Grading The Draft: NFC SOUTH
Gridiron Experts looks at each teams selections for the NFL draft, evaluates whether the moves they made will have an immediate or long term impact, and questions some if not all of the picks the teams made.


Atlanta Falcons
1(24) DT Peria Jerry- The defensive line got a boost with this huge nose tackle. While we had the Falcons taking a linebacker after losing LB Keith Brooking and LB Michael Boley, the loss of big man Grady Jackson must have been more of a concern. Jerry gives Coach Smith the “3-technique” that he loves and can’t work without.
2(23) SS William Moore- This Missouri Tiger was ranked high on many boards, but with nagging injuries Moore was seen as a risky player. Despite playing four years and starting all but 2 games in his final two years at Missouri, Moore couldn’t seem to crack the first round as a blue chip player. Instead, the Falcons score with a 2nd round sleeper. If healthy, Moore has the size and skills to be an interesting prospect with huge potential in the Falcons’ two-deep scheme.
Other Moves: The Falcons added two corners in the later rounds, Christopher Owens and William Middleton, but neither looks to be anything but added depth. Overall this is an excellent draft for the Falcons, especially if William Moore turns out to be the future safety for Atlanta.
Draft Grade: B

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1(17) QB Josh Freeman- Smoke screens and distractions were apparently used by the Bucs to convince the league they weren’t interested in Josh Freeman. No one bought it, in fact the Buccaneers moved up a couple spots, afraid they wouldn’t get their man. Freeman might ride the bench for the first half of the season, but he is no doubt the future for the Buccaneers. Freeman is a beast among giants, at 6’6″ 240 lbs he is just as big as any of the linebackers on the team. Being a quarterback for the Bucs these days couldn’t be easier as Jon Gruden’s over the top complicated offense is gone. New coach Raheem Morris will ease Freeman into the league, as opposed to throwing him into the fire.
3(17) DT Roy Miller- Miller is a strong guy that can play the 3-technique early in a rotation for Tampa. Good pick, but might not find the field as often as people would like.
Other Moves: Tampa didn’t really grab anything after their first two picks. OT Xavier Fulton is a project after being a defensive player at Illinois, while E.J. Biggers and Sammie Stroughter are long shots to make the team.
Draft Grade: C+ Don’t forget the Bucs got Kellen Winslow with their 2nd rounder, but without that trade this draft class is a little weak.


New Orleans Saints
1(14) CB Malcolm Jenkins- We called this pick in our mock draft for New Orleans, as Jenkins is a perfect fit for what the Saints need. This talented corner has the ability to be a top notch player squaring off with elite receivers around the league. The Saints were burned on more than one occasion last year and might employ more blitz zones allowing Jenkins to play a converted cover 2 at the corner spot. Although, there are rumors that Jenkins may end up being moved to safety as his tackling skills and zone instincts are excellent.
2(16) SS Chip Vaughn- Vaughn is more of a strong safety than a free safety and will add depth to the Saints while being a major player on special teams.
Other Moves: LB Stanley Arnoux from Wake Forest was added in the 4th round and might have a great shot at a solid backup role. Odd move of the day was the Saints moving up into the 5th round to pick a punter.
Draft Grade B+

Carolina Panthers
2(11) DE Everette Brown- Huge steal in the 2nd round, Brown has blazing speed and great instincts. May need to add weight at the next level, but could be easily groomed into the future replacement if J. Peppers is traded.
2(27) SS Sherrod Martin- A bit of a reach as Martin is in between a safety and a corner. May take time to devlop, but Martin has a lot of upside with his great speed and height.
Other Moves: This draft class has a few question marks. I’m sure the Panthers have positions all carved out for these rookies, but wasting picks on players like RB Mike Goodson and FB Tony Fiammetta in an already crowded backfield make you wonder if team needs were even considered when selecting in the later rounds.
Draft Grade C+