Inside the War Room: NFC South
by Luke Paul Chandler
In their bi-weekly column, writers Luke Paul Chandler and Dave Gardner will be describing each team’s last draft class, top needs and draft strategies all the way up until the draft. Today, Dave takes a look at the NFC South.
By Dave Gardner
Atlanta Falcons
Draft Strategy
In his first year on the job, general manager Tom Dimitroff has a lot of work to do. He will need to add youth and talent to this roster; oh, and pick up a franchise quarterback along the way. He comes from Scott Pioli/Bill Belichick School of drafting, so we can expect a few things from him. First, he won’t be afraid to make any trades: New England has become famous over the last few years for stockpiling draft picks. Second, he will likely build from the lines out, as evidenced by the Patriots’ three first-round defensive linemen. Finally, he’s trying to make the right decisions to change the culture of the football team, so he will likely be selecting only guys who have been good leaders in college. Whatever happens, it should be fun to watch.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round Picked in Parentheses): Jamaal Anderson (DE-1), Justin Blalock (G-2), Chris Houston (CB-2), Laurent Robinson (WR-3), Stephen Nicholas (LB-4), Martrez Milner (TE-4), Trey Lewis (DT-6), David Irons (CB-6), Doug Datish (C-6), Daren Stone (DB-6), Jason Snelling (RB-7). Grade: C+
- Comments: The Falcons got more production from their second round picks than they did from first-round pick Jamaal Anderson. Anderson, like many other defensive ends, struggled in his first year, recording just 30 tackles and no sacks. Second-round picks Justin Blalock and Chris Houston, however, are likely to be long-term starters for the Falcons. Laurent Robinson finished with 37 catches for 437 yards. They could have a few surprises in their second day as well, as Trey Lewis made an impact starting in five games before going on injured reserve, and David Irons figures to battle for at least the nickel spot at corner.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: TE Alge Crumpler (Cut-Titans), TE Dwayne Blakley (Titans), S Cris Crocker (Dolphins), CB Omare Lowe (Seahawks), LB Demorrio Williams (Chiefs)
- Key Additions: RB Michael Turner (Chargers), K Jason Elam (Broncos), TE Ben Hartstock (Titans), S Erik Coleman (Jets), DB Von Hutchins (Falcons), DT Kindal Moorehead (Panthers)
- Top Remaining Needs: Quarterback, Defensive Tackle, Cornerback, Offensive Tackle, Safety, Tight End, Wide Receiver
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Carolina Panthers
Draft Strategy
With the noteworthy exception of the quarterback position, the Panthers believe strongly in building through the draft. Fifteen out of 22 starters last season had played their whole careers in Carolina. Their drafts in this decade have been pretty stellar, and they benefit from an extra third-round pick this year. The team’s general focus has been on defense in the past few years, but their offense finished 29th last year, so that is likely to change. The Panthers need to find the receiver who can finally take advantage of the double- and triple-teams that Steve Smith meets on a regular basis. They also need a running back who can share the load with DeAngelo Williams.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round Picked in Parentheses): Jonathon Beason (LB-1), Dwayne Jarrett (WR-2), Ryan Kalil (C-2), Charles Johnson (DE-3), Ryne Robinson (WR-4), Dante Rosario (TE-5), Tim Shaw (LB-5), C.J. Wilson (CB-7). Grade: B-
- Comments: After spending training camp deep on the outside linebacker depth chart, Jon Beason finally saw action in week three. Dan Morgan was injured in that game, and Beason took over the Mike linebacker spot. Recording 140 tackles, and with Morgan now in a Saints uniform, it doesn’t seem like he’ll give it up for a very long time. Ryan Kalil will likely earn a starting job on the offensive line this season, and tight end Dante Rosario came on late in the season and should bring some competition to the position. The most disappointing player was second-round pick Dwayne Jarrett who recorded just six catches in seven games. He was inactive for the other nine games. Outside of Beason, this draft class didn’t make much of an impact.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: WR Drew Carter (Raiders), WR Keary Colbert (Broncos), DT Kindal Moorehead (Falcons), LB Dan Morgan (Saints)
- Key Additions: WR D.J. Hackett (Seahawks), LB Landon Johnson (Bengals), RB LaBrandon Toefield (Jaguars)
