Teams in the NFC South entered the NFL Draft with different needs. One player stands out as the top draft gem in the NFC South.
The NFC South’s Top Draft Gem
New Orleans Saints: Spencer Rattler – QB South Carolina
The New Orleans Saints are heavily invested in a veteran quarterback, but taking a flier on Rattler in the fifth round could pay off big. The Saints paid Derek Carr to stabilize a quarterback room that had been in flux since Drew Brees retired after the 2020 season. Carr had his moments last season, but the Saints offense largely struggled. Many of the team’s issues on offense came from a stale approach by former coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr., but Carr was also underwhelming. His 2023 season was the first time Carr failed to lead a comeback in his career (per pro-football-reference). Last year was also the first time since 2017 that Carr engineered only one game-winning drive all season. With Carr, the Saints know what they have at quarterback.
Rattler, on the other hand, could be the top sleeper quarterback of the draft. His college career was a rollercoaster but Rattler consistently flashed the potential that made him a five-star recruit in high school. While Rattler can improve his accuracy and decision-making, he has plenty of tools that could make him a star in the NFL. His former coaches and teammates raved about his work ethic and leadership. New Orleans invested a day-two pick in Jake Haener in the 2023 NFL Draft but Rattler offers a much higher ceiling. The Saints gave up two picks to move up for Rattler during his draft fall. The decision to invest in Rattler could pay off big for New Orleans, and the Saints landed one of the top draft gems.
Honorable Mention: Ja’Tavion Sanders – TE Texas
The Carolina Panthers used last year’s draft to land their quarterback of the future. After a disappointing rookie season for Bryce Young, the organization revamped their offense and hired a new head coach. Dave Canales has had success helping quarterbacks bounce back and should be able to do the same for Young in Carolina. While the Panthers still have holes on their roster, they emphasized the offensive side of the ball in the 2024 NFL Draft and landed a few playmakers for Young.
Ja’Tavion Sanders comes to Carolina with loads of potential. Coming out of high school, Sanders was a five-star recruit. His receiving skills made him a threat in the passing game at Texas. Sanders is proficient as a blocker, which means he will have an opportunity to carve out a role in Carolina. Since the tight end position takes time to develop at the pro level, Sanders might not shine immediately. However, Tommy Tremble has failed to live up to his draft pedigree and is not a lock to be the team’s starter. Sanders has a creative coach in Canales and a mobile quarterback in Young, giving him the right mix of scheme and personnel to succeed in the NFL. In a short time, Sanders could become the top draft gem in the NFC South.
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