NFL Nation: NFC South
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How does each NFC South team look at running back, and what still needs to be done?
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons upgraded this position quite a bit in free agency by replacing Michael Turner with Steven Jackson. This will be Jackson’s 10th NFL season, but he is still running very hard and shows an impressive burst for his age. He is as physical as ever and, for the first time in recent memory, will not be facing stacked boxes down after down. Jackson is also a far superior receiver to Turner, which is extremely important in this offense, which excels with so many great receivers. Jackson might not have a lot of big years left, but I expect 2013 to be one of his finest. Jacquizz Rodgers caught 53 passes last year, but Jackson should cut into Rodgers’ role on throwing downs. And Rodgers isn’t a true answer if Jackson were to go down. That lead role probably would go to Jason Snelling, who also is not a liability catching the football. Rodgers should see a fair amount of playing time, though, in Atlanta’s three-wide receiver sets, as he did a year ago.
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers have more running backs than they know what to do with -- and have invested too many premium resources at this position. The lead guy here is Jonathan Stewart, who, if given the chance to be a featured back for an entire season and able to stay healthy, might just prove to be one of the top half-dozen backs in the league. Stewart has missed only nine games over his five seasons but is constantly fighting nagging injuries. He also averaged a meager 3.6 yards per carry last season after averaging 5.4 the year before. The Panthers recently restructured DeAngelo Williams’ contract, ensuring he'll remain in Carolina. This will be Williams’ eighth NFL season, but he hasn’t received more than 173 carries in any of the past three seasons. He has breakaway abilities and a penchant for breaking off long runs. I think he still has plenty left in the tank. Mike Tolbert is listed as a fullback, but he is a short-yardage specialist who is a bowling ball with a low center of gravity. For a back of his dimensions (5-foot-9, 245 pounds), he is also a surprisingly adept receiver. Oddly, when considering all of its other needs, Carolina used a sixth-round pick on Kenjon Barner, a perimeter and space player who comes from Chip Kelly’s high-octane Oregon offensive attack.
New Orleans Saints: Chris Ivory is now with the Jets, but the Saints still have a full stable of capable backs. In his first two NFL seasons, Mark Ingram has rushed for only 1,076 yards combined and has averaged under 4.0 yards per carry. But I expect Ingram to break out in 2013. Health issues have been a problem since he entered the league, but, as the 2012 season went along, he looked more and more comfortable. Despite its great prowess throwing the ball, Sean Payton’s offense stresses a physical, inside running game, which suits Ingram very well. Darren Sproles turns 30 before the season, but he is not at all short on quickness, speed or explosiveness. He is an elite receiving back who has caught 161 balls over his past 29 regular-season games. Pierre Thomas isn’t huge on production numbers, but he is extremely effective on a per-touch basis as a runner or receiver. He could fill in very ably in Ingram’s or Sproles’ role for a short period of time. The Saints use Thomas extremely well. Travaris Cadet could have a small role for New Orleans.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Doug Martin was a phenom in his first season, accumulating nearly 2,000 combined yards even though the Buccaneers were missing their high-priced guards to help pave the way. Martin entered the league NFL-ready with an excellent all-around game. He is a very good, but not great, receiver. The same is true for his pass protection. He should only get better in both areas. But Martin is already a very good runner who can get to the corner with speed, break long runs and handle the physical pounding at the position. He is an excellent interior runner. Rookie sixth-round pick Mike James could be Martin’s direct backup, but Tampa Bay also used a seventh-round pick last year on Michael Smith. Brian Leonard is on the roster, as well. James isn’t flashy but has size and isn’t a dancer. Smith has more quickness to his game, but probably wouldn’t be suited for a large role if Martin were to miss time. Leonard plays hard and is a good blocker and receiver. He is also an accomplished special-teams player and knows how to help a team. Don’t be surprised if the Buccaneers consider adding a veteran running back before training camp opens.
How does each NFC South team look at running back, and what still needs to be done?
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons upgraded this position quite a bit in free agency by replacing Michael Turner with Steven Jackson. This will be Jackson’s 10th NFL season, but he is still running very hard and shows an impressive burst for his age. He is as physical as ever and, for the first time in recent memory, will not be facing stacked boxes down after down. Jackson is also a far superior receiver to Turner, which is extremely important in this offense, which excels with so many great receivers. Jackson might not have a lot of big years left, but I expect 2013 to be one of his finest. Jacquizz Rodgers caught 53 passes last year, but Jackson should cut into Rodgers’ role on throwing downs. And Rodgers isn’t a true answer if Jackson were to go down. That lead role probably would go to Jason Snelling, who also is not a liability catching the football. Rodgers should see a fair amount of playing time, though, in Atlanta’s three-wide receiver sets, as he did a year ago.
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers have more running backs than they know what to do with -- and have invested too many premium resources at this position. The lead guy here is Jonathan Stewart, who, if given the chance to be a featured back for an entire season and able to stay healthy, might just prove to be one of the top half-dozen backs in the league. Stewart has missed only nine games over his five seasons but is constantly fighting nagging injuries. He also averaged a meager 3.6 yards per carry last season after averaging 5.4 the year before. The Panthers recently restructured DeAngelo Williams’ contract, ensuring he'll remain in Carolina. This will be Williams’ eighth NFL season, but he hasn’t received more than 173 carries in any of the past three seasons. He has breakaway abilities and a penchant for breaking off long runs. I think he still has plenty left in the tank. Mike Tolbert is listed as a fullback, but he is a short-yardage specialist who is a bowling ball with a low center of gravity. For a back of his dimensions (5-foot-9, 245 pounds), he is also a surprisingly adept receiver. Oddly, when considering all of its other needs, Carolina used a sixth-round pick on Kenjon Barner, a perimeter and space player who comes from Chip Kelly’s high-octane Oregon offensive attack.
New Orleans Saints: Chris Ivory is now with the Jets, but the Saints still have a full stable of capable backs. In his first two NFL seasons, Mark Ingram has rushed for only 1,076 yards combined and has averaged under 4.0 yards per carry. But I expect Ingram to break out in 2013. Health issues have been a problem since he entered the league, but, as the 2012 season went along, he looked more and more comfortable. Despite its great prowess throwing the ball, Sean Payton’s offense stresses a physical, inside running game, which suits Ingram very well. Darren Sproles turns 30 before the season, but he is not at all short on quickness, speed or explosiveness. He is an elite receiving back who has caught 161 balls over his past 29 regular-season games. Pierre Thomas isn’t huge on production numbers, but he is extremely effective on a per-touch basis as a runner or receiver. He could fill in very ably in Ingram’s or Sproles’ role for a short period of time. The Saints use Thomas extremely well. Travaris Cadet could have a small role for New Orleans.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Doug Martin was a phenom in his first season, accumulating nearly 2,000 combined yards even though the Buccaneers were missing their high-priced guards to help pave the way. Martin entered the league NFL-ready with an excellent all-around game. He is a very good, but not great, receiver. The same is true for his pass protection. He should only get better in both areas. But Martin is already a very good runner who can get to the corner with speed, break long runs and handle the physical pounding at the position. He is an excellent interior runner. Rookie sixth-round pick Mike James could be Martin’s direct backup, but Tampa Bay also used a seventh-round pick last year on Michael Smith. Brian Leonard is on the roster, as well. James isn’t flashy but has size and isn’t a dancer. Smith has more quickness to his game, but probably wouldn’t be suited for a large role if Martin were to miss time. Leonard plays hard and is a good blocker and receiver. He is also an accomplished special-teams player and knows how to help a team. Don’t be surprised if the Buccaneers consider adding a veteran running back before training camp opens.Eight in the Box: Returning from injury
May, 17, 2013
May 17
12:00
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By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
» NFC Eight in the Box: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
A look at key players for each NFC South team who are coming back from injuries:
Atlanta Falcons: Bradie Ewing was ticketed for the starting fullback job as a rookie last season. But he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason, and the Falcons were forced to juggle fullbacks. That’s one reason why the running game never really got on track last season. The Falcons want a more consistent running game this season, so they brought in running back Steven Jackson to replace Michael Turner. But Ewing is a key component to the running game. If he’s back at full strength, he’s going to get a lot of work as Jackson’s lead blocker.
