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2013 NFL Draft Needs: NFC South

Our look at the draft needs of all 32 NFL teams continues today with a look at the NFC South.

By Kevin Nogle
USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NFL Draft is just three days away. To get us ready for the Draft, we are taking a look at the draft needs for all 32 teams in the league. Today, we take a look at the NFC South.

Team Need 1 Need 2 Need 3
Atlanta Falcons DE DT LB
Picks (11): 1.30, 2.60. 3.92, 4.127, 4.133, 5.163, 6.198 7.236, 7.243, 7.244, 7.2749
Atlanta lost John Abraham this year, but added Osi Umenyiora as a pass rush specialist. However, they have to get younger all across the defensive front seven. You could put DE, DT, and LB in any order you choose, and it could be justified. The team also has to look tight end in this draft, having convinced Tony Gonzalez to come back for one more year and giving the rookie a year to develop under the future Hall of Famer.
Carolina Panthers DT OT S
Picks (5): 1.14, 2.44, 4.108, 5.148, 6.182
The Panthers will use most of their draft picks this year along the line of scrimmage, trying to upgrade both the offense and defense. They also must address the secondary, both at the cornerback and safety positions. Kenny Vaccaro sitting on the board in the middle of the first round probably makes the most sense for Carolina at this point, but don't be surprised by a Star Lotulelei or Sylvester Williams pick.
New Orleans Saints LB NT S
Picks (5): 1.15, 3.75, 4.109, 5.144, 6.183

New Orleans has to fix their miserable defense from last year. And miserable is an understatement. With Rob Ryan coming on as the new defensive coordinator and the team switching to a 3-4 scheme, plenty of defensive picks will be made, especially as they look for the right players along the line and in the linebacker corps.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers DE DT TE
Picks (7): 2.43, 3.73, 4.112, 4.126, 5.147, 6.181, 6.196
As of yesterday, the Buccaneers' needs changed. They no longer will be looking for a cornerback, thanks to the addition of Darrelle Revis. Instead, the team will now be trying to solidify their defensive line, both with pass rushers and in stopping the run. On offense, a tight end could help Josh Freeman get back to the form that made the Buccaneers think they had a franchise quarterback. Or, they could instead start over by targeting a quarterback early in the selection process.

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