2012 NFL Draft: Biggest Need for Every NFC South Team

Can you believe it? The NFL Draft is only two weeks away. All the mock drafts, predictions and analysis will come to fruition when the draft begins April 26. 

The NFC South is a very strong division. The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints both made the playoffs last year, and the Carolina Panthers are a few defensive players away from becoming major factors in the NFC playoff picture, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to follow up a big free agency with a solid draft.

Atlanta: Offensive Tackle

The Falcons' offensive line was exposed in the postseason last year. Michael Turner could not run the football effectively, and the Falcons did not score a single offensive point in the playoff loss to the Giants.

The Falcons could not get a single yard when they needed to. Matt Ryan was stuffed twice on fourth down and inches. Ironically, after the game was decided, Atlanta drove the ball down the field and faced another fourth down.

This time they gave the ball to Turner, but he too, could not pick up the first down. Solidifying the offensive tackle position would allow Turner more holes to run through and more time for Ryan to pick apart opposing defenses.  

Carolina: Defensive End

Last year, the Carolina Panthers lost defensive end Julius Peppers in free agency. The effect: a horrific defense that allowed 26.8 points per game and over 6000 yards. 

The Panthers could use an upgrade at each defensive position, but the most glaring need is a pass-rusher opposite Charles Johnson. With an intense pass rush, the opposing quarterback cannot expose the other weaknesses on the Panthers' defense. 

New Orleans: Coach (and Defensive Tackle)

Besides needing a coach to replace Sean Payton in 2012, the New Orleans Saints also need help on the field. 

The offense shattered records last year and is set for the season with pro-bowlers Drew Brees, Jahri Evans, Carl Nicks and Jimmy Graham. 

The defense is where the team could use upgrades, specifically the front seven. The Saints signed longtime Falcon linebacker to replace departing Jonathan Vilma. 

Now they have to improve their line play. The team drafted defensive end Cameron Jordan in the first round last year and DE Will Smith is a solid player. 

This leaves one position left: defensive tackle. Tackles Sedrick Ellis and Aubrayo Franklin did not have very productive seasons.

Tampa Bay: WR and All the Defensive Positions

There's a reason the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished in last place in the NFC South last year. They gave up more than 30 points per game last year and, in addition, did not have any offensive weapons outside of tailback LeGarrette Blount. 

Josh Freeman took a monumental step back last season, throwing for 16 touchdowns and tossing 22 interceptions. 

This is a team that cannot be fixed by one pick or one draft, but taking an elite wide receiver would help them the most, despite their defense being one of the worst in the league. 

We saw last year that you can win without a good defense. 

Who plays defense in this league anyway? The Packers, Saints, and Patriots all had tremendous season despite having underwhelming defenses.