Carolina Panthers: Linebacker Jon Beason has had three surgeries in the past 17 months, and has played in only five games over the past two seasons. But Beason is only 28, so it’s possible he can get back to being an impact player and a leader of the defense. However, Beason is going to have to do that while switching positions. Luke Kuechly is firmly established at Beason’s old middle linebacker position. Beason will move to the outside. If Beason is healthy, he, Kuechly and Thomas Davis have a chance to become one of the league’s best linebacking corps.
New Orleans Saints: Linebacker Jonathan Vilma was slowed by knee problems the past two seasons. But Vilma has said the knee issues are a thing of the past, and he feels better than he has in several years. If that turns out to be true, that could be a huge boost for a defense that ranked No. 32 in the league last season. But Vilma, 31, is going to have to make some adjustments to his game as the Saints switch to a 3-4 defense. It’s a scheme Vilma did not thrive in when he was with the New York Jets early in his career.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa Bay’s vision of having the league’s best guard tandem went out the window when guard Davin Joseph suffered a season-ending knee injury last preseason. But the vision is back with Joseph set to make his return. If Joseph and Carl Nicks, who missed the final nine games of last season with a toe injury, can get back to full strength, Tampa Bay should be dominant in the middle of the offensive line. It’s scary to think what running back Doug Martin can do with a pair of Pro Bowl guards in front of him.
A look at key players for each NFC South team who are coming back from injuries:
Atlanta Falcons: Bradie Ewing was ticketed for the starting fullback job as a rookie last season. But he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason, and the Falcons were forced to juggle fullbacks. That’s one reason why the running game never really got on track last season. The Falcons want a more consistent running game this season, so they brought in running back Steven Jackson to replace Michael Turner. But Ewing is a key component to the running game. If he’s back at full strength, he’s going to get a lot of work as Jackson’s lead blocker.
Carolina Panthers: Linebacker Jon Beason has had three surgeries in the past 17 months, and has played in only five games over the past two seasons. But Beason is only 28, so it’s possible he can get back to being an impact player and a leader of the defense. However, Beason is going to have to do that while switching positions. Luke Kuechly is firmly established at Beason’s old middle linebacker position. Beason will move to the outside. If Beason is healthy, he, Kuechly and Thomas Davis have a chance to become one of the league’s best linebacking corps.
New Orleans Saints: Linebacker Jonathan Vilma was slowed by knee problems the past two seasons. But Vilma has said the knee issues are a thing of the past, and he feels better than he has in several years. If that turns out to be true, that could be a huge boost for a defense that ranked No. 32 in the league last season. But Vilma, 31, is going to have to make some adjustments to his game as the Saints switch to a 3-4 defense. It’s a scheme Vilma did not thrive in when he was with the New York Jets early in his career.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa Bay’s vision of having the league’s best guard tandem went out the window when guard Davin Joseph suffered a season-ending knee injury last preseason. But the vision is back with Joseph set to make his return. If Joseph and Carl Nicks, who missed the final nine games of last season with a toe injury, can get back to full strength, Tampa Bay should be dominant in the middle of the offensive line. It’s scary to think what running back Doug Martin can do with a pair of Pro Bowl guards in front of him.
Rookie contracts are getting done and DeAngelo Williams has restructured his contract with the Carolina Panthers.
That means it’s time for an update on where each NFC South team stands in relation to the salary cap.
The Atlanta Falcons are $2.18 million under the salary cap. But they’ll catch a break after June 1 when they get $4.5 million from the Tyson Clabo release. The Falcons also are likely to give quarterback Matt Ryan an extension at some point this offseason and the deal is likely to be structured in a way that will free up some cap space for this year.
After restructuring Williams, Carolina is $8.46 million under the cap. That has some fans thinking that there’s a spending spree coming. But, seriously, who’s out there that really excites you? I wouldn’t rule out a signing or two, but I think general manager Dave Gettleman is more interested in creating carryover money to help with next year’s salary-cap situation.
The New Orleans Saints are $1.6 million under the cap. That number is a little different than what I told you the other day after the Saints had signed all their draft picks and the discrepancy was due to the fact that the NFL Players Association hadn’t updated their numbers to reflect only the top 51 cap figures. Anyway, the Saints don’t have much room to work with. They’ll need more than $1.6 million to eventually sign practice-squad players and keep some money available in case they have injuries and need to sign replacements.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are $19.3 million under the salary cap. They still have three unsigned rookies and are expected to attempt to work a contract extension with wide receiver Mike Williams.
That means it’s time for an update on where each NFC South team stands in relation to the salary cap.
The Atlanta Falcons are $2.18 million under the salary cap. But they’ll catch a break after June 1 when they get $4.5 million from the Tyson Clabo release. The Falcons also are likely to give quarterback Matt Ryan an extension at some point this offseason and the deal is likely to be structured in a way that will free up some cap space for this year.
After restructuring Williams, Carolina is $8.46 million under the cap. That has some fans thinking that there’s a spending spree coming. But, seriously, who’s out there that really excites you? I wouldn’t rule out a signing or two, but I think general manager Dave Gettleman is more interested in creating carryover money to help with next year’s salary-cap situation.
The New Orleans Saints are $1.6 million under the cap. That number is a little different than what I told you the other day after the Saints had signed all their draft picks and the discrepancy was due to the fact that the NFL Players Association hadn’t updated their numbers to reflect only the top 51 cap figures. Anyway, the Saints don’t have much room to work with. They’ll need more than $1.6 million to eventually sign practice-squad players and keep some money available in case they have injuries and need to sign replacements.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are $19.3 million under the salary cap. They still have three unsigned rookies and are expected to attempt to work a contract extension with wide receiver Mike Williams.
» NFC Eight in the Box: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
A look at a key player from each NFC South team who needs to show something in offseason sessions:
Atlanta Falcons: Drafted in the first round in 2009, Peria Jerry was supposed to be a dominant defensive tackle. That got thrown off track very quickly when Jerry tore up his knee in the second game of his rookie season. He has come back but never has been close to being the player he was before the injury. The Falcons have accepted that Jerry is only a role player. But Vance Walker left via free agency, and they would like Jerry’s role to increase this season. They want him to be the top option in the rotation behind starters Jonathan Babineaux and Corey Peters. This is the final year of Jerry’s contract. If the Falcons aren’t completely sold on what they see in Jerry during the rest of the offseason program and preseason, they could bring in a veteran defensive tackle.
Carolina Panthers: It is blatantly clear that it is now or never for wide receiver Armanti Edwards. The Panthers gave up a future second-round pick to draft Edwards in the third round of the 2010 draft. The hope was that the former college quarterback could be an effective receiver and return man. To date, Edwards has five career receptions and hasn’t been able to hold on to the return job. The acquisitions of return specialist Ted Ginn and a growing list of young receivers seem to put Edwards very much on the bubble as training camp approaches.
New Orleans Saints: Safety Malcolm Jenkins might be the most perplexing player in this division. A first-round pick in 2009, Jenkins seems to possess every talent (physical skills, work ethic and intellect) necessary to be a star. Yet Jenkins really hasn’t had much of an impact. Maybe new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will figure out a way to get Jenkins finally to play up to his potential. But the Saints used a first-round pick on Kenny Vaccaro, and they want to get him on the field. Maybe the arrival of Vaccaro will light a fire under Jenkins.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The team is putting a lot of eggs in Da’Quan Bowers' basket. After letting Michael Bennett depart through free agency, the Bucs have made it clear they’re counting on Bowers to be their main pass-rusher. The potential is there for that move to work out well. Bowers has rare physical skills and quickness. But injuries slowed him in his first two seasons. He needs to show the Bucs he can handle the wear and tear of starting for an entire season.
