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NFC South Offseason Grades 2023
(Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire)

NFC South Offseason Grades 2023

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Atlanta Falcons’ 2023 Offseason

Draft Picks:

  1. Round 1 (8): RB Bijan Robinson, Texas
  2. Round 2 (38): T Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse
  3. Round 3 (75): EDGE Zach Harrison, Ohio State
  4. Round 4 (113): CB Clark Phillips III, Utah
  5. Round 7 (224): S DeMarcco Hellams, Alabama
  6. Round 7 (225): G Jovaughn Gwyn, South Carolina

Free Agency Signings:

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Best Move:

  • Matthew Bergeron: Likely to start immediately at left guard and could transition out to tackle in the future.

Losses:

Remaining Needs:

Outlook for 2023:

The Falcons made significant improvements to their defense, particularly in the interior defensive line. The addition of Jessie Bates III and veterans like Calais Campbell, David Onyemata, and Eddie Goldman will likely make an immediate impact. The draft selection of Bijan Robinson was surprising but adds to the rushing offense. The key for the Falcons will be the development of second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder.

Offseason Grade: A-

The Falcons utilized their cap space effectively, making strong signings on defense. The draft was solid, although the selection of Robinson might be questioned given the team’s existing scheme. Overall, the Falcons appear to be in a good position to compete within the NFC South. It all depends on Ridder and ultimately if he proves to be their QB of the future this offseason will be looked back on positively. If he doesn’t step up, then everyone will look back on this offseason as a wasted opportunity to get their QB.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2023 Offseason

Draft Picks:

  1. Round 1 (19): DI Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
  2. Round 2 (48): OT Cody Mauch, North Dakota State
  3. Round 3 (82): EDGE YaYa Diaby, Louisville
  4. Round 5 (153): LB SirVocea Dennis, Pittsburgh
  5. Round 5 (171): TE Payne Durham, Purdue
  6. Round 6 (181): CB Josh Hayes, Kansas State
  7. Round 6 (191): WR Trey Palmer, Nebraska
  8. Round 6 (196): EDGE Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan
  9. Round 7 (232): CB Carrington Valentine, Kentucky

Free Agency Signings:

  • QB Baker Mayfield: Signed to compete for the starting role.
  • RB Chase Edmonds: Veteran running back to bolster the offense.
  • OL Matt Feiler: Potential new starter on the offensive line.
  • DL Greg Gaines: One-year deal to help the defense.
  • K Chase McLaughlin: One-year pact after a strong 2022 season.
  • WR David Moore, S Ryan Neal, QB John Wolford: Additional depth signings.

Re-Signings:

  • CB Jamel Dean: Key re-signing, entered free agency as a top-ranked player.
  • LB Lavonte David: Veteran leader brought back.
  • OLB Anthony Nelson, DL Patrick O’Connor, G Aaron Stinnie, DL Deadrin Senat, OLB Cam Gill, G Nick Leverett, DB Dee Delaney: Retained depth players.

Losses:

Best Move:

  • Drafting Calijah Kancey: Has a chance to be one of the true stars of the draft class, and his pairing with Vita Vea could be dynamic.

Remaining Needs:

  • Right Tackle: A glaring hole if Luke Goedeke is not up to the task.

Outlook for 2023:

The Buccaneers have made some tough decisions due to salary cap considerations but are also trying to put together a roster that can compete for a third straight NFC South title. The signing of Baker Mayfield and the drafting of Calijah Kancey are notable moves that could pay off. The team’s success may hinge on competent play from the quarterback position and how they address the right tackle situation.

Offseason Grade: B

The Buccaneers managed to navigate a tight cap situation and still make key signings and draft picks that could keep them competitive in the NFC South. The loss of some key players and the uncertainty at the quarterback position are concerns. It’s unclear whether or not this is a rebuild or not. Contract and cap-wise it seems like it has to be a rebuild but the team is not treating it as such.

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Carolina Panthers’ 2023 Offseason

Draft Picks:

  1. Round 1 (1): QB Bryce Young, Alabama
  2. Round 2 (39): WR Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss
  3. Round 3 (80): EDGE DJ Johnson, Oregon
  4. Round 4 (114): G Chandler Zavala, NC State
  5. Round 5 (145): S Jammie Robinson, Florida State

Free Agency Signings:

  • WR D.J. Chark: Expected to be a key target for the new QB.
  • WR Adam Thielen: Another veteran receiver to bolster the offense.
  • RB Miles Sanders: Coming off a strong season, adds depth to the backfield.
  • TE Hayden Hurst: A new option at tight end.
  • QB Andy Dalton: Veteran presence to mentor Bryce Young.
  • S Vonn Bell: Acquired from Cincinnati, adds to the secondary.
  • DI Matt Ioannidis (FA), RB D’Onta Foreman (CHI), DI Shy Tuttle: Additional depth signings.

Best Move:

  • Trading for the First Overall Pick: The Panthers made a bold move, trading a bounty of picks and WR D.J. Moore to Chicago for the first overall pick, selecting QB Bryce Young.

Losses:

  • WR D.J. Moore (CHI): Part of the trade package for the first overall pick.

Remaining Needs:

  • Cornerback: Inconsistent play outside of Jaycee Horn, potential need for another player in free agency or via trade.

Outlook for 2023:

The Panthers made one of the boldest moves of the draft by trading up to select QB Bryce Young, a highly touted prospect. The addition of veteran skill position players like D.J. Chark, Adam Thielen, and Miles Sanders should aid Young’s transition. The defense, led by Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, and Jaycee Horn, remains a strength, but the secondary may need further attention. The success of the season may hinge on the health and development of Young and the top trio of playmakers on defense.

Offseason Grade: B+

The Panthers made a significant investment in their future by trading up for Bryce Young and surrounding him with veteran talent. The draft was focused on addressing immediate needs, and the free agency moves were targeted and thoughtful. The grade reflects a positive outlook but acknowledges the risks associated with such a significant trade and the need to address the cornerback position. This was arguably the best roster in the division besides the QB prior to the Young trade and draft pick. Although they secured their QB, the lost their two best offensive weapons in a span of a few months in the trades of McCaffrey and Moore.

New Orleans Saints’ 2023 Offseason

Draft Picks:

  1. Round 1 (29): DI Bryan Bresee, Clemson
  2. Round 2 (40): EDGE Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
  3. Round 3 (71): RB Kendre Miller, TCU
  4. Round 4 (103): T Nick Saldiveri, Old Dominion
  5. Round 4 (127): QB Jake Haener, Fresno State
  6. Round 5 (146): S Jordan Howden, Minnesota
  7. Round 6 (195): WR A.T. Perry, Wake Forest

Free Agency Signings:

Best Move:

  • Drafting WR A.T. Perry: Selected in the middle of Day 3, Perry has a huge frame and could add an extra level of dynamism to the receiving corps.

Losses:

  • ED Marcus Davenport (MIN), DI David Onyemata (ATL), LB Kaden Elliss (ATL), DI Shy Tuttle (CAR), QB Andy Dalton (CAR): Key departures affecting the roster.

Remaining Needs:

  • Linebacker Depth: Demario Davis is the only true reliable starter at off-ball linebacker, and the Saints need to consider the future.

Early Position Battle:

  • CB Paulson Adebo vs. CB Alontae Taylor: The Saints look thin at cornerback outside of Marshon Lattimore and will be looking for one of these two to earn the No. 2 spot.

Outlook for 2023:

The Saints made some notable moves in free agency, including the signing of Derek Carr, but his play regressed in 2022, and it’s hard to expect him to revert to his prior form with a new club in a new system. The draft focused on addressing the significant turnover up front in free agency, with two top-40 picks on defensive linemen. The team has big-name players on both sides of the ball, but several have started to show wear and tear. If Carr cannot take advantage of his playmakers and consistently make explosive plays, this could be a long season for the Saints.

Offseason Grade: B-

The Saints made some interesting moves, but the overall picture is mixed. The draft was solid, and the free-agent signings addressed some needs, but the loss of key players and the uncertainty around Carr’s performance lead to a more cautious grade. The team does look like it has improved enough to compete for the NFC South crown, but is that really saying a whole lot?

Summary of NFC South Offseason Grades:

  • Atlanta Falcons: A-
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B
  • Carolina Panthers: B+
  • New Orleans Saints: B-

The NFC South saw a range of moves, with the Buccaneers and Falcons making strong efforts to improve their rosters, while the Panthers made a bold move to secure their future quarterback. The Saints made some notable signings but face uncertainty in key areas. Overall, the division appears to be competitive, with each team making strategic moves to address their specific needs and challenges, but no single team as the clear dominant force.

Ryan

Ryan