The 2026 NFL Draft is less than a week away. It’s an exciting, unpredictable, and occasionally, infuriating event. Every year, teams find themselves choosing between positional value and “best player available”. Here’s a look at every NFL team’s biggest need this weekend, and who might be a good fit. Next up in the series, we have the NFC South.
The Falcons traded away their first-round pick this year to move up in the 2026 Draft. They selected James Pearce Jr., and now will not choose until pick 48. They have a star running back and an improved defense, but a new QB under center.
Tua Tagovailoa signed with Atlanta on a one-year, $1.3 million deal following his release from the Miami Dolphins. He’s still being paid $54 million by his former team, so it’s a low-cost, high-reward move for the Falcons.
The Falcons’ wide receiver room is currently led by Drake London, but after losing Darnell Mooney, they’ll be looking to add some help. They can use help in the trenches, but finding a strong receiver at 45 is more likely.
PFF ranks Louisville’s Chris Bell, Alabama’s Germie Bernard, and Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell at 44, 49, and 58, respectively. It’s also possible that Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion falls as well. Any of those players would be great picks in the second round.
The Panthers hold the 19th pick in the Draft. Bryce Young finally showed his first-overall pick potential last season, and it’s time to add to his supporting cast.
In my latest mock draft, I had the Panthers selecting tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Adding a weapon for Young could be highly beneficial if the Oregon product is available. Protecting him may be more important.
Young’s sack numbers have decreased in each of his three pro seasons. Carolina signed Rasheed Walker at left tackle while Ikem Ekwonu prepares to come back from a patellar tendon injury. This Draft is loaded with offensive line talent.
At 19, the most likely candidates will be Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, Clemson’s Blake Miller, and Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor. Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor is also drawing first-round hype, so his name could be called here as well.
The Saints could easily shoot for a wide receiver here if Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is available. They hold the eighth overall pick and will have plenty of options at every position.
New Orleans moved on from 14-year veteran Demario Davis this offseason, after spending eight seasons with the team. They also have yet to re-sign defensive end Cameron Jordan. Don’t be surprised if they look for a linebacker, or even an edge here.
If Ohio State’s Sonny Styles falls out of the top five, he might be the obvious pick here. Texas A&M’s David Bailey is also projected to go early, but could fall to eight.
The Saints are a rebuilding team with a young, talented QB and a newly signed Travis Etienne at running back. They were projected to be a top-three pick at the start of the 2025 season. The expectations were low, but they exceeded them. Now it’s time to add to that.
Last year, I projected the Buccaneers to take a linebacker in the 2026 Draft. They instead drafted Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. That move worked out with Mike Evans leaving in free agency, but they still need defensive help.
Following the retirement of 14-year veteran Lavonte David, the Bucs’ defense is in even worse shape. Tampa Bay holds the 15th overall pick, and they have plenty of options at both positions.
Georgia’s CJ Allen, Miami’s Akheem Mesidor, and Auburn’s Keldric Faulk are ranked 18th, 20th, and 22nd on PFF. Following Rueben Bain and David Bailey, Mesidor is the top edge option here.
The Bucs cannot go wrong picking either position. They have needs at cornerback and interior defensive line, so their entire draft will likely be defense-heavy. Linebacker and edge should, and will, be the first two priorities.
The NFC South is in a strange place right now. The Buccaneers ruled it from 2021 through 2024, but 2025 was a change of pace. The Bucs, Panthers, and Falcons all tied with an 8-9 record, with the playoff spot going to Carolina.
The Saints showed promise last year, and a successful Draft can push them right to the top of the division. This might be the closest four-team race in the NFL, and Thursday night will only close the gap more.
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