NFL draft grades 2017: Falcons’ picks could keep them atop of the NFC South
All four teams made great selections, but some picks were questionable.
The 2017 NFL Draft came to a close Saturday, and all four teams from the NFC South selected solid prospects who could one day morph into NFL superstars.
The Atlanta Falcons, last year’s Super Bowl runner-ups, already have a first-rate offense led by quarterback Matt Ryan and receiver Julio Jones. So, Atlanta didn't need to draft offensive players. However, its defense needed some major upgrades at linebacker and in the secondary.
The Carolina Panthers need help in the secondary. Last season, opposing offenses shredded Carolina’s defense with ease, as the Panthers finished with the 29th-ranked pass defense. While the Panthers’ front seven, led by linebacker Luke Kuechly, is still one of the best in the league, the secondary is holding this defense back from returning to its 2015 form.
After signing DeSean Jackson in the offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. Mike Evans and Jackson should be able to wreak havoc on opposing secondaries. Speaking of secondaries, the Buccaneers need playmakers in theirs. Tampa Bay surrendered 250.8 pass yards per game in 2016.
Lastly, as long as Drew Brees is lining up under center in the Big Easy, the New Orleans Saints will light up scoreboards. The only question concerning New Orleans is whether it can stop opposing offenses from lighting up the scoreboard. The team cut ties with safety Jairus Byrd over the offseason, which left a huge whole in the Saints’ secondary.
Did each team address its needs in the 2017 NFL Draft? Let’s take a look.
Atlanta Falcons
Overall, analysts thought the Falcons performed well in the draft. Atlanta used the No. 26 pick on UCLA defense end Takkarist McKinley, who is a lethal pass rusher with size and speed. The Falcons strengthened their linebacker corps on Day 2 by drafting LSU linebacker Duke Riley in the third round. On Day 3, Atlanta drafted guard Sean Harlow, a solid corner in Damontae Kazee, and tight end Eric Saubert.
Mel Kiper, ESPN: B-
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A-
Carolina Panthers
Carolina used the No. 8 pick in the first round on Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey, who is a versatile player with speed and reliable hands as a pass-catcher. Carolina followed up that big-time selection on Day 2 by drafting receiver Curtis Samuel and offensive tackle Taylor Moton in the second round. The Panthers also added pass-rusher Daeshon Hall in the third. On Day 3, Carolina drafted cornerback Corn Elder, fullback Alex Armah, and kicker Harrison Butker. Carolina failed to draft a top-notch corner to help boost the secondary.
Mel Kiper, ESPN: C+
Chris Burke, SI: B+
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A-
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Just when you though Tampa Bay’s offense couldn't get better, it certainly did. The Buccaneers used a first-round selection on O.J. Howard, who was considered the best tight end in the draft. Tampa Bay bolstered its secondary by selecting safety Justin Evans in the second round. Evans isn't a sure tackler, but he is great in coverage. Third-round pick Chris Godwin is an exciting receiver, but it didn't make sense because Tampa Bay had more pressing needs, especially at cornerback. The Buccaneers’ final picks were linebacker Kendell Beckwith, running back Jeremy McNichols, and defensive tackle Stevie Tu'ikolovatu.
Mel Kiper, ESPN: A-
Chris Burke, SI: B+
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B+
New Orleans Saints
The Saints did a good job of addressing their needs early. They used the No. 11 pick on Marshon Lattimore, a shutdown corner who loves to get physical with receivers. Later in the first round, New Orleans beefed up its offensive line by drafting tackle Ryan Ramczyk at No. 32. Drafting Marcus Williams on Day 2 was a smart move by the Saints because he is a hard-hitting safety who can defend the pass. New Orleans also selected running back Alvin Kamara, linebacker Alex Anzalone, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson on Day 2. The Saints only had one Day 3 pick, and they used that on pass rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad.
Chris Burke, SI: B+
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A-