In a division that came down to the final week of the season, the 2026 NFL Draft classes of the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be vital in determining the division winner in 2026. As those rookies begin to make their impact on each team’s rosters, NFL Mocks looks at 2027 NFL Draft prospects who could further shape the power of the NFC South.
Quarterback questions could shape the NFC South’s 2027 NFL Draft plans
Quarterback play will define the 2026 season. While Baker Mayfield anchors Tampa, much attention is on Bryce Young, Michael Penix Jr., and Tyler Shough as they lead their respective offenses. Their performance will influence whether teams keep building around them or look to the promising 2027 QB draft class.
This early 2027 NFL Mock Draft identifies potential prospects who may strengthen the rosters of each NFC South team. The draft order is determined based on current Super Bowl odds.
No. 7 Carolina Panthers: Carter Smith, T, Indiana
The Panthers select Carter Smith as the first tackle in the 2027 NFL Mock Draft. At 6'5" and 313 pounds, the Indiana standout is a projected top-five tackle prospect and a First-Team All-Big Ten and All-American. Smith’s strong pass protection, run blocking, and competitive drive make him the Panthers’ future left tackle if Ikem Ekwonu and 2026 first-round pick Monroe Freeling can’t secure the position.
With this selection based on the Panthers’ current need, draft strategy could shift based on how Freeling performs in his rookie season and how the offensive line holds u in 2026. Keep in mind Panthers fans, with Taylor Moton on the other side of 30, there could be a long-term need at right tackle. Adding Smith would allow the Panthers more flexibility and ability to move pieces along the line.
No. 9 Atlanta Falcons: Cam Coleman, WR, Auburn
The Falcons added short-term solutions at wide receiver with the free agent additions of Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus. They added to the group with the selection of Georgia product Zachariah Branch in the 2026 NFL Draft, but look for the Falcons to add another future, long-term option in Auburn star Cam Coleman.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 201 pounds, Coleman provides significant value as a boundary receiver alongside Drake London. His notable catch radius, exceptional vertical speed, and refined body control make him an ideal partner for London, potentially establishing a formidable tandem for the Falcons. In 2025, Coleman recorded 56 receptions, accumulating 708 yards and five touchdowns. He will begin the 2026 college football season regarded as one of the premier wide receivers in the projected 2027 NFL Draft class.
No. 10 New Orleans Saints: Dylan Stewart, ED, South Carolina
If the Saints have secured their quarterback with Tyler Shough, their primary focus for the 2027 NFL Draft might shift to finding an edge rusher. To address this need, they choose Dylan Stewart from South Carolina as the ideal heir to Cameron Jordan.
No shade to Chase Young and Carl Granderson, but New Orleans will be out for a game-changing, impact type edge rusher and Stewart fits the bill. At 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, Stewart has the size to be a dominant impact, but it is his athleticism and bull rush that makes him an intriguing prospect ahead of the 2026 college football season. A high-impact defensive force off the edge, Stewart is trending towards exactly the kind of player the Saints are looking for.
No. 15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trevor Goosby, T, Texas
The Buccaneers add more size and power along the offensive line with the selection of Trevor Goosby with the 15th overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. With Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke locked up until 2029, the top need isn’t necessarily tackle unless the Buccaneers decide to create more cap space by moving on from either of the two.
With that idea in mind, bringing in a rookie like Goosby could create that flexibility. At 6-foot-7, 312 pounds, the Texas standout could serve as a swing tackle and valuable depth piece while giving Tampa Bay more long-term flexibility up front, or as mentioned allow the Buccaneers to trade Wirfs to free up cap space and add draft capital.
Add us as a preferred source on Google