The NFL Draft is almost here, so here are my BOLD draft predictions for the NFC South:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Drafting Lavonte David’s replacement:
Lavonte David is one of the best Tampa Bay Buccaneers of all time, but he won’t play forever. This draft would be a perfect time to draft his replacement at the linebacker position, and I think Jihaad Campbell out of Alabama is a very similar player who should be available for Tampa to take in the first round.
Forming an insurance plan at QB:
As it stands, Kyle Trask is the current backup to Baker Mayfield. Given Mayfield’s roller coaster of a career, I think this would be a good time to draft a long-term backup who could blossom into a starter, someone like Quinn Ewers or Kyle McCord would be a good fit.
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons draft a partner for AJ Terrell:
Clemson product AJ Terrell is one of the best cover corners in the league, but for years the Falcons have been a team that you can throw on because they have lacked a solid second cornerback. That ends this year, as the Falcons could draft Will Johnson or Benjamin Morrison and have a new great cornerback tandem.
Offense, offense, offense:
As the Falcons have turned the page to Michael Penix Jr as their starting quarterback, they will want to surround him with the best talent possible. After addressing corner, I think we will see a heavy dose of offensive players drafted on day 2 and day 3 for Atlanta, as they try to give Penix the best chance to succeed.
Carolina Panthers: Finding the next great Panthers linebacker:
The Panthers have a proud tradition at the linebacker position – Sam Mills, Dan Morgan, Jon Beason, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, and Shaq Thompson have all carried on that legacy in the 30 years of the franchise. I think that Georgia’s Jalon Walker can carry that on as a versatile player who can defend the run, rush the passer, and drop in coverage, and he makes perfect sense as the Panthers had one of the league’s worst defenses last season and I think Walker will be a STAR in Carolina.
Adding a weapon for Bryce:
One of the biggest developments for the Panthers last season was the resurgence of Bryce Young after being benched. Dave Canales is an offensive-minded head coach and I think they could give some extra help for Bryce by adding another weapon – maybe a Kyle Williams or a Jayden Higgins on day two.
New Orleans Saints: The biggest trade-up of night 1:
With the news that Derek Carr may miss most of the season with a shoulder injury, it makes sense for New Orleans to immediately try to find his replacement. I think it makes the most sense for New Orleans to trade up into the top 5 and take Shedeur Sanders as their new QB. If they wait around, he may not be there at 9 for them to take.
Drafting a cornerback on day two:
Cornerback is the biggest position of need for the Saints (outside of QB) and I think they will address that need on day two, regardless of what they do on day one. Trey Amos and Shavon Revel should both be available when the Saints are on the clock on Friday night.
