2023 NFL Draft Grades: NFC South

With the 2023 NFL Draft complete, theScore's NFL editors hand out their initial grades for each team's incoming rookies.

NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST

Atlanta Falcons

Grade: C

Robinson is fantastic - there's a realistic chance he emerges as one of the NFL's best running backs as early as this season. But we can't justify his positional value at No. 8, not with so many areas of the roster to address. Even a small trade down could have helped justify the process. Bergeron is an interesting pick to round out the offensive line, though, and Phillips is one to watch as a rookie. His playmaking ability makes up for anything he lacks in size.

Carolina Panthers

Grade: A-

The Panthers weren't about to sit back and let the board decide whether they got a franchise quarterback. Trading up to No. 1 all the way from No. 9 was an aggressive but necessary move - especially with a player like Young headlining the class. Rounding out the receiving corps with Mingo in the second round is also a strong move to ensure their rookie signal-caller hits the ground running. The success of this class will be defined by that playmaking duo, but Carolina also did some strong work on Zavala and Robinson, who could compete to start at their respective positions right away. The future is bright in Charlotte.

New Orleans Saints

Grade: C+

This could be another Saints draft that exceeds expectations. The immediate returns, though, aren't too exciting. Bresee was decent value at the end of the first round, but Foskey being drafted over some of the other edge rushers still on the board early in the second round was somewhat surprising. On Day 2, running back didn't necessarily need to be a priority, not with so many other needs to address. Most notably, it's disappointing to see New Orleans not come away from this draft with any early additions to the receiving corps. Keep an eye on Haener, though. The Fresno State product could have some starting upside after a few years developing behind Derek Carr.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Grade: B

Kancey is an explosive pass-rusher who dominated in college, but he simply doesn't have the size for an every-down role on the edge. That could mean he becomes a hybrid player who sees some snaps on the edge, and while he could certainly thrive in such a role, that can be tough to project. Mauch was Tampa Bay's best pick of the weekend. The North Dakota State standout has the athleticism and physicality to contribute as a long-term starter on the offensive line. Diaby is another athletic rusher who could bring some major juice to the Tampa Bay defensive front with the necessary time to develop.