No one wanted to win the NFC South in 2026. After a hot start to the season, Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost grasp of the division as Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers roared to a strong finish.
Ironically, all four teams played a role in crowning the division champion in the final week of the 2025 NFL season. With the Buccaneers and Panthers squaring off for the crown, the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints determined the winner in their final week showdown. Ultimately, due to the Falcons victory, the Panthers won the division with an 8-9 record.
With all the teams separated by just two games, the question heading into the offseason is which team can set themselves apart. The Falcons started their path by firing head coach Raheem Morris. His successor will determine which direction the team will go, particularly in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With all four teams entering the draft with big needs, how each team approaches the draft, most notably who they select with their top picks could be the difference in the NFC South in 2026.
NFL Mocks explores top prospects in each of the first two rounds who fit the needs of the Saints, Falcons, Buccaneers and Panthers based on expected needs this off season.
New Orleans Saints (6-11) – Last in NFC South
First round, No. 8: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Saints seem to have their quarterback in Tyler Shough. The goal now is to put more weapons around him. With the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Saints add Ohio State’s Carnell Tate to the mix as a secondary option to Chris Olave. At 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, Tate was one of the most reliable and explosive receivers in the nation hauling in 48 receptions for 838 yards and 9 touchdowns. If Olave is locked in long-term with the Saints, this duo could be one of the top tandems in the NFL. Both just happen to be Ohio State alums.
Second round, No. 42: Akheem Mesidor, ED, Miami
With edge rush as a top need, the Saints select Miami’s Ahkeem Mesidor with the No. 42 overall pick in the draft. Missing out on his teammate, Rueben Bain Jr, early in the first round, the Saints get a player in Mesidor who has been just as impactful in the Hurricanes’ college football playoff path to the national championship. If he rattles projected No. 1 overall pick Ferando Mendoza in the big game, his draft value will climb. On the older side for an NFL rookie, Mesidor has the talent, versatility and size to step in Day 1 and help fill the void of an aging Cameron Jordan.
Atlanta Falcons (8-9) – 3rd in NFC South
Round 2, No. 48: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
The Atlanta Falcons don’t have a first-round pick due to a 2025 NFL Draft Day trade. By adding two first rounders on defense in Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr, the Falcons upgraded their defense and can focus on offense via the 2026 NFL Draft. A primary need will be adding a secondary receiver to play alongside Drake London. Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II fits the bill with his ability to take the top off the defense with his length, body control and top-end speed. With first-round talent, Brazzell gives Michael Penix Jr another deep threat and another big target if tight end Kyle Pitts leaves via free agency.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) – 2nd in NFC South
Round 1, No. 15: Keldric Faulk, ED, Auburn
The Buccaneers address their need at edge rusher with the selection of Auburn’s Keldric Faulk. With size and versatility as his strength, this 6-foot-6, 285-pound defensive end is not only impactful as a pass rusher, but solid against the run. Not as highly touted as the other top pass rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft, Faulk is a consistent defender with a high ceiling at the NFL level due to his size, physicality and his scheme versatility as a 3-down defensive lineman.
Round 2, No. 46: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
The Buccaneers will have a tough time replacing longtime linebacker Lavonte David who is either approaching retirement or could leave in free agency. With their second-round pick, they do add a player in Alabama’s Deontae Lawson who could help fill the void. At 6-foot-2, 228 pounds, Lawson comes with natural leadership and the ability to excel as a Mike linebacker. With his athleticism, versatility and instincts as a defender, Lawson is a solid Day 2 pick who could be a starter right away.
Carolina Panthers (8-9) – 1st in NFC South
Round 1, No. 19: Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami
Despite winning the NFC South and coming close to a Wild Card playoff win, the Carolina Panthers do have some needs to fill in the 2026 NFL Draft. They have top needs on defense, but at No. 19 overall, they address their need at tackle with the selection of Miami’s Francis Mauigoa. With left tackle Ikem Ekwonu suffering a torn patellar tendon, there will be some uncertainly as to his health and availability in 2026. In adding Mauigoa, the Panthers get a big, athletic tackle who give Bryce Young some comfort in the pocket from the left side.
Round 2, No. 51: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The Panthers take Dillon Thieneman with the No. 51 overall pick. With Nick Scott approaching free agency, the Panthers will need a coverage type safety. They get that in Thieneman who has been outstanding at Oregon. The 6-foot-0, 205-pound defender can play single-high safety, strong safety and slot coverage. With the Panthers, he will be more slot coverage given his ball skills as a defender.