Updated NFC South Team Needs: 1/18/11

One of the most important factors when preparing for the NFL Draft is knowing each and every NFL team. NFL Mocks keeps a very close eye on each team and will bring you an updated needs assessment as the playoffs wind down and the draft season begins. These needs will help as we prepare to make predictions for the 2011 NFL Draft. Continue to check out our team needs page to find the most recent assessments. Also after looking at the team needs move on over to the Big Board and see what prospects might fit your teams need. This was completed by staff writer Jeremy Heneghan!

Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons were not spectacular on either side of the ball in 2010, but they got things done and wrapped up home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. John Abraham isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, but he could be soon. Defensive end and defensive tackle are areas where Atlanta could bring in some young talent, even though Corey Peters had a decent showing in 2010, as well. A cornerback across from Dunta Robinson could also be added, since Brent Grimes is due to become a free agent.

Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have quite a bit of needs, but I think it’s possible they could make a huge improvement in 2011 (if there even is a season). Will they stick with Jimmy Clausen or will Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert make a rise to number one overall consideration? The latter is a very real possibility and I think it wouldn’t be a bad decision at all to draft a new quarterback, even though they drafted Clausen last year. They’ll need some offensive line depth as well as a tight end. The defensive line, defensive tackle mostly, could use a great player (Nick Fairley?). Corner Richard Marshall could be a free agent, so a corner could be needed as well.

New Orleans Saints
We all saw how horribly the Saints’ secondary played against the Seahawks, not to mention the whole defense. The Marshawn Lynch run was epic, but there’s no excuse for missing all of those tackles. Despite drafting Malcolm Jenkins and Patrick Robinson with their last two first round picks, they still need improvement in the secondary. Defensive line could also use an upgrade. Running back may be an issue, but Chris Ivory may ease some of those concerns after his tremendous rookie season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs have a great young roster and were quite surprising in 2010. They need a pass rushing defensive end mainly. Ronde Barber is getting older and safety could use an addition, too. It’s a shame that they couldn’t get into the playoffs, but the Seahawks were in. This is a very good young team and let’s hope the fans start to show up again in Tampa.