A look at a key player from each NFC South team who needs to show something in offseason sessions:
Atlanta Falcons: Drafted in the first round in 2009, Peria Jerry was supposed to be a dominant defensive tackle. That got thrown off track very quickly when Jerry tore up his knee in the second game of his rookie season. He has come back but never has been close to being the player he was before the injury. The Falcons have accepted that Jerry is only a role player. But Vance Walker left via free agency, and they would like Jerry’s role to increase this season. They want him to be the top option in the rotation behind starters Jonathan Babineaux and Corey Peters. This is the final year of Jerry’s contract. If the Falcons aren’t completely sold on what they see in Jerry during the rest of the offseason program and preseason, they could bring in a veteran defensive tackle.
Carolina Panthers: It is blatantly clear that it is now or never for wide receiver Armanti Edwards. The Panthers gave up a future second-round pick to draft Edwards in the third round of the 2010 draft. The hope was that the former college quarterback could be an effective receiver and return man. To date, Edwards has five career receptions and hasn’t been able to hold on to the return job. The acquisitions of return specialist Ted Ginn and a growing list of young receivers seem to put Edwards very much on the bubble as training camp approaches.
New Orleans Saints: Safety Malcolm Jenkins might be the most perplexing player in this division. A first-round pick in 2009, Jenkins seems to possess every talent (physical skills, work ethic and intellect) necessary to be a star. Yet Jenkins really hasn’t had much of an impact. Maybe new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will figure out a way to get Jenkins finally to play up to his potential. But the Saints used a first-round pick on Kenny Vaccaro, and they want to get him on the field. Maybe the arrival of Vaccaro will light a fire under Jenkins.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The team is putting a lot of eggs in Da’Quan Bowers' basket. After letting Michael Bennett depart through free agency, the Bucs have made it clear they’re counting on Bowers to be their main pass-rusher. The potential is there for that move to work out well. Bowers has rare physical skills and quickness. But injuries slowed him in his first two seasons. He needs to show the Bucs he can handle the wear and tear of starting for an entire season.
It’s trendy and fun to debate which NFC South team has the best offense.
Is it Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints or Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons? Heck, you can even look at all the offensive talent Carolina and Tampa Bay have and throw the Panthers and Buccaneers into the conversation.
But trendy and fun will only get you so far. Even in this day and age, you still must play defense once in a while. Especially if you’re a team in the NFC South. The division teams must face each other twice, as well as Seattle’s Russell Wilson, New England’s Tom Brady and San Francisco’s Colin Kaepernick this season.
Maybe the more practical and important debate is: Which team has the best defense in the NFC South? No defense in the division was great last season. To win the division -- or do much of anything else -- this season, some NFC South defense must at least be halfway decent.
So which defense is the best?
I’m not going to even venture a guess right now because there are too many variables that must play out. I can see reasons why any of the four defenses could be the division’s best. I also can see reasons why each couldn’t.
Let’s take a look at the ceiling and the floor for each of the NFC South defenses:
ATLANTA FALCONS
Why they could be the division’s best defense in 2013: Coordinator Mike Nolan is one of the game’s better defensive minds. His defensive system might really take hold in Atlanta in his second season. Outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon is a budding star and is the centerpiece. The Falcons got a little younger at defensive end by replacing John Abraham with Osi Umenyiora.
Nolan might get a little more creative and use some more 3-4 looks. He also might be able to get more aggressive because he has fresh legs at cornerback after the Falcons drafted Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford. William Moore and Thomas DeCoud are emerging as one of the league’s best safety tandems. There’s enough talent for this defense to be very good.
Why they could be the division’s worst defense in 2013: The Falcons were No. 24 in total defense (No. 21 against the run and No. 23 against the pass) last season. Umenyiora is on the downside of his career, too, and it’s not as if the Falcons have a lot of other proven pass-rushers.
The young cornerbacks could take some lumps early on. Problems covering the tight end were exposed in the playoffs last season, and the rest of the league got to watch.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Why they could be the division’s best defense in 2013: In terms of pure talent, I think Carolina has the best front seven in the division. The arrival of rookie defensive tackle Star Lotulelei could put the Panthers over the top. Lotulelei is the kind of wide body who’s going to make everyone around him better.
Lotulelei is going to keep blockers off linebackers Luke Kuechly, Jon Beason and Thomas Davis. He also is going to take blocking away from defensive ends Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson, who already were pretty good at getting after the quarterback.
Why they could be the division’s worst defense in 2013: As much as I can see the front seven being very good, I can see the secondary being very bad. Veteran cornerback Chris Gamble is gone, and I don’t see anything close to a true No. 1 cornerback on this roster. The picture isn’t much brighter at safety.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Why they could be the division’s best defense in 2013: New coordinator Rob Ryan is going to bring swagger and an aggressive attitude. That can only help a unit that ranked No. 32 in total defense last year.
More importantly, Ryan is going to bring a 3-4 scheme. That’s the defensive system that seems to be having leaguewide success these days. The Saints have some good individual talent on defense with players such as end Cameron Jordan and inside linebacker Curtis Lofton, and rookie safety Kenny Vaccaro should make an immediate impact.
Why they could be the division’s worst defense in 2013: The defense was a mess under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo last season, and I’m not sure simply changing schemes will solve everything. Outside of Vaccaro and cornerback Keenan Lewis, it’s not as if the Saints have added a lot of big-time talent this offseason.
It could take more than one season for Ryan’s defense to really turn the corner.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Why they could be the division’s best defense in 2013: On paper, I think Tampa Bay might have more talent than any other defense in the division. After ranking No. 32 against the pass last season, the Bucs went out and got cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Johnthan Banks and safety Dashon Goldson. Linebackers Lavonte David and Mason Foster and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy already are very good.
If young defensive ends Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers can step up, this could be a solid defense in all areas.
Why they could be the division’s worst defense in 2013: It seems as if the Bucs are pinning a lot of their hopes on Clayborn and Bowers. Both have already dealt with injuries and are not that experienced.
If the pass rush isn’t effective, all those upgrades in the secondary might not matter very much.
Is it Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints or Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons? Heck, you can even look at all the offensive talent Carolina and Tampa Bay have and throw the Panthers and Buccaneers into the conversation.
But trendy and fun will only get you so far. Even in this day and age, you still must play defense once in a while. Especially if you’re a team in the NFC South. The division teams must face each other twice, as well as Seattle’s Russell Wilson, New England’s Tom Brady and San Francisco’s Colin Kaepernick this season.
Maybe the more practical and important debate is: Which team has the best defense in the NFC South? No defense in the division was great last season. To win the division -- or do much of anything else -- this season, some NFC South defense must at least be halfway decent.
So which defense is the best?
I’m not going to even venture a guess right now because there are too many variables that must play out. I can see reasons why any of the four defenses could be the division’s best. I also can see reasons why each couldn’t.
Let’s take a look at the ceiling and the floor for each of the NFC South defenses:
ATLANTA FALCONS
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Brad Penner/US PresswireAtlanta will be counting on former Giants star Osi Umenyiora to help upgrade the team's pass rush.
Brad Penner/US PresswireAtlanta will be counting on former Giants star Osi Umenyiora to help upgrade the team's pass rush.Nolan might get a little more creative and use some more 3-4 looks. He also might be able to get more aggressive because he has fresh legs at cornerback after the Falcons drafted Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford. William Moore and Thomas DeCoud are emerging as one of the league’s best safety tandems. There’s enough talent for this defense to be very good.