- Top Remaining Needs: Safety, Defensive End, Defensive Tackle, Wide Receiver, Quarterback, Linebacker, Cornerback
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New Orleans Saints
Draft Strategy
The Saints have had generally good drafts under general manager Mickey Loomis, the 2006 NFL Executive of the Year. They have gotten more production out of their top picks than they have in the bottom half of the draft, with the noteworthy exception of Marques Colston. They have also scouted offensive talent much more efficiently than they have defensive players. This is one of the reasons for the defensive struggles over the last few seasons, and for the slue of free agents that have been brought in on that side of the ball this season. Maybe the pro-scouting group will be better than the college-scouting group in that regard.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round Picked in Parentheses): Robert Meachem (WR-1), Usama Young (CB-3), Andy Alleman (G-3), Antonio Pittman (RB-4), Jermon Bushrod (T-4), David Jones (CB-5), Marvin Mitchell (LB-7). Grade: D
- Comments: This class was one of the worst in recent memory. Only third-round pick Usama Young had any significant impact with the team. Two of their seven picks were cut before the season started, including running back Antonio Pittman who was cut in favor of undrafted rookie Pierre Thomas. First-round pick Robert Meachem showed up to training camp overweight, (according to various reports) had trouble getting the playbook down and never suited up for a game during the season. Experts say that it takes three years to know how good a draft class is, the Saints better hope for some surprises in the next two years from this one.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: C Jeff Faine (Buccaneers), LB Matt McCoy (Saints)
- Key Additions: CB Randall Gay (Saints), G Matt Lehr (Buccaneers), DE Bobby McCray (Jaguars), LB Dan Morgan (Saints), LB Jonathon Vilma (Jets)
- Top Remaining Needs: Cornerback, Defensive Tackle, Linebacker, Center, Tight End, Running Back, Quarterback
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Draft Strategy
After suffering from no high-round picks in 2002 and 2003, and then succumbing to “sexy” picks in 2004 and 2005 (Michael Clayton, Cadillac Williams), Jon Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen had excellent drafts in 2006 and 2007. They have spent four out of their last five first- or second-round picks on linemen, and their focus on building through the lines will likely lead to one of the best young offensive lines in the league this year, as well as a potentially dangerous defensive line. The Bucs now need to turn their attention to the offensive skill positions where they need a quarterback of the future, a couple of young wide receivers, and possibly a running back (Williams’ injury could be career-threatening). They also only have six picks in this draft so there will be less of a margin for error.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round Picked in Parentheses): Gaines Adams (DE-1), Arron Sears (G-2), Sabby Piscitelli (SS-2), Quincy Black (LB-3), Tanard Jackson (FS-4), Greg Peterson (DT-5), Adam Hayward (LB-6), Chris Denman (T-7), Marcus Hamilton (CB-7), Kenneth Darby (RB-7). Grade: A
- Comments: This draft class was second only to the Giants’ last season. All 10 picks made the roster, and seven of these players seem to be strong building blocks for their future. Gaines Adams struggled for playing time early in the season, but became a full-time starter by the end of the season and should have a Mario Williams-type effect in his second season. Arron Sears and Tanard Jackson both impressed in starting roles and Quincy Black, Kenneth Darby and Greg Peterson showed vast potential in limited playing time. Sabby Piscitelli will likely compete for playing time at strong safety after recovering from the foot injury that forced him to injured reserve early in the season.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: TE Anthony Becht (Rams), CB Brian Kelly (Lions), G Matt Lehr (Saints), C John Wade (Raiders)
- Key Additions: C Jeff Faine (Saints), DE Marques Douglas (49ers), TE Ben Troupe (Titans), CB Eugene Wilson (Patriots), Warrick Dunn (Falcons), LB Matt McCoy (Saints)
- Top Remaining Needs: Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Defensive Tackle, Return Specialist, Offensive Tackle, Defensive End
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