NFC South Draft Grades

Atlanta Falcons Grade: B+
Best Pick: Julio Jones WR Alabama

You have to like the dirty birds being aggressive and flying up to get Jones. It was a move that shows how serious they are about winning, I respect that. I believe Jones will be better than A.J. Green. I also really liked the addition of 'Quizz Rodgers who will give them a receiving option out of the backfield--he also could help in the return game. The sheer amount they gave up to get Jones prevented this from being an A.

      Carolina Panthers Grade: B-
      Best Pick: Cameron Newton QB Auburn

People can argue about it all they would like, but Newton was the right pick. His ceiling is as high as any player that has been in the draft in years. And before you say, it wasn't the safe pick...look back to when the Dolphins took Jake Long (the safe pick) instead of Matt Ryan (the potential franchise QB). Don't they wish they had that back. Aside from Newton, the best pick they made was Sione Fua, a high effort DT who will be a starter in the league.

New Orleans Saints Grade: A
Best Pick: Tie-Cameron Jordan DL California and Martez Wilson LB Illinois

Really awesome draft by the Saints. They got great value from the Ingram and Jordan picks. Not to mention Wilson who I think will turn into a stud. Also, another guy to keep an eye on is Greg Romeus. He was an elite pass rusher in the big east and some saw him as a late 1st-early 2nd round pick before not playing all season due to suspension/injury. Jordan is going to be someone who on passing downs can play inside, running downs he can be stable against the run. Ingram gives them the most complete back they have had. This draft may have put the Saints over the top.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Grade: A
Best Pick: Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson

Speaking of taking the next step how about Tampa Bay. You have to love ESPN experts saying, "well if you draft Bowers you may only get him for 5-6 years". From the guys in the draft that bust every season, you would think you would accept 5-6 years of Bowers considering what he did at Clemson with an injured knee. If your medical team does it's job they can keep him on the field even longer...amazing pick by the Bucs. Clayborn and Bowers is going to be scary in a year or so. Two other picks...Mason Foster at inside backer is very stout and is always around the football, and Ahmad Black of Florida has been told how small he is for years now. All he does? Make plays. I expect the same at the pro level.