Why they could be the division’s worst defense in 2013: The Falcons were No. 24 in total defense (No. 21 against the run and No. 23 against the pass) last season. Umenyiora is on the downside of his career, too, and it’s not as if the Falcons have a lot of other proven pass-rushers.
The young cornerbacks could take some lumps early on. Problems covering the tight end were exposed in the playoffs last season, and the rest of the league got to watch.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Why they could be the division’s best defense in 2013: In terms of pure talent, I think Carolina has the best front seven in the division. The arrival of rookie defensive tackle Star Lotulelei could put the Panthers over the top. Lotulelei is the kind of wide body who’s going to make everyone around him better.
Lotulelei is going to keep blockers off linebackers Luke Kuechly, Jon Beason and Thomas Davis. He also is going to take blocking away from defensive ends Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson, who already were pretty good at getting after the quarterback.
Why they could be the division’s worst defense in 2013: As much as I can see the front seven being very good, I can see the secondary being very bad. Veteran cornerback Chris Gamble is gone, and I don’t see anything close to a true No. 1 cornerback on this roster. The picture isn’t much brighter at safety.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Why they could be the division’s best defense in 2013: New coordinator Rob Ryan is going to bring swagger and an aggressive attitude. That can only help a unit that ranked No. 32 in total defense last year.
More importantly, Ryan is going to bring a 3-4 scheme. That’s the defensive system that seems to be having leaguewide success these days. The Saints have some good individual talent on defense with players such as end Cameron Jordan and inside linebacker Curtis Lofton, and rookie safety Kenny Vaccaro should make an immediate impact.
Why they could be the division’s worst defense in 2013: The defense was a mess under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo last season, and I’m not sure simply changing schemes will solve everything. Outside of Vaccaro and cornerback Keenan Lewis, it’s not as if the Saints have added a lot of big-time talent this offseason.
It could take more than one season for Ryan’s defense to really turn the corner.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Why they could be the division’s best defense in 2013: On paper, I think Tampa Bay might have more talent than any other defense in the division. After ranking No. 32 against the pass last season, the Bucs went out and got cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Johnthan Banks and safety Dashon Goldson. Linebackers Lavonte David and Mason Foster and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy already are very good.
If young defensive ends Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers can step up, this could be a solid defense in all areas.
Why they could be the division’s worst defense in 2013: It seems as if the Bucs are pinning a lot of their hopes on Clayborn and Bowers. Both have already dealt with injuries and are not that experienced.
If the pass rush isn’t effective, all those upgrades in the secondary might not matter very much.
It’s that time of year when everyone is making lists about various topics, so let’s turn to another one.
Matthew Berry ranks the 200 best fantasy football picks for 2013. The best fantasy player in the NFC South?
According to Berry, it’s Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin. Berry ranks Martin as the No. 5 player, behind only Adrian Peterson, Arian Foster, Ray Rice and Marshawn Lynch. They’re all great running backs, but I think Martin has a chance to climb a spot or two on the list once the season gets rolling.
People tend to forget that Martin played his entire rookie season without guard Davin Joseph and about half of it without guard Carl Nicks. Put those two back in the middle of the line and it’s not hard to imagine Martin putting up numbers even better than he did in his first season.
Fantasy football tends to put a lot of value on running backs and Atlanta’s Steven Jackson also comes in with a high ranking. Berry put Jackson at No. 12.
Now, let’s leave it up to Berry to bring back up the spirits of those Saints fans that took a hit earlier when Pro Football Focus ranked Drew Brees No. 79 on its list of the NFL’s top 100 players. Berry has Brees at No. 15 overall and second among quarterbacks (behind only Aaron Rodgers).
Brees is always a good fantasy pick, but I think he could be better than usual this year. Coach Sean Payton had a full season off to come up with new wrinkles for his offense, and that can only help Brees’ numbers.
Berry also scored some points with New Orleans fans by rating Jimmy Graham as the league’s top tight end (No. 20 overall).
Some other NFC South players on Berry’s list:
Matthew Berry ranks the 200 best fantasy football picks for 2013. The best fantasy player in the NFC South?
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Grant Halverson/Getty ImagesTampa Bay running back Doug Martin could be ready to deliver a monster fantasy season.
Grant Halverson/Getty ImagesTampa Bay running back Doug Martin could be ready to deliver a monster fantasy season.People tend to forget that Martin played his entire rookie season without guard Davin Joseph and about half of it without guard Carl Nicks. Put those two back in the middle of the line and it’s not hard to imagine Martin putting up numbers even better than he did in his first season.
Fantasy football tends to put a lot of value on running backs and Atlanta’s Steven Jackson also comes in with a high ranking. Berry put Jackson at No. 12.
Now, let’s leave it up to Berry to bring back up the spirits of those Saints fans that took a hit earlier when Pro Football Focus ranked Drew Brees No. 79 on its list of the NFL’s top 100 players. Berry has Brees at No. 15 overall and second among quarterbacks (behind only Aaron Rodgers).
Brees is always a good fantasy pick, but I think he could be better than usual this year. Coach Sean Payton had a full season off to come up with new wrinkles for his offense, and that can only help Brees’ numbers.
Berry also scored some points with New Orleans fans by rating Jimmy Graham as the league’s top tight end (No. 20 overall).
Some other NFC South players on Berry’s list:
- No. 25 Atlanta receiver Julio Jones
- No. 28 Atlanta receiver Roddy White
- No. 31 Carolina quarterback Cam Newton
- No. 33 Tampa Bay receiver Vincent Jackson
- No. 45 New Orleans receiver Marques Colston
- No. 56 New Orleans running back Darren Sproles
- No. 57 Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez
- No. 59 Carolina receiver Steve Smith
- No. 64 Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan
- No. 76 New Orleans receiver Lance Moore
- No. 86 Tampa Bay receiver Mike Williams
- No. 103 New Orleans running back Mark Ingram
- No. 104 Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart
- No. 110 Carolina tight end Greg Olsen
- No. 118 Atlanta running back Jacquizz Rodgers
- No. 141 Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman
- No. 144 New Orleans running back Pierre Thomas
- No. 164 Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams
- No. 174 Carolina receiver Brandon LaFell
- No. 191 Atlanta kicker Matt Bryant
The 2013 dates for organized team activities and minicamps have been announced. The minicamp schedule includes both rookies and veterans unless specifically noted:
AFC
Baltimore Ravens
Minicamps: May 3-5 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 29-31, June 4-7
Buffalo Bills
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 13-15, May 20-21, May 23, May 28-31
Cincinnati Bengals
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
Cleveland Browns
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 4-6
OTAs: May 14-16, May 21-23, May 28-31
Denver Broncos
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 20-22, May 29-31, June 3-6
Houston Texans
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 20-21, May 23, May 28-30, June 3-6
Indianapolis Colts
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 20-22, May 28-30, June 3-6
Jacksonville Jaguars
Minicamp: June 11-13
OTAs: May 13-15, May 20-21, May 23, June 4-7
Kansas City Chiefs
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 4-6
OTAs: May 14-16, May 21-23, May 28-31
Miami Dolphins
Minicamp: June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 29-31, June 3-6
New York Jets
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 20, May 22-23, May 28, May 30-31, June 3-6
Oakland Raiders
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 20-21, May 23, May 28-30, June 3-6
Pittsburgh Steelers
Minicamp: June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
San Diego Chargers
Minicamp: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 13-15, May 20-22, June 3-6
Tennessee Titans
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 18-20
OTAs: May 29-31, June 3-4, June 6, June 10-11, June 13-14
NFC
Arizona Cardinals
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 14-16, May 21-23, June 3-6
Atlanta Falcons
Minicamp: June 18-20
OTAs: May 28-30, June 4-6, June 11-14
Carolina Panthers
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
Chicago Bears
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 13-14, May 16, May 20-21, May 23, June 3-6
Dallas Cowboys
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
Detroit Lions
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 28-29, May 31, June 3-4, June 6-7
Green Bay Packers
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 4-6
OTAs: May 20-22, May 28-30, June 11-14
Minnesota Vikings
Minicamp: June 18-20
OTAs: May 28-30, June 4-6, June 10-13
New Orleans Saints
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 4-6
OTAs: May 21-23, May 28-30, June 10-13
New York Giants
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 22-23, May 29-31, June 3-7
Philadelphia Eagles
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 4-6
OTAs: May 13-15, May 20-22, May 28-31
St. Louis Rams
Minicamp: May 10-12 (rookies)
OTAs: May 21, May 23-24, June 3-4, June 6-7, June 11, June 13-14
San Francisco 49ers
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
Seattle Seahawks
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31, June 3-6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Minicamp: June 11-13
OTAs: May 20-21, May 23, May 29-31, June 3-4, June 6-7
Washington Redskins
Minicamp: June 11-13
OTAs: May 20, May 22-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
AFC
Baltimore Ravens
Minicamps: May 3-5 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 29-31, June 4-7
Buffalo Bills
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 13-15, May 20-21, May 23, May 28-31
Cincinnati Bengals
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
Cleveland Browns
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 4-6
OTAs: May 14-16, May 21-23, May 28-31
Denver Broncos
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 20-22, May 29-31, June 3-6
Houston Texans
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 20-21, May 23, May 28-30, June 3-6
Indianapolis Colts
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 20-22, May 28-30, June 3-6
Jacksonville Jaguars
Minicamp: June 11-13
OTAs: May 13-15, May 20-21, May 23, June 4-7
Kansas City Chiefs
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 4-6
OTAs: May 14-16, May 21-23, May 28-31
Miami Dolphins
Minicamp: June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 29-31, June 3-6
New York Jets
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 20, May 22-23, May 28, May 30-31, June 3-6
Oakland Raiders
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 20-21, May 23, May 28-30, June 3-6
Pittsburgh Steelers
Minicamp: June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
San Diego Chargers
Minicamp: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 13-15, May 20-22, June 3-6
Tennessee Titans
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 18-20
OTAs: May 29-31, June 3-4, June 6, June 10-11, June 13-14
NFC
Arizona Cardinals
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 14-16, May 21-23, June 3-6
Atlanta Falcons
Minicamp: June 18-20
OTAs: May 28-30, June 4-6, June 11-14
Carolina Panthers
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
Chicago Bears
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 13-14, May 16, May 20-21, May 23, June 3-6
Dallas Cowboys
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
Detroit Lions
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 28-29, May 31, June 3-4, June 6-7
Green Bay Packers
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 4-6
OTAs: May 20-22, May 28-30, June 11-14
Minnesota Vikings
Minicamp: June 18-20
OTAs: May 28-30, June 4-6, June 10-13
New Orleans Saints
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 4-6
OTAs: May 21-23, May 28-30, June 10-13
New York Giants
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 22-23, May 29-31, June 3-7
Philadelphia Eagles
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 4-6
OTAs: May 13-15, May 20-22, May 28-31
St. Louis Rams
Minicamp: May 10-12 (rookies)
OTAs: May 21, May 23-24, June 3-4, June 6-7, June 11, June 13-14
San Francisco 49ers
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 21-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
Seattle Seahawks
Minicamps: May 10-12 (rookies), June 11-13
OTAs: May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31, June 3-6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Minicamp: June 11-13
OTAs: May 20-21, May 23, May 29-31, June 3-4, June 6-7
Washington Redskins
Minicamp: June 11-13
OTAs: May 20, May 22-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
» NFC Eight in the Box: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
With the draft in the rearview mirror, what is each NFC South team's next order of business?
Atlanta Falcons: Their most important issue is off the field. Quarterback Matt Ryan is headed for the last year of his contract, and there’s no way the team wants him to get close to becoming a free agent. Ryan is the franchise in Atlanta and general manager Thomas Dimitroff knows he’ll have to pay accordingly. Recent deals for Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers have set the parameters for a Ryan deal. Dimitroff and Ryan aren’t the type to let this become a distraction, so I’d expect a deal to be reached sometime between now and the start of training camp.
Carolina Panthers: Amazingly, the Panthers didn’t address their secondary in the draft. They did address it in free agency, but only by adding some journeymen. The front seven of this defense has the potential to be as good as any in the league, but the secondary has some major holes. At cornerback, the Panthers have a bunch of players that are capable of being No. 2 or No. 3 guys. But they don’t have anything close to a true No. 1 cornerback. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to find a true No. 1 cornerback at this time of year and the Panthers have limited salary-cap room. But it wouldn’t hurt to bring in another corner or two to increase the competition and hope that prompts someone to elevate his game enough to become a No. 1 cornerback.
New Orleans Saints: Once the team begins its on-field portion of the offseason workouts, things are going to get very competitive. As the Saints switch to a 3-4 scheme, there are a lot of starting jobs open on the defense. There are particularly big questions at outside linebacker and in the secondary. Other than cornerback Keenan Lewis, the salary cap prohibited the Saints from making any big signings in free agency. Instead, they brought in some lower-level free agents and added some parts in the draft. The competition for starting jobs will start in the offseason program and intensify in training camp.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs will tell you they’re all right at tight end. They think Luke Stocker can do more than he has in the past and that Tom Crabtree can be more of a pass catcher than he was in his Green Bay days. They might be right. But I still think the Bucs need to add a pass-catching tight end with some experience. They’ve done just about everything else to make sure quarterback Josh Freeman is surrounded with all the talent he needs to succeed. But tight end is the one spot where the Bucs haven’t upgraded.
With the draft in the rearview mirror, what is each NFC South team's next order of business?
Atlanta Falcons: Their most important issue is off the field. Quarterback Matt Ryan is headed for the last year of his contract, and there’s no way the team wants him to get close to becoming a free agent. Ryan is the franchise in Atlanta and general manager Thomas Dimitroff knows he’ll have to pay accordingly. Recent deals for Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers have set the parameters for a Ryan deal. Dimitroff and Ryan aren’t the type to let this become a distraction, so I’d expect a deal to be reached sometime between now and the start of training camp.
Carolina Panthers: Amazingly, the Panthers didn’t address their secondary in the draft. They did address it in free agency, but only by adding some journeymen. The front seven of this defense has the potential to be as good as any in the league, but the secondary has some major holes. At cornerback, the Panthers have a bunch of players that are capable of being No. 2 or No. 3 guys. But they don’t have anything close to a true No. 1 cornerback. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to find a true No. 1 cornerback at this time of year and the Panthers have limited salary-cap room. But it wouldn’t hurt to bring in another corner or two to increase the competition and hope that prompts someone to elevate his game enough to become a No. 1 cornerback.
New Orleans Saints: Once the team begins its on-field portion of the offseason workouts, things are going to get very competitive. As the Saints switch to a 3-4 scheme, there are a lot of starting jobs open on the defense. There are particularly big questions at outside linebacker and in the secondary. Other than cornerback Keenan Lewis, the salary cap prohibited the Saints from making any big signings in free agency. Instead, they brought in some lower-level free agents and added some parts in the draft. The competition for starting jobs will start in the offseason program and intensify in training camp.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs will tell you they’re all right at tight end. They think Luke Stocker can do more than he has in the past and that Tom Crabtree can be more of a pass catcher than he was in his Green Bay days. They might be right. But I still think the Bucs need to add a pass-catching tight end with some experience. They’ve done just about everything else to make sure quarterback Josh Freeman is surrounded with all the talent he needs to succeed. But tight end is the one spot where the Bucs haven’t upgraded.
There has been a lot of talk about Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan eventually getting a contract extension.
