Knox Talks: NFC South Mailbag 4/13 Edition

Every Friday I'll ask for NFC South questions to be submitted via e-mail or twitter. I'll post the best ones here, and answer the rest in a personal response. So, like Pat Benatar so wonderfully said, "Hit me with your best shot."

What's on your mind?

Kasy Ray,

Of the four team needs you listed for Tampa Bay—and by the way, I agree with your assessment—I think cornerback, linebacker and running back get address with Tampa Bay's picks in the first four rounds. The safety position will have to wait.

The Buccaneers were miserable against passing teams, and especially inept against deep passes. Because of this, the team will grab Morris Claiborne with its first-round pick (No. 5 overall).

Tampa Bay looked to a rookie at middle linebacker last year and that idea fell flat. Look for the Bucs to grab another inside linebacker this year. Guys like Dont'a Hightower and Mychael Kendricks could help immediately.

It's no secret that Tampa Bay would like some insurance at running back for LeGarrette Blount. Or maybe the team thinks that another running back might push Blount. For whatever reason, watch Tampa