer year after year isn’t that bright.