2024 NFL Draft- NFC South Grades

Atlanta Falcons

Round 1 (8) QB- Michael Penix, Washington

The biggest shock of the first round (and the draft for that matter), went to Atlanta with their surprise selection of quarterback Michael Penix at #8 overall. The Falcons just signed quarterback Kirk Cousins this off-season to a big guaranteed contract. Their offense looks good on paper and this pick should have been used on an edge rusher or perhaps a defensive player in general to help their ailing pass rush. Penix could be the starter in a couple of years and lead this team, but the Falcons wasted an opportunity to help this year's team.

Round 2 (35) DL- Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson

The Falcons traded a 3rd round pick to move up 8 spots to select Orhorhoro. He is blessed with immense athleticism and power but struggles at times to succeed on the field. Atlanta once again reached for a player. They may have gotten him in round 3.

Round 3 (74) Edge-Bralen Trice, Washington

The Falcons got the pick right in round three as Trice is the relentless edge rusher that they needed to take in round one. Trice could push for a starting job in September.

Round 4 (109) DL- Brandon Dorlus, Oregon

Another nice pick for the Falcons defense, Dorlus brings athleticism and a high upside. He was very efficient at rushing the quarterback at Oregon and should help Atlanta's rush rotation early this season.

Round 5 (143) LB- J.D. Bertrand, Notre Dame

A smart football player who will provide some depth this year. He will also help out on special teams, until he grows into a larger role. As a fifth rounder, Bertrand brings value and could be a future starter in the middle.

Round 6 (186) RB-Jase McClellan, Alabama

McClellan adds a pass catching threat to a running back room that is led by Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. In other years he may have gone earlier, but with the amount of free agent backs signed before the draft, his class was devalued even more. 

Round 6 (187) WR-Casey Washington, Illinois

Washington was a late bloomer in his Illinois career and could earn a roster spot if he can show some special teams ability.

Round 6 (197) DL- Zion Logue, Georgia

Logue is the 3rd interior defensive lineman taken by Atlanta in the draft. Considering who was drafted ahead of him, Logue will need to open up some eyes to stick with Atlanta.

Final Grade ( C)

Michael Penix is talented and will one day start in the league. But the Falcons passed on day one starting prospect likes Dallas Turner and Jared Verse to draft him. In ten years, this draft will be graded as either an A…or an F.

Carolina Panthers

Round 1 (32) WR- Xavier Legette, South Carolina

The Panthers traded into the first round to select Xavier Legette of South Carolina. Legette had a breakout season last season and should mesh nicely in the offense next to Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen.

Round 2 (46) RB- Jonathan Brooks, Texas

Jonathan Brooks was the best running back in the class despite tearing his ACL in 2023. He will eventually start in Carolina over Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard.

Round 3 (72) LB- Trevin Wallace, Kentucky

Carolina may have reached for Wallace in the third round but they are banking on his athleticism making up for some of his shortcomings.

Round 4 (101) TE- Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas

This is a good value pick by the Panthers. Sanders was Draft Natiion's second highest rated tight end in the class. He will team with Tommy Tremble to give Bryce Young some intermediate targets.

Round 5 (157) CB- Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State

Carolina traded cornerback Donte Jackson this off-season to Pittsburgh and they did a good job of finding his potential replacement this late in the draft. Another value pick, Smith-Wade has the capability to become a starter in the future.

Round 6 (200) DL- Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi State

Crumedy won’t offer much as a pass rusher, but could be a rotational player who is excellent at stopping the run.

Round 7 (240) LB- Michael Barrett, Michigan

This is a fantastic selection so late in the process. Barrett should have been off the board in rounds four or five. He was a captain on the Michigan Wolverines defense and can be used in any situation. Would not be a shock to see him become a starter over time.

Final Grade (B-)

Carolina jumped back into the back end of the first round and got Bryce Young a quality wide receiver. Sanders, given his fourth round status, might be their steal of their class pick but the early selection of Wallace grades them out at a B- instead of a B.

New Orleans Saints

Round 1 (14) T- Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

With the injury to Ryan Ramczyk and the struggles of Trevor Penning, the Saints no doubt needed a tackle. They get a good one with Fuaga who should shore up the offensive line in 2024. 

Round 2 (41) CB- Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

The Saints nailed their second round pick in Kool-Aid McKinstry. McKinstry has first round talent but was passed up by a handful of cornerbacks after the season he had at Alabama. McKinstry is a shutdown corner who won’t have to start on day one but will be a starting cornerback down the road for the Saints.

Round 5 (150) QB- Spencer Rattler, South Carolina

Rattler has the tools to become, at worst, a solid backup quarterback. He gets a year or two to learn under Derek Carr before he tries to achieve starter status.

Round 5 (170) WR- Bub Means, Pittsburgh

Bub Means started rising up draft boards after the combine. He ran a 4.43 in Indianapolis and looked smooth at his pro day. He had issues with drops in 2023 and has a chance to be a quality receiver for New Orleans as he matures as a receiver (keep in mind Means just started playing receiver three years ago).

Round 5 (175) LB- Jaylan Ford, Texas

Another solid pick in the 5th round. Ford is exceptional at stopping the run but he struggles in coverage. 

Round 6 (199) DL- Khristian Boyd, Northern Iowa

The Saints needed depth on their defensive line and Boyd will have an opportunity to make the rotation. Boyd is a big body who can stuff the run and has the quickness to pressure quarterbacks.

Round 7 (239) T- Josiah Ezirim, Eastern Kentucky

Ezirim dominated his opponents at Eastern Kentucky. He could be a diamond in the rough. He has great mechanics and the frame to play in the NFL.

Final Grade- (A-)

The Saints did a great job of getting two starters right off the bat with Fuaga and McKinstry. Rattler and the rest of the class add depth where needed and it is hard not to see value in every Saints pick.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Round 1 (26) OL- Graham Barton, Duke

The Buccaneers are set at tackle with Luke Goedeke and Tristan Wirfs, so Barton is almost certain to be used inside. He could take over at center for Robert Hainsey or be used at guard. His versatility will help Tampa Bay in case of an injury to any of their offensive lineman. 

Round 2 (57) Edge-Chris Braswell, Alabama

Braswell is another great pass rusher to come out of Alabama. He was overshadowed at times by teammate Dallas Turner but could start right away in Tampa Bay.

Round 3 (89) S- Tykee Smith, Georgia

Tampa Bay needed help in their secondary and Smith is a run stopping safety who should start in the nickel and dime packages for the Bucs.

Round 3 (92) WR- Jalen McMillan, Washington

Tampa Bay does an excellent job getting McMillan in round three. He is an excellent route runner who lacks top speed but should be a nice weapon in the slot.

Round 4 (125) RB- Bucky Irving, Oregon

Bucky Irving is a do-it-all back who will be a perfect complement to Rachaad White, spotting him on passing downs and unconventional situations. He's quicker than fast but is a danger in the open field.

Round 6 (220) G- Elijah Klein, UTEP

This is a depth pick and the Buccaneers get a guard who was impressive at pass blocking at UTEP. He will fight for a roster spot.

Round 7 (246) TE- Devin Culp, Washington

Culp doesn’t add much as a pass receiver but is an excellent run blocker and will have an uphill battle to make the roster.

Final Grade- (B)

Tampa Bay did a good job of addressing their needs and got some quality players early in the draft. If Irving pans out, their class will be a good one.