It’s going to be an expensive proposition for the Falcons. But it shouldn’t be all that complicated. The Falcons want Ryan for the long term and he wants to stay in Atlanta. Thanks to Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco, the parameters are in place for a potential Ryan deal.
My guess is the Falcons and Ryan will reach an agreement sometime between now and the start of training camp. Of the NFC South players heading into the final year of their contracts, Ryan is the biggest name.
But I just scanned through the contract situations of all four NFC South rosters and I’m seeing at least one player from every team that could be in line for an extension. Let’s take a look:
Atlanta Falcons. Ryan obviously is the priority. But there’s one other player to keep an eye on in Atlanta. Defensive tackle Corey Peters is heading into the final year of his contract. Peters has become a solid starter and he’s helped by the fact that fellow defensive tackles Jonathan Babineaux and Peria Jerry also are headed into the final season of their contracts. Babineaux is aging and I don’t see the Falcons extending him. Jerry’s career has been thrown off track by injuries, so I don’t see him as a candidate for an extension. It would be nice to have a little bit of long-term stability at defensive tackle. The Falcons likely will free up some cap room when they extend Ryan and that could allow them to give Peters a new deal.
Carolina Panthers. They’ve spent this offseason trimming salary-cap space, but it might be time to think about spending a little money. Defensive end Greg Hardy is heading into the final season of his contract. Hardy reached double-digit sacks last season and he and Charles Johnson give the Panthers one of the league’s top defensive end tandems. The Panthers might be wise to extend Hardy soon. If he turns in another big season, his price tag is only going to go up.
New Orleans Saints. They’ve worked their way through a difficult salary-cap situation this offseason, but it might be time to take care of the most underpaid guy on the team. Tight end Jimmy Graham is heading into the last year of his contract. In becoming one of the league’s best tight ends, Graham clearly has outperformed his rookie contract. Graham hasn’t complained about his relatively low salary, but it might be wise to make a pre-emptive strike and make him happy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Wide receiver Mike Williams is headed into the final season of his contract and there have been indications the Bucs want to extend him soon. That would be a smart move. The Bucs have enough cap room to give Williams a front-loaded contract. He and Vincent Jackson form a very good combination at receiver. If the Bucs wait too long and Williams puts up another big season, he could get huge money on the free-agent market.
It’s going to be an expensive proposition for the Falcons. But it shouldn’t be all that complicated. The Falcons want Ryan for the long term and he wants to stay in Atlanta. Thanks to Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco, the parameters are in place for a potential Ryan deal.
My guess is the Falcons and Ryan will reach an agreement sometime between now and the start of training camp. Of the NFC South players heading into the final year of their contracts, Ryan is the biggest name.
But I just scanned through the contract situations of all four NFC South rosters and I’m seeing at least one player from every team that could be in line for an extension. Let’s take a look:
Atlanta Falcons. Ryan obviously is the priority. But there’s one other player to keep an eye on in Atlanta. Defensive tackle Corey Peters is heading into the final year of his contract. Peters has become a solid starter and he’s helped by the fact that fellow defensive tackles Jonathan Babineaux and Peria Jerry also are headed into the final season of their contracts. Babineaux is aging and I don’t see the Falcons extending him. Jerry’s career has been thrown off track by injuries, so I don’t see him as a candidate for an extension. It would be nice to have a little bit of long-term stability at defensive tackle. The Falcons likely will free up some cap room when they extend Ryan and that could allow them to give Peters a new deal.
Carolina Panthers. They’ve spent this offseason trimming salary-cap space, but it might be time to think about spending a little money. Defensive end Greg Hardy is heading into the final season of his contract. Hardy reached double-digit sacks last season and he and Charles Johnson give the Panthers one of the league’s top defensive end tandems. The Panthers might be wise to extend Hardy soon. If he turns in another big season, his price tag is only going to go up.
New Orleans Saints. They’ve worked their way through a difficult salary-cap situation this offseason, but it might be time to take care of the most underpaid guy on the team. Tight end Jimmy Graham is heading into the last year of his contract. In becoming one of the league’s best tight ends, Graham clearly has outperformed his rookie contract. Graham hasn’t complained about his relatively low salary, but it might be wise to make a pre-emptive strike and make him happy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Wide receiver Mike Williams is headed into the final season of his contract and there have been indications the Bucs want to extend him soon. That would be a smart move. The Bucs have enough cap room to give Williams a front-loaded contract. He and Vincent Jackson form a very good combination at receiver. If the Bucs wait too long and Williams puts up another big season, he could get huge money on the free-agent market.
RISING
Matt Ryan. With Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers signing a huge contract extension, Ryan and his agent have stepped out of the on-deck circle and are walking toward the plate. Ryan’s going to get money similar to what Rodgers and Joe Flacco got. I wouldn’t look for a drawn-out negotiating period. The market value has been set and the Falcons and Ryan know they want to be together for the long haul.
Lamar Holmes. The fact the Falcons didn’t draft a single offensive lineman is a good indication of how they feel about Holmes, a third-round pick last year. It now is looking like Holmes is the heir apparent to right tackle Tyson Clabo, who was released.
Eric Washington. He’s the defensive line coach for the Carolina Panthers and already was a rising star after Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy each produced double-digit sacks last year. Now, Washington will get a chance to really bolster his reputation (and perhaps eventually become a defensive coordinator after the Panthers used their top two picks on defensive tackles Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short. On paper at least, Washington has enough talent to whip up one of the league’s best defensive lines.
FALLING
Ronde Barber. The Buccaneers say they still want the veteran defensive back to return for another year. But in what capacity? He’s not going to start at free safety because the Bucs signed Dashon Goldson. A return to cornerback is possible, but Barber likely would be behind Darrelle Revis, Eric Wright and rookie Johnthan Banks. Backup safeties and fourth cornerbacks almost always have to play special teams. Do you honestly see Barber doing that at this point in his career? If he wants to keep playing, there might be a place or two where he can still be a starter and that could mean he won’t play his entire career with the Bucs.
Charles Brown and Jason Smith. The New Orleans Saints used a third-round draft pick on offensive tackle Terron Armstead. That means they aren’t sold on Brown or Smith as their left tackle. Armstead won’t be handed the job, but he’ll compete with Brown and Smith in training camp.
John Abraham. There has been a lot of talk from Atlanta fans about the Falcons perhaps re-signing the veteran defensive end. I’ve said all along that’s a long shot. After the draft, I think it’s an even longer shot. The Falcons drafted defensive ends Malliciah Goodman (fourth round) and Stansly Maponga (fifth round). They also have a couple of other young defensive ends on the roster in Jonathan Massaquoi and Cliff Matthews. It doesn’t look like there’s room on the roster to bring back an aging player who already was released.
Matt Ryan. With Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers signing a huge contract extension, Ryan and his agent have stepped out of the on-deck circle and are walking toward the plate. Ryan’s going to get money similar to what Rodgers and Joe Flacco got. I wouldn’t look for a drawn-out negotiating period. The market value has been set and the Falcons and Ryan know they want to be together for the long haul.
Lamar Holmes. The fact the Falcons didn’t draft a single offensive lineman is a good indication of how they feel about Holmes, a third-round pick last year. It now is looking like Holmes is the heir apparent to right tackle Tyson Clabo, who was released.
Eric Washington. He’s the defensive line coach for the Carolina Panthers and already was a rising star after Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy each produced double-digit sacks last year. Now, Washington will get a chance to really bolster his reputation (and perhaps eventually become a defensive coordinator after the Panthers used their top two picks on defensive tackles Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short. On paper at least, Washington has enough talent to whip up one of the league’s best defensive lines.
