The NFC South was extremely competitive from top to bottom last season, with two teams making the postseason, another barely missing out, and the last-place team finishing with a .500 record. Did each team do what it needed to do in the 2009 NFL Draft to ensure that competitive remains next season and beyond?
Grade: B+
Best: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
Jerry was the second rated defensive tackle behind B.J. Raji, and gives the Falcons the presence in the middle that they might have had if they drafted Glenn Dorsey last year. Jerry is a sound fundamental player who is extremely strong and athletic. He can eat up runners, and has some success getting to the quarterback.
Worst: Spencer Adkins, LB, Miami
Miami just isn’t putting out the talent that it used to. Adkins has excellent speed, but has below-average size for the position, as well as mediocre instincts. He was a solid player at the college level, but he just doesn’t have the “it” factor to develop into a starting linebacker.
Steal: Lawrence Sidbury Jr, OLB, Richmond
Sidbury faced low-level competition in college, but his 20 sacks and 37 tackles-for-loss should keep your mind at ease. He is a very good pass rusher who should be able to find a role with Atlanta, and has good value as a fourth round pick.
Summary:
The Falcons know they’re fairly set on offense with Matt Ryan and Michael Turner, so they geared this draft toward replacing former stars like Keith Brooking and Patrick Kerney on defense. They already have a solid corps of guys, but adding an elite safety prospect, as well as a big man in the middle (Jerry), solidifies their commitment to creating a well-balance team. They should have no problem competing for the division crown again.
Grade: B+
Best: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
If Julius Peppers is in fact going to be traded this season, Brown will be his replacement. If not, Brown’s athleticism and versatility can either be used on the opposite side, or on the outside as a pass rusher.
Worst: Captain Munnerlyn, CB, South Carolina
Munnerlyn was actually a decent value in the seventh round, due to his solid return ability, as well as decent cover skills. He’s fairly raw as a corner prospect, though, and will have to make the team as a return man to stick on the final roster.
Steal: Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma
Robinson is a big, physical guard that was projected to go anywhere from rounds 1-3. With a hard-nosed offensive lineman with this great of value, the Panthers get a guy in the fifth round that could start in his first year, if needed.
Summary:
Carolina did a fine job of adding to their defense, while either giving Peppers the complement he needs, and/or finding his future replacement in Everette Brown. Fullback Tony Fiammetta gives them a young, powerful fullback to groom behind Brad Hoover, and also adds another tough runner in the ground game.
Duke Robinson is an absolute steal and a good fit in an already stout offensive line. They did a fine job of addressing needs, but could have looked for a quarterback for the future, as well as some extra help at receiver.
Grade: C+
Best: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
The Saints have an awful secondary overall, and badly needed an elite talent like Jenkins. He could easily fill a void in any spot for the Saints, but if they’re smart, he’ll start out at corner.
Worst: Thomas Morstead, P, Southern Methodist
The Saints could use competition at punter, but they could have found a quality player in the fifth round.
Steal: Chip Vaughn, S, Wake Forest
Vaughn is a great steal in the fourth round, bringing 52 games of college experience, as well as reliable tackling and coverage. Vaughn isn’t a ball hawk, but he’s a cerebral player that could vie for a starting position in his first year.
Summary:
Considering they’re fairly set on offense, the Saints went after their secondary with their first two picks, finding two fantastic talents that should be able to help them immediately. They also added depth to their linebacker corps. Overall, they got good value for their picks, but with only four selections, it was only a mediocre weekend for them.
Grade: D+
Best: Roy Miller, DT, Texas
Miller has great size and strength, and should be able to step in and be a rotation guy right away.
Worst: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
While Freeman has the ideal size and arm strength to succeed, he is severely raw and unprepared to start right away. Projects as Jason Campbell at the next level, but slower and less athletic.
Steal: Kyle Moore, DE, USC
With all the hype surrounding the USC linebackers, Moore survived in the shadows, until getting selected in the fourth round. He has elite size and strength, and while he’s inexperienced, possesses all the tools to be able to mold into a starting defensive end.
Summary:
Addressing their defensive line was a huge statement, but they only got good value with two picks. Drafting Josh Freeman will prove to be a huge mistake. He has the talent, sure, but the make-up of his game is too stiff and he’s too raw to help for a long time. They’re better off committing to Luke McCown.
