For the first time in recent memory, the NFC South could actually have some higher-level competition in 2026. The NFL Draft saw each team make some major splashes to compete for the division title, and plenty of players will see extended playing time from the jump.
Aside from the top picks, however, there are a handful of players picked in the later rounds who could also make their mark on the division race.
Here's one steal from each NFC South team who could make a big impact:
Atlanta Falcons: Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU - Round 6, Pick 215
Perkins Jr. was once viewed as a lock to be a 1st-round pick, but injuries, size concerns, and overall questions with his game dropped him all the way down to the 6th round when he finally did enter the draft. The once-projected game-changing player that he was expected to become likely won't come to fruition, but he still has the tools to have a successful NFL career.
He's only 21 years old, and his ability to be an off-ball linebacker and traditional edge rusher makes him that much more valuable from Day 1 in the organization. If Atlanta can find a spot for him to play and hone his skills, their defense will have an athletic defender who can round out their depth chart nicely.
Carolina Panthers: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State - Round 5, Pick 151
Nick Scott, the current starting safety on the Carolina depth chart, is far from untouchable on the roster. Wheatley put together a solid career at Penn State, and his tape showed a player easily worth a late Day 2 pick. This is incredible value for the Panthers' front office, and they moved up 7 picks to secure his services.
The former Nittany Lion could take advantage of their weak depth in the secondary, and his 4-year rookie contract gives them a possible longer-term solution to work beside defensive stalwart Tre'von Moehrig.
More 2026 draft steals:
New Orleans Saints: Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State - Round 4, Pick 136
Grabbing Jordyn Tyson in the 1st round gives the Saints' offense a true X receiver on the outside, but they could still use a true vertical threat. That's a specific skill set that Lance provides perfectly, and having a 6'3'' wideout who moves as well as he does is always a good thing, especially when forming the supporting cast for a young quarterback.
The addition of Tyson also gives Lance a chance to really earn a spot in the WR rotation instead of being forced into a role he may not be ready for. The FCS prospect will have time to adjust to NFL competition and already has a clear path to a steady role.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami - Round 4, Pick 116
Tampa Bay's Jacob Parrish should have the starting Nickel job locked up, at least for now, but the physicality that Scott brings to the game opens the door for him to be a multi-functional defensive piece who can attack the run and rush the passer from unorthodox alignments. He has the athletic prowess to thrive in that type of role and brings hefty experience to the NFL.
Another possible projection could actually be as the team's starting Nickel, with the departure of Jamel Dean in free agency subsequently opening a spot for Parrish to compete for a boundary defender role.
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