2026 NFL Mock Draft: Intriguing prospects find homes in the NFC South
New Orleans Saints (6-11) – Last in NFC South
Round 1, No. 8: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Reese is a ridiculously good player, and his improvement just within the 2025 season should be enough to have scouts clamoring for him in the Top-20. New Orleans believes they have found their long-awaited Drew Brees successor in Tyler Shough, and a defensive splurge could be in the cards. A player who could go as high as #2 on draft night with one of the highest ceilings in the class, this would be a home run selection for the Saints if it comes to fruition.
Atlanta Falcons (8-9) – 3rd in NFC South
N/A
Atlanta traded away their 1st round selection to move up for EDGE James Pearce in the 2025 NFL Draft, giving up the 13th overall pick to the Los Angeles Rams.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) – 2nd in NFC South
Round 1, No. 15: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
It's far from a favorable situation currently when it comes to Tampa Bay and the cornerback position, and it might get even worse if/when Jamel Dean leaves in free agency. McCoy didn't play a single game in 2025, but he's still seen as a first-round prospect, and for good reason. He's a savvy outside corner who can be an impact piece for the Buccaneers secondary, and could help them take back a consistently weak NFC South division.
Carolina Panthers (8-9) – 1st in NFC South
Round 1, No. 19: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Fano played offensive tackle at Utah, but many evaluators have projected him as a center in the NFL long-term. For Carolina, he fits for two reasons: he could fill in for Ikem Ekwonu as he recovers from his torn patellar tendon, and then give them a cost-controlled center for the foreseeable future. While not a guarantee, his expected positional change makes it likely that he'll be available when the Panthers are on the clock. There may not be a better fit for his services, and he could be molded by their coaching staff to be a prized offensive contributor for their rising future.