Seeing what the division looks like... It’s been a few weeks since the NFL held its annual draft. How has the NFC South shaped up, and where are the Saints on the totem pole? I say that they’re right at the top, with the Atlanta Falcons not that far behind. Then it’s the Buccaneers and the Panthers at the bottom. The Saints only improved on areas of need in April but have also made some key free agent signings that put them over the top of the division. Additions like Tailese Fuaga and Chase Young are prime examples of this. On the first day of the NFL Draft, the Saints selected Tailese Fuaga, an offensive tackle out of Oregon State. He has primarily played at right tackle but can play on the left side if needed. The team has expressed that they see him as a tackle prospect and not a guard. With his skill and upside compared to others in the offensive line room, I think Fuaga has a big chance to start in September. Free agent defensive end Chase Young was signed in March to a one-year, $13 million deal. His neck procedure took the wind out of a lot of people’s sails, but this is still a positive signing. Young can be a star in this league, and even won Rookie of the Year in 2020 also making the Pro-Bowl that same year. In his five seasons in the league, Young has gathered 100 tackles, 16.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Injuries have hindered his career, but the upside is that he could bring if healthy is another boost for New Orleans. The change at offensive coordinator also puts the Saints at the top of the NFC South. Klint Kubiak’s offense has the chance to revolutionize the offense. Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara, Taysom Hill, and Derek Carr are just some of the many members of the offense who could benefit from Kubiak’s system. Notable offseason additions by the rest of the division: Atlanta Falcons: - Michael Penix Jr., QB, drafted out of the University of Washington in round one of the NFL Draft
- Kirk Cousins, QB, signed in free agency, previously with the Minnesota Vikings
- Darnell Mooney, WR, signed in free agency, previously with the Chicago Bears
- Graham Barton, C, drafted out of Duke University in round one of the NFL Draft
- Randy Gregory, OLB, signed in free agency, previously with the San Francisco 49ers
- Jordan Whitehead, S, signed in free agency, previously with the New York Jets
- Xavier Legette, WR, drafted out of the University of South Carolina in round one of the NFL Draft
- Jonathan Brooks RB, was drafted out of the University of Texas in round two of the NFL Draft
- Damien Lewis, G, signed in free agency, previously with the Seattle Seahawks
Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2 ... -nfc-south
