Grading The 2009 NFL Draft – NFC South
Which Franchises Made The Best Moves In The NFL Draft?
May 1, 2009
Though many experts had dubbed the NFC East as the “Division of Death” last season, the NFC South proved as difficult to call. After this year’s draft, however, the Atlanta Falcons have installed themselves the strongest roster but the Carolina Panthers will be hot on their heels.
Have The Falcons Improved Their Defence?
The trade for the TE Tony Gonzalez in the week leading up to the draft allowed the franchise to switch strategy and concentrate almost solely on upgrading their defensive unit through the draft. The selection of DT Peria Jerry was pivotal as it helps to fill Mike Smith’s thin looking defensive front while the selection of safety William Moore; cornerbacks William Middleton and Christopher Owens will undoubtedly add depth in the secondary. In fact, Owens and Middleton may help to fill the void left by Lawyer Milloy, who was made a free agent by the Falcons.
The Falcons also made a potentially excellent pick by selecting DE Lawrence Sidbury Jnr. in the fourth round. Sidbury, who hails from Richmond, is an aggressive end who will look to constantly rush the passer.
Overall Selection:A
How Did Raheem Morris Fare In His First Draft?
Tampa Bay and new head coach Raheem Morris will be fairly pleased with their draft weekend. By being able to pick QB Josh Freeman, Morris now believes he has found his franchise QB for years to come. Not only this but the Bucs were able to bolster their defensive line with the selections of DT Roy Miller and DE Kyle Moore.
That said the Buccanneers could have added a wide receiever, running back or a linebacker and will need to know look to these positions in free agency before the start of the season.
Overall Grade: B+
Did The Panthers Address Their Needs?
The Panthers may not have had a first round selection but they used their second round pick to great affect. By picking DE Everette Brown the Panthers now have a legitimate tandem to rush the passer in Julius Peppers and Brown. Also by selecting the DL player out of Georgia in Corey Irvin, the Panthers will be able to beef up the interior of their defensive line.
However some may have wanted to the Panthers select a QB to groom behind the incumbent Jake Delhomme and also delve into the wide receiver draft class as Mushin Muhammed is ageing and the Panthers are yet to find an adequate replacement.
Overall Grade: B
Evaluating The New Orleans Draft
The Saints were one of the quietest franchises on draft weekend with only four selections. They did however pick highly rated cornerback/safety Malcolm Jenkins in the first round. The selection of Jenkins helped to complete the transformation of the Saints secondary, where the franchise will have 3 different starters from last season.
With so few picks it was going to always be difficult for the Saints to address every need through the draft. The biggest need that the Saints didn’t address, which they will need to before the start of this season, is finding a running back to compliment Reggie Bush in the Saints backfield.
Overall Grade: B
