NFL Draft Review: NFC South

Tampa Bay seeks their fourth straight division title but Atlanta has arrived.

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NFL DRAFT RECAP SERIES: NFCE || AFCE || NFCN || AFCN

NFC SOUTH 2025 NFL DRAFT RECAP

While most teams build from the inside-out, Tampa Bay decided to focus upon the perimeter in this year’s draft. With Mike Evans set to turn 32 years old and Chris Godwin dealing with some injuries in recent seasons, the Bucs plucked another physical wideout in Emeka Egbuka. This trio could prove to be as good as any and Baker Mayfield is sure to benefit. On the defensive side, the team added some much needed cornerback help. In fact they doubled-down on corners and then edge rushers in the later rounds. One of the best general managers in the NFL, Jason Licht has a clear vision.

The mainstream media shared mixed reviews on the Falcons draft class but here at All Access Football, we have given them the highest rankings. While they did have to sacrifice a first round pick in 2026, in terms of talent and impact, Atlanta significantly upgraded. In fact, there is a strong chance that four-of-their-five selections (all on defense) could wind up starting as soon as this year. Atlanta should be able to light up the scoreboard with the best of them. Should their defense hold up their end of the bargain, this could be a dangerous playoff squad. (photo: Atlanta Falcons)

The Panthers youth movement is in motion, as they had eight selections to use on their continued overhaul of the roster. All of their selections focused on prospects from blue-blood programs with top-level traits. They accomplished several goals, including a better supporting cast for third-year signal-caller Bryce Young, as well as an improved pass-rush on defense. Where they really did well was in the later rounds, identifying potential role players who fit their scheme. This should be an improved team but not by much.

Buckle up and hunker down Saints fans, it could be a long season in ‘The Big Easy.’ The organization has been ravaged by bad luck, starting with the offseason retirement of Derek Carr due to injury. Alvin Kamara has sustained at a high level but will be 30 years old and no one has stepped up to fill the void left by Michael Thomas. New Orleans had little money to spend in free agency and this could be a year where new head coach Kellen Moore looks to gut the roster, weed out players who don’t fit and begin laying the foundation for next year. The second round selection of Tyler Shough now becomes their most critical draft choice, as he will enter training camp as the favorite to win the starting quarterback role.

Coming off three straight division titles, the Buccaneers will begin the year as the NFC South favorites. However, the Falcons will push to take the next step and if Michael Penix develops as anticipated, this team could bee too talented to top.

Below is a pick-by-pick look for each team in the NFC South.

OVERALL IMPACT SCALE:

5 = Major Impact || 4 = High Impact || 3 = Average Impact || 2 = Low Impact || 1 = No Impact

ATLANTA FALCONS

ROUND | PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL

Rd.1 No.15. Jalon Walker, ER, Georgia — Announced as a defensive end on draft night, Walker is expected to play a pass-rush role for the Falcons. However, he could fit best as a hybrid linebacker type, as he does lack bulk. He’s expected to raise the level of intensity and competitiveness.

Rd.1 No.26. James Pearce Jr., ER, Tennessee — The Falcons made a bold move with a trade back into the first round, to double-down on the edge. Blessed with an ideal frame, tremendous athleticism and excellent bend, Pearce Jr. has been ushered in to help lead the return of ‘Sacklanta.’