NFC SOUTH:

Atlanta Falcons

Worst to first, that was the 2008 Falcons. Just about every personnel move they made worked out well. It's going to be more challenging this spring although they don't need as much help. They lost two outside linebackers, Keith Brooking & Michael Boley, who may not be missed as they didn't make many plays last year. They lost DT Grady Jackson & they will miss his ability to command a double team on nearly every running play. Right offensive tackle, Tyson Clabo, is a restricted free agent & the Falcons want him back. Former starter at tackle, Wayne Gandy may return as well.  Backup C, Brett Romberg came over from the Rams & LB Mike Peterson, formerly of the Jags, just signed & even if he doesn't start, he's an experienced hand.

Many NFL pundits declared the best draft in '08 was had by the Kansas City Chiefs. I disagree, it was the Falcons. With their 1st pick in the 1st round they got QB Matt Ryan. How did that work out? With their 2nd pick in the first round they tabbed LOT Sam Baker who started after the halfway point in the season. Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (2nd round) started every game & was tough vs the run. Chevis Jackson (3rd) played in the nickel every game & has a chance to start this season. Wideout Harry Douglas (3rd) returned punts & effectively played in the slot. Thomas DeCoud, a 3rd round safety, played on special teams most of the season. Kroy Bierman (5th), a kid I had honestly never heard of, played regularly in the DE rotation. Robert James & Thomas Brown both spent the entire season on injured reserve. They don't have as many picks as last year and dropping from the 3rd spot in every round to the 24th spot will definitely make it more difficult.

Atlanta has a few positions that will need immediate attention in the draft. The loss of Grady Jackson left the D-line without their run stuffer. Someone like Boston College's Ron Brace could be an answer in the second round, Michigan's Terrance Taylor or Texas' Roy Miller could be nabbed around round 6. Additional help at OLB is needed as well as a safety prospect. They have lacked a front line TE since Alge Crumpler departed last year. If Oklahoma State's, Brandon Pettigrew, is available at #24, I think they'll race to the podium to make him their pick.


Carolina Panthers

The Panthers avoided disaster when they were able to resign LOT Jordan Gross right before the free agent signing period started. That allowed them to slap the franchise tag on DE Julius Peppers. I still think they will try to trade Peppers before the draft. Because of salary cap issues, they released cornerback Ken Lucas. They also lost Geoff Handgartner, who was an emergency starter at all three interior O-line positions and will need to be replaced. Linebacker Donte Curry moved on & I don't think the Panthers cared too much.

Carolina's first three picks came up big for them as rookies. They had two first round picks, RB Jonathan Stewart & ROT Jeff Otah. Stewart gained 800+ yards & scored 10 TD's sharing the tailback position with DeAngelo Williams. Otah played in all 16 games and started after week 4. He's the perfect ROT, a massive road grader in the run game & he can move his feet well enough in pass protection. Third round pick Charles Godfrey was thought to be a cornerback & possibly a safety. John Fox put him out there on opening day at free safety & Godfrey responded well, he'll be a quality FS for many years. Fourth rounder, LB Dan Connor had ACL surgery before the season even started, so he's starting from scratch. The rest had very little or no impact.

Since the Panthers swapped their first round pick in this draft to Philly for the pick they used for Jeff Otah last year, their draft day won't begin until late in the second round. They need speed off the edge on defense. If he isn't traded soon, Peppers will certainly be gone next year & Tyler Brayton is plodder at best. Also on the D-line, they have no quality depth at DT. WR Steve Smith is one of the league's best, but opposite him, Muhsin Muhammad, is near the end of his career & Dwayne Jarrett has been a major disappointment. Their tight end play was dismal & I expect them to look early on at bolstering that position. I've never been a big Jake Delhomme fan & his atrocious playoff performance certainly didn't change my mind. Five interceptions & a lost fumble playing at home as a huge favorite was really puzzling. I wonder when they will pull the trigger on a developmental QB.

Next up: the New Orleans Saints & Tampa Bay Buccaneers