NFC South draft needs Two key building blocks for Buccaneers
NFC South draft needs Two key building blocks for Buccaneers
With the 2015 fast approaching, Bucky Brooks is breaking down the biggest areas of need for every team in the NFL, division by division. Below is his look at the NFC South. (NOTE: Click on Jalen Luypen Jersey tabs to see other divisions; click on team names to see a full list of draft picks.)Biggest needs: Pa s rusher, running back, offensive tackle.First-year head coach Dan Quinn is expected to invigorate the with his infectious energy and defensive acumen. Given his succe s as the ' defensive coordinator over the past two seasons, he will certainly look to upgrade the ' front seven with explosive athletes in key positions. At OLB in particular, Atlanta needs to add a dynamic rusher with explosive first-step quickne s, acceleration and closing burst. Clemson's and Mi souri's are the most explosive pa s rushers in the draft, thoughFlorida's is also capable of getting after the pa ser with a power-based approach. If haven't torpedoed his character grade, Nebraska's could enter the conversation. The dismi sal of puts the back in the running back market. flashed potential as a rookie and is a nice home-run threat, but the backfield lacks some oomph. Atlanta could seek Curt Fraser Jersey out a feature back like Minnesota's or Boise State's , or look to add a complementary back like Alabama's or Miami's . The could be interested in a big, athletic offensive tackle with developmental potential -- someone like Pittsburgh's or Penn State's .Biggest needs: Offensive tackle, wide receiver, cornerback.The won their last four regular-season games to take the division and sneak into the playoffs at 7-8-1. In doing so, Carolina also became the first team to repeat in NFC South history, but GM Dave Gettleman needs to tweak the roster for the team to remain atop the division going forward. Although offensive tackles and have starting experience, the must upgrade the athleticism on the edges to keep upright in the pocket. Florida's , Pittsburgh's , Texas A&M's and Miami's are viable candidates to start at right tackle. If the are looking for a pure left tackle, Stanford's could get the nod on draft day. 's emergence as a dangerous WR1 won't prevent Gettleman from looking for a complementary playmaker on the perimeter. Ohio State's , USC's or Miami's would add some juice to the lineup. Defensively, the need to add a solid cover corner to allow to slide inside as a nickel back. Miami (Ohio)'s , Florida State's , Utah's and USC's are Day 2 prospects who could come in and start immediately.Biggest needs: Wide receiver, pa s rusher, defensive tackle.Sean Payton is completely swapping out the ' roster after watching his team gro sly underachieve in 2014. He's already traded away a pair of talented playmakers in Jim Pappin Jersey the pa sing game ( and ) without filling the resulting void in free agency. Thus, the will scour the draft looking for guys with the potential to contribute immediately. This could prompt the to take a long, hard look at Louisville's , Arizona State's , USC's and Ohio State's on Day 1. Payton could also target Michigan's or Mi souri's -- two potential mismatch nightmares -- on Day 2. Defensively, the need a dynamic pa s rusher to complement and along the front line. This could prompt the team to consider Kentucky's or Nebraska's as a DPR (designated pa s rusher). A big-bodied defensive tackle like Florida State's or Oklahoma's could fill a huge void at the point of attack. Clemson's could also be in the mix as a heavy-handed run stopper.Biggest needs: Quarterback, offensive line, middle linebacker.The have enough weapons to challenge Keith Magnuson Jersey in the NFC South, but they need a franchise quarterback capable of maximizing the available talent. Florida State's appears to be the best fit in coordinator Dirk Koetter's offense, but Oregon's is also a solid decision Brett Seney Jersey maker with the explosive athleticism to create big plays with his feet or arm. If the select one of the aforementioned signal-callers, it is important to surround the rookie with a solid offensive line to allow him to make throws from a clean pocket. Oregon's , Florida's , Pittsburgh's and Texas A&M's all po se s the athleticism to shine on the edge, but each would need some time to develop into a quality starter at left tackle. Defensively, Lovie Smith needs to find a "Mike" linebacker with the toughne s and communication skills to orchestrate the defense. Mi si sippi State's , UCLA's and Miami's are ideal candidates for the role based on their experience and production as collegians.Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter .