Falcons
Offense: T Jack Nelson, Wisconsin
Defense: Edge James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Nelson is the only offensive player the Falcons drafted to give depth at Tackle. He has good size at 6”7 314 and he is a strong run blocker. He may see the field at some point, despite being a late pick.
The Falcons invested next year’s 1st round pick to get Pearce mostly due to the big need for pass rush. Pearce is a lanky edge at 6’5 245 with good speed and a high motor who has been able to get to double digit sacks in college.
Bucs
Offense: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Defense: CB Jacob Parrish, Kansas State
While the Bucs re-signed WR Chris Godwin, he will not be ready for the start of the season. Egbuka was drafted to help the receiving core and has received praise for his play and maturity. My NFL comparison for Egbuka was former teammate and Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, so he should produce early.
The Bucs had a need in the secondary drafting two CBs. Parrish has impressed early taking over the starting job at nickel back. He is a smaller CB who can play inside and outside with good speed, physicality, and coverage skills.
Panthers
Offense: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Defense: Edge Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
The Panthers have been looking for a WR to grow with Bryce Young and takeover as the #1. McMillan has #1 WR potential as a lanky target with good hands who should be an upgrade at the position.
The Panthers invested a lot trying to upgrade the defense. Scourton was one of my sleeper picks as a tough edge rusher with good physicality who can also stop the run and has proven to play both hand in the dirt and off ball. He has received a lot of praise so far and could work his way into a starting spot.
Saints
Offense: QB Tyler Shough, Louisville
Defense: S Jonas Sanker, Virginia
The Saints drafted Shough with the hope that he will be an upgrade at the position. He’s a tall big arm QB at 6’5 with a lot of college experience who is considered a mature player at 25 years of age. He will be given every chance to take the job from Spencer Rattler.
The Saints rookie defenders have received praise. With the retirement of Tyrann Mathieu, Sanker has a chance to work his way into the rotation, maybe even starting lineup. Sanker is a physical downhill hard hitting safety with good size, coverage skills, and the ability to blitz which might be what they need.
