Draft Grades - NFC South: Panthers search for Norman replacement, Bucs class shines
With the 2016 NFL Draft officially complete, theScore's NFL editors hand out their initial grades for how teams fared during all seven rounds.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Carolina Panthers
| Rd. | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | DT Vernon Butler |
| 2 | CB James Bradberry |
| 3 | CB Daryl Worley |
| 5 | CB Zack Sanchez |
| 7 | TE Beau Sandland |
The Carolina Panthers clearly had one priority with their 2016 draft - replacing All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. After drafting Vernon Butler as a potential replacement for Kawann Short or Star Lotulelei, should they fail to resign both players, Carolina attacked the defensive backfield need. James Bradberry from Samford represents the pick with the biggest upside, but hasn't faced top-level competition in his career. Zack Sanchez is probably the most fundamentally-sound corner, while Daryl Worley is a risk-or-reward type of defender. Adding some tight end depth with Beau Sandland was also a nice pick, but the team failed to address the weakness on the offensive line.
Grade: C+
Atlanta Falcons
| Rd. | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | S Keanu Neal |
| 2 | LB Deion Jones |
| 3 | TE Austin Hooper |
| 4 | LB De'Vondre Campbell |
| 6 | G Wes Schweitzer |
| 7 | WR Devin Fuller |
The Atlanta Falcons defense certainly improved in its first year under new head coach Dan Quinn, and it's clear that was an area of attack for the team's draft strategy. The former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator took Florida safety Keanu Neal to be the Falcons version of Kam Chancellor. Neal is an absolute thumper and should add some pop to the defense immediately. Austin Hooper is a nice new toy for Matt Ryan, as is seventh round receiver Devin Fuller. Deion Jones was one of the fastest linebackers in the draft, and his addition with Neal gives the team some athleticism up the spine.
Grade: B-
New Orleans Saints
| Rd. | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | DT Sheldon Rankins |
| 2 | WR Michael Thomas |
| 2 | S Vonn Bell |
| 4 | DT David Onyemata |
| 7 | RB Daniel Lasco |
Drafting Sheldon Rankins filled an immediate area of need for the New Orleans Saints, and he is likely to start from day one. The team seems set at safety with Kenny Vaccaro and Jairus Byrd, but Vonn Bell wasn't expected to be around with the 61st pick. Drew Brees will love the addition of Ohio State receiver Michael Thomas, who will replace Marques Colston on the offense. Canadian defensive tackle David Onyemata is a project, but certainly has the measureables to be a solid pro in a few years.
Grade: B+
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
| Rd. | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | CB Vernon Hargreaves |
| 2 | OLB Noah Spence |
| 2 | K Roberto Aguayo |
| 4 | CB Ryan Smith |
| 5 | OT Caleb Benenoch |
| 6 | LB Devante Bond |
| 6 | FB Dan Vitale |
Adding Vernon Hargreaves and Noah Spence gives the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a major upgrade on defense. Hargreaves is arguably the most fundamentally-sound cornerback in the draft, and Spence is an absolute monster pass rusher. The team was panned for using a second-round pick on kicker Roberto Aguayo, but he immediately turns that unit from one of the league's worst to one of the best. Ryan Smith has a load of talent, but lacks big game experience and is likely a year away from contributing. Caleb Benenoch adds some much needed depth to a thin offensive line.
Grade: A