Writing The Ship: 2026 NFC South Draft Grades

The NFL draft is over and 32 teams have exciting new rookies to talk about. Of course, every franchise is happy with the players they drafted. However, some teams should be more thrilled than others.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one team that should be very happy. There have been glowing reviews by many respected analysts about their draft class. The Buccaneers were one of the consensus winners of the draft this year.

But how did the rest of the NFC South do? I took some time to grade all four draft classes based on my own evaluation and big board. Here are my 2026 NFC South draft grades.

Atlanta Falcons – B

It’s hard to score high when you don’t have a first round pick just because you know you aren’t getting one of the premium players in the draft. However, despite that I believe the Falcons did very well overall. I see good value early on with interesting developmental role players late.

First of all, getting Avieon Terrell at 48th overall was tremendous value. This is someone who was widely believed to be a first round talent. For me he was the third best cornerback in the draft and a top 20 talent.

The Zachariah Branch pick was fine in the third round. I believe he was a late third round player, but he’s a good gadget guy who can make plays in the open field. Plus, enough people that I respect value him higher to where I can’t criticise this pick too much.

In the later rounds the Falcons drafted a project linebacker, Harold Perkins. He has experience rushing off the edge as well as playing as a hang linebacker in coverage. He’s very raw, but I like the tools that could be developed.

Carolina Panthers – A-

I really like the players that Carolina drafted this year. They would be an A for me, but I do have a few concerns with two of their first three players. But when you get guys like Kansas State center Sam Hecht and Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley in the 5th round then you’ve had a really good draft.

Monroe Freeling is a very athletic and talented left tackle. It seems like this means the end of the Ikem Ekwonu (their 2022 first round pick) era at left tackle, so I’m not sure exactly what they’ll do there, but Freeling is a true left tackle prospect. Give him a little seasoning and he’ll be the next Taylor Decker or Taylor Lewan. 

Lee Hunter is a quick and energetic nose tackle. I like a lot about his game, but there were some concerns of weight issues coming into the draft. Chris Brazzell also had some questions. He’s a big, fast field stretching wide receiver, but he seems to have a diva attitude.

No issue that is damning for these prospects, but a little bit of a red flag for otherwise very good players.

New Orleans Saints – A – 

It bothers me that the Saints did so well in the draft. Getting the clear cut best receiver (when healthy) in the draft is a big win for them. No one should look forward to playing Jordyn Tyson twice a year.

On day two, they scooped up two of my favorite players again. Christen Miller is a defensive lineman who I was eyeing for the Bucs as a run stuffer who can play up and down the line of scrimmage. Then getting an athletic blocking tight end with high upside like Oscar Delp in the third round and it felt like they were working directly off my draft board.

I also really like some of their day three picks. Bryce Lance is a big body wide receiver with impressive speed and great hands. And Jeremiah Wright was the big guard from Auburn who impressed everyone at the Senior Bowl. 

This was truly a great draft for the Saints. I knock it just a tiny bit because both Delp and Miller are players who I believe have a limited ceiling. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – A

The Bucs getting Rueben Bain at 15th overall is a dream come true. I believe he’s a better prospect than the edge rusher who went 2nd overall (David Bailey) and can be a player that changes the trajectory of this defense. He’s the third highest rated player on my overall board, so this was a grand slam type of pick.

The Josiah Trotter pick was a little early for me. I protected him as an early third round prospect, so mid second was a reach on my board. However, I did have him ranked above guys like CJ Allen and Anthony Hill, so I understand making the reach with the linebacker board beginning to dry up. 

The Buccaneers 3rd and 4th round picks were excellent value for me. Ted Hurst is a very similar mold to Mike Evans, winning with size, speed, body control and the good feet to snap off routes. He gives the offense that big body that they lacked going into the draft. 

Keionte Scott is someone I had ranked higher than either of the players the Bucs drafted on day two. He’s a nickel who has excellent speed and an attacking mentality when the ball’s in the air. He’s also great as a run defender and a blitzer. Don’t be shocked if he’s one of the better nickels in the NFL as a rookie.