Draft needs team by team (NFC South)

Everyone knows that the draft for many teams is very important, not only does it address certain key needs it also can set the stage to acquire a franchise player. Now as we have seen in the past there are many touted as ‘can’t miss prospects’ but they end up missing and many that fly under the radar and become solid players for a very long time. The key for many teams will be filling obvious needs that could eventually send them to the Super Bowl championship. Needless to say, this is not an easy task but what we want to do in these articles is to setup the immediate team needs and possible free agents for each. With the lockout in place, it could be a tough time for many players and teams but this could be an important time to find the missing piece of the puzzle that will lead to the big prize.

Atlanta Falcons

Honestly it looked as though the Falcons were the team to beat in the NFC with the likes of White, Ryan, Gonzalez and Turner to push that powerful offense the Falcons looked solid to be NFC champs. With a struggling defense it proved to be the stumbling block and they were defeated in the playoffs but they had the best record in the NFC.

Immediate Needs: Offensive Guard, Defensive End, Outside Linebacker

Most Important: Offensive Guard, Defensive End, Outside Linebacker

Top 2010 Free Agents: Peterson (LB), Dahl (OT), Clabo (OG), Gonzalez (TE), Finneran (WR), Norwood (RB)

Carolina Panthers

What to say, with the worst record in the league there is not much to say other than they need help in most positions. With a new coach and new attitude the Panthers are looking to vastly improve in the up coming season but it will take solid play to make a turnaround.

Immediate Needs: Quarterback, Tight End, Wide Receiver, Defensive End, Defensive Tackle, Outside Linebacker

Most Important: Tight End, Defensive End, Defensive Tackle, Outside Linebacker

Top 2010 Free Agents: Davis (SS), Anderson (LB), Williams (RB), Marshall (CB), King (TE)

> Check out the great selection of NFL apparel & jerseys as well as NFL Fatheads and more!

New Orleans Saints

You can look at the Saints and understand that it is really tough to repeat as Super Bowl Champions. With a solid regular season the defense really didn’t show up in the playoffs, the Saints are getting older and look to refresh the team with a youthful appearance.

Immediate Needs: Running Back, Defensive End, Defensive Tackle, Outside Linebacker, Strong Safety

Most Important: Running Back, Defensive End, Outside Linebacker

Top 2010 Free Agents: Goodwin (OG), Thomas (TE), Shanle (LB), Harper (SS), Clark (LB), Moore (WR), Evans (FB), Sharper (FS)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What a surprise the Bucs were this season, as Josh Freeman came into his own as a young signal caller in the NFL. With Raheem Morris leading the Buccaneers look for them to make an even bigger splash in 2011.

Immediate Needs: Running Back, Offensive Guard, Defensive End, Outside Linebacker, Inside Linebacker, Strong Safety

Most Important: Running Back, Defensive End and Outside Linebacker

Top 2010 Free Agents: Williams (RB), Barber (CB), Ruud (LB), Joseph (G), Trueblood (OT)

By Sam Adams
Pro Football Fans Staff Writer