FALLING
Ronde Barber. The Buccaneers say they still want the veteran defensive back to return for another year. But in what capacity? He’s not going to start at free safety because the Bucs signed Dashon Goldson. A return to cornerback is possible, but Barber likely would be behind Darrelle Revis, Eric Wright and rookie Johnthan Banks. Backup safeties and fourth cornerbacks almost always have to play special teams. Do you honestly see Barber doing that at this point in his career? If he wants to keep playing, there might be a place or two where he can still be a starter and that could mean he won’t play his entire career with the Bucs.
Charles Brown and Jason Smith. The New Orleans Saints used a third-round draft pick on offensive tackle Terron Armstead. That means they aren’t sold on Brown or Smith as their left tackle. Armstead won’t be handed the job, but he’ll compete with Brown and Smith in training camp.
John Abraham. There has been a lot of talk from Atlanta fans about the Falcons perhaps re-signing the veteran defensive end. I’ve said all along that’s a long shot. After the draft, I think it’s an even longer shot. The Falcons drafted defensive ends Malliciah Goodman (fourth round) and Stansly Maponga (fifth round). They also have a couple of other young defensive ends on the roster in Jonathan Massaquoi and Cliff Matthews. It doesn’t look like there’s room on the roster to bring back an aging player who already was released.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the only NFC South team to move up in the latest edition of the ESPN.com Power Rankings.
The Bucs moved up two spots, from No. 21 to No. 19. You can attribute that movement to the trade for cornerback Darrelle Revis and the addition of second-round draft pick Johnthan Banks. The Bucs suddenly have turned their secondary from a weakness to a strength.
The other three NFC South teams either stood still are dropped a little bit in the eyes of the voters.
The Atlanta Falcons stayed put at No. 4, although they did get a No. 1 vote from Dan Graziano. Surprisingly, the New Orleans Saints dropped two spots, from No. 12 to No. 14. I guess the voters don’t think first-round draft pick Kenny Vaccaro is going to suddenly turn around the defense.
Although I thought the Carolina Panthers got a lot better by firming up the middle of their defensive line, the voters didn’t agree. The Panthers dropped from No. 20 to No. 21.
The Bucs moved up two spots, from No. 21 to No. 19. You can attribute that movement to the trade for cornerback Darrelle Revis and the addition of second-round draft pick Johnthan Banks. The Bucs suddenly have turned their secondary from a weakness to a strength.
The other three NFC South teams either stood still are dropped a little bit in the eyes of the voters.
The Atlanta Falcons stayed put at No. 4, although they did get a No. 1 vote from Dan Graziano. Surprisingly, the New Orleans Saints dropped two spots, from No. 12 to No. 14. I guess the voters don’t think first-round draft pick Kenny Vaccaro is going to suddenly turn around the defense.
Although I thought the Carolina Panthers got a lot better by firming up the middle of their defensive line, the voters didn’t agree. The Panthers dropped from No. 20 to No. 21.
Mel Kiper Jr.'s NFC South draft grades
April, 28, 2013
Apr 28
12:33
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
Mel Kiper Jr. has his Insider draft grades 
and he isn’t giving the NFC South teams what I would call glowing reviews.
Kiper Jr. gave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a B overall (B+ for needs and a C+ for value). He is not a big fan of the pick of quarterback Mike Glennon in the third round. I tend to agree with Kiper Jr. that Glennon is a project and isn’t anywhere near being ready to compete with Josh Freeman. But, I think if you factor in the trade for Darrelle Revis, Tampa Bay should have gotten a little better than a B grade.
The Atlanta Falcons also got a B overall (B+ for needs and a B for value) from Kiper Jr.. He liked the double dip for Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford at cornerback. I liked it, too. I think the Falcons have more than filled their one big hole.
The New Orleans Saints also got a B from Kiper (B- for needs and a B for value). Kiper Jr. is saying the same thing I’ve been saying. He doesn’t think safety Kenny Vaccaro was a bad pick, but he wonders if a pass-rusher like Jarvis Jones would have been better.
Kiper Jr. gave the Carolina Panthers a C+ overall (C- for need and a B for value). The Panthers did a nice job of drafting for need at defensive tackle by getting Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short. But they didn’t address their defensive secondary at all.
and he isn’t giving the NFC South teams what I would call glowing reviews.
Kiper Jr. gave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a B overall (B+ for needs and a C+ for value). He is not a big fan of the pick of quarterback Mike Glennon in the third round. I tend to agree with Kiper Jr. that Glennon is a project and isn’t anywhere near being ready to compete with Josh Freeman. But, I think if you factor in the trade for Darrelle Revis, Tampa Bay should have gotten a little better than a B grade.
The Atlanta Falcons also got a B overall (B+ for needs and a B for value) from Kiper Jr.. He liked the double dip for Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford at cornerback. I liked it, too. I think the Falcons have more than filled their one big hole.
The New Orleans Saints also got a B from Kiper (B- for needs and a B for value). Kiper Jr. is saying the same thing I’ve been saying. He doesn’t think safety Kenny Vaccaro was a bad pick, but he wonders if a pass-rusher like Jarvis Jones would have been better.
Kiper Jr. gave the Carolina Panthers a C+ overall (C- for need and a B for value). The Panthers did a nice job of drafting for need at defensive tackle by getting Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short. But they didn’t address their defensive secondary at all.
Mel Kiper Jr., Todd McShay and Bill Polian discuss their winners and losers from the 2013 NFL draft.
» NFC draft analysis: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
The NFC South might be the only division in the NFL with four franchise quarterbacks, assuming Tampa Bay’s Josh Freeman can be just a little more consistent.
When Freeman is on his game, he joins Atlanta’s Matt Ryan, New Orleans’ Drew Brees and Carolina’s Cam Newton to give the division four high-octane offenses. In recent years, defense has become something of a lost art in the NFC South. But that may be about to change.
The division-wide theme to the 2013 NFL draft was to load up on defense, even to a point where it looked like teams were overcompensating at what had been problem spots.
Carolina used its first two picks on defensive tackles (Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short). Atlanta used its first two picks on cornerbacks (Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford). Even after trading for cornerback Darrelle Revis, Tampa Bay used its first pick on cornerback Johnthan Banks. And New Orleans, the league’s worst defense last season, used its first pick on safety Kenny Vaccaro.
Will that be enough to shut down Ryan, Brees, Newton and Freeman? Probably not. But all four NFC South defenses suddenly got better over the past few days.
BEST MOVE
This wasn’t a flashy draft for the division. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Teams focused on the basics, and no team did a better job of that than Carolina.
New general manager Dave Gettleman apparently believes that everything starts up front. His selection of Lotulelei was a stroke of intelligence and a little bit of luck. By all rights, Lotulelei shouldn’t have been available at No. 14. Just a few months ago, people were talking about him as perhaps the No. 1 overall pick.
But a pre-draft medical scare caused Lotulelei’s stock to fall. He checked out fine medically, and I’m sure the Panthers did plenty of homework on his health situation. They ended up getting the best defensive tackle in the draft. Put Lotulelei in a rotation with Short and Dwan Edwards, and defensive tackle suddenly becomes a strength for Carolina. With the infusion of talent in the middle of the line, a Carolina front seven that’s good everywhere else could become a real force.
RISKIEST MOVE
I’m not knocking the Saints’ selection of Vaccaro. He has a great skill set, and he’s going to make a secondary that needed help much better. But I do have to question the wisdom of taking a safety with their first pick.
New Orleans is in the process of switching from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 scheme. That means you have to have the right personnel for the 3-4, and I’m not sure the Saints have that. The key to a 3-4 scheme is having an edge pass-rusher. The Saints could have had outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, who was a productive rusher in college, at No. 15, but they passed on him and took Vaccaro. That was New Orleans’ one big chance to get a pass-rusher because the Saints have been limited as to what they were able to do in free agency by the salary cap.
Maybe Victor Butler, Martez Wilson and Junior Galette will provide a strong pass rush. But they’re all unknown commodities. If the pass rush doesn’t make an impact, life isn’t going to be easy for Vaccaro and the secondary.
MOST SURPRISING MOVE
Immediately after the season ended, Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano talked about how he wanted to bring in someone to compete with Freeman for the starting job. That caused a bit of a stir in Tampa Bay, but the coach backed away from that statement several times, saying he simply meant he wants to improve the competition at all positions. In other words, Freeman is the starter as he heads into a contract year.
But Schiano, who wasn’t around when Freeman was drafted, opened the way for a quarterback controversy the first time Freeman struggles by drafting NC State quarterback Mike Glennon in the third round. The Bucs had more pressing needs, such as tight end and depth on the defensive line, at that point in the draft.
Yet they took Glennon, who might have stuck around for another round or two. Freeman still is the starter, and maybe everything will work out fine for him. But he suddenly is on a short leash. Schiano now has a quarterback that he drafted and could turn to if Freeman has a few bad games.
FILE IT AWAY
Stanford tight end Levine Toilolo, taken by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round, can be a better NFL player than his draft position and college numbers would indicate. Toilolo was overshadowed by Coby Fleener and Zach Ertz.
In 2010, Toilolo beat out both of them for the starting job. That lasted for only one game as Toilolo suffered a knee injury in the first game of the season. He came back but took on a secondary role.
He doesn’t stand out as a receiver or a blocker, but he’s decent in both areas and has lots of upside. Toilolo could be coming into an ideal situation in Atlanta. He’ll get to learn from Tony Gonzalez for a year. After that, Toilolo could become the starter.
I’m not saying he’ll turn into the second coming of Gonzalez. But Atlanta has so many other offensive weapons that Toilolo could end up being a productive tight end.
The NFC South might be the only division in the NFL with four franchise quarterbacks, assuming Tampa Bay’s Josh Freeman can be just a little more consistent.
When Freeman is on his game, he joins Atlanta’s Matt Ryan, New Orleans’ Drew Brees and Carolina’s Cam Newton to give the division four high-octane offenses. In recent years, defense has become something of a lost art in the NFC South. But that may be about to change.
NFC South Draft Picks
• Atlanta Falcons
• Carolina Panthers
• New Orleans Saints
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Grade your team
Carolina used its first two picks on defensive tackles (Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short). Atlanta used its first two picks on cornerbacks (Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford). Even after trading for cornerback Darrelle Revis, Tampa Bay used its first pick on cornerback Johnthan Banks. And New Orleans, the league’s worst defense last season, used its first pick on safety Kenny Vaccaro.
Will that be enough to shut down Ryan, Brees, Newton and Freeman? Probably not. But all four NFC South defenses suddenly got better over the past few days.
BEST MOVE
This wasn’t a flashy draft for the division. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Teams focused on the basics, and no team did a better job of that than Carolina.
New general manager Dave Gettleman apparently believes that everything starts up front. His selection of Lotulelei was a stroke of intelligence and a little bit of luck. By all rights, Lotulelei shouldn’t have been available at No. 14. Just a few months ago, people were talking about him as perhaps the No. 1 overall pick.
But a pre-draft medical scare caused Lotulelei’s stock to fall. He checked out fine medically, and I’m sure the Panthers did plenty of homework on his health situation. They ended up getting the best defensive tackle in the draft. Put Lotulelei in a rotation with Short and Dwan Edwards, and defensive tackle suddenly becomes a strength for Carolina. With the infusion of talent in the middle of the line, a Carolina front seven that’s good everywhere else could become a real force.
RISKIEST MOVE
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Alix DrawecThe Saints are hoping that safety Kenny Vaccaro can help improve the NFL's worst defense last season.
AP Photo/Alix DrawecThe Saints are hoping that safety Kenny Vaccaro can help improve the NFL's worst defense last season.New Orleans is in the process of switching from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 scheme. That means you have to have the right personnel for the 3-4, and I’m not sure the Saints have that. The key to a 3-4 scheme is having an edge pass-rusher. The Saints could have had outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, who was a productive rusher in college, at No. 15, but they passed on him and took Vaccaro. That was New Orleans’ one big chance to get a pass-rusher because the Saints have been limited as to what they were able to do in free agency by the salary cap.
Maybe Victor Butler, Martez Wilson and Junior Galette will provide a strong pass rush. But they’re all unknown commodities. If the pass rush doesn’t make an impact, life isn’t going to be easy for Vaccaro and the secondary.
MOST SURPRISING MOVE
Immediately after the season ended, Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano talked about how he wanted to bring in someone to compete with Freeman for the starting job. That caused a bit of a stir in Tampa Bay, but the coach backed away from that statement several times, saying he simply meant he wants to improve the competition at all positions. In other words, Freeman is the starter as he heads into a contract year.
But Schiano, who wasn’t around when Freeman was drafted, opened the way for a quarterback controversy the first time Freeman struggles by drafting NC State quarterback Mike Glennon in the third round. The Bucs had more pressing needs, such as tight end and depth on the defensive line, at that point in the draft.
Yet they took Glennon, who might have stuck around for another round or two. Freeman still is the starter, and maybe everything will work out fine for him. But he suddenly is on a short leash. Schiano now has a quarterback that he drafted and could turn to if Freeman has a few bad games.
FILE IT AWAY
Stanford tight end Levine Toilolo, taken by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round, can be a better NFL player than his draft position and college numbers would indicate. Toilolo was overshadowed by Coby Fleener and Zach Ertz.
In 2010, Toilolo beat out both of them for the starting job. That lasted for only one game as Toilolo suffered a knee injury in the first game of the season. He came back but took on a secondary role.
He doesn’t stand out as a receiver or a blocker, but he’s decent in both areas and has lots of upside. Toilolo could be coming into an ideal situation in Atlanta. He’ll get to learn from Tony Gonzalez for a year. After that, Toilolo could become the starter.
I’m not saying he’ll turn into the second coming of Gonzalez. But Atlanta has so many other offensive weapons that Toilolo could end up being a productive tight end.
The sixth round is over, except for the compensatory picks that don't involve any NFC South teams, but not without a little wheeling and dealing. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a pair of trades while the round was going on.
The one of note was that they finally traded running back LeGarrette Blount, who never was a favorite of coach Greg Schiano. The Bucs shipped Blount to New England for running back Jeff Demps, a former track star who the Bucs had tried to sign last year. The Bucs also got a seventh-round pick (No. 220) in the deal. Let's take a look at what the NFC South teams did in the sixth round.
At No. 182, the Carolina Panthers took Oregon running back Kenjon Barner. The Panthers are loaded at running back. This move was about special teams. Barner has ability as a return man, an area the Panthers want to upgrade.
At No. 183, the New Orleans Saints took Tarleton State defensive end Rufus Johnson. He’s a project from a small school, but has plenty of upside.
At No. 189, with a pick acquired from Minnesota, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took Miami running back Mike James. He’ll get a chance to compete for Blount’s former role as Doug Martin's backup.
The one of note was that they finally traded running back LeGarrette Blount, who never was a favorite of coach Greg Schiano. The Bucs shipped Blount to New England for running back Jeff Demps, a former track star who the Bucs had tried to sign last year. The Bucs also got a seventh-round pick (No. 220) in the deal. Let's take a look at what the NFC South teams did in the sixth round.
At No. 182, the Carolina Panthers took Oregon running back Kenjon Barner. The Panthers are loaded at running back. This move was about special teams. Barner has ability as a return man, an area the Panthers want to upgrade.
At No. 183, the New Orleans Saints took Tarleton State defensive end Rufus Johnson. He’s a project from a small school, but has plenty of upside.
At No. 189, with a pick acquired from Minnesota, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took Miami running back Mike James. He’ll get a chance to compete for Blount’s former role as Doug Martin's backup.
