2015 NFC South Draft Grades

Carolina Panthers

Grade: B-

Best Pick: Round Two-Devin Funchess-Wide Receiver-Michigan

The Carolina Panthers only had five picks in the 2015 National Football League Draft as they’ll look to win the NFC South for a third consecutive year. The Panthers already have one of the best linebacking units in the NFL and they added to that in the first round when then they selected outside linebacker Shaq Thompson. In the second round, the Panthers selected wide receiver Devin Funchess. Funchess is a classic tweener as he is could be categorized as a slow wide receiver or as a smaller tight end and it will be up to Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula to create packages in order to maximize his ability.

The Panthers love to run the football and they got another talented running back in the fifth round when they selected Cameron Artis-Payne who will be a change of pace back as he’ll compliment running back Johnathan Stewart.

For Carolina, it’s all about putting the pieces around quarterback Cam Newton as they look to take that next step and become a championship team.

Atlanta Falcons

Grade: B+

Best Pick: Round Three-Tevin Coleman-Running Back-Indiana

Led by quarterback Matt Ryan, the Atlanta Falcons have a quality offense, but their problem has been on defense where they were last in the NFL last season in total defense. Atlanta failed to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks which new Falcons head coach Dan Quinn addressed early on in the 2015 NFL Draft. The Falcons could not have gone wrong with their first round selection as long as it was used on a defensive player due to the fact that they needed help at every level of the defense. The Falcons decided to go with a pass rusher as they selected outside linebacker Vic Beasley. Beasley is an outside linebacker by trade, but his specialty is rushing the quarterback which is an area where the Falcons struggled in last season. The Falcons kept the defensive theme going in the second round when they drafted cornerback Jalen Collins who will add some athleticism along with coverage ability to Atlanta’s secondary.

The Falcons added running back Tevin Coleman in the third round as he is a player that can help Ryan and the passing game in Atlanta as they were 24th in rushing last season.

Quinn is attempting to change the overall attitude in Atlanta and it has begun as he is bringing in more play makers.

New Orleans Saints

Grade:C

Best Pick: Round One-Andrus Peat-Offensive Tackle-Stanford

The New Orleans Saints entered the 2015 NFL Draft with two first round picks along with numerous holes on their team that had to be filled and they missed some chances to improve their squad. The Saints need protection around quarterback Drew Brees and they got some in the first round by selecting offensive tackle Andrus Peat. But the Saints missed opportunities to draft a quality wide receiver, a dominant edge rusher, and a tight end after they traded Jimmy Graham to the Seattle Seahawks this off-season. Brees is only one guy and he cannot do everything by himself in New Orleans.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Grade: B

Best Pick: Round One-Jameis Winston-Quarterback-Florida State

It would have been real difficult for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to mess things up with the first overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft. The Bucs needed a franchise quarterback and Jameis Winston was the best one available. The Buccaneers would use their next two picks on protecting Winston as it they selected offensive tackle Donovan Smith and guard Ali Marpet as they hope that this will be the building block to get them back into contention in the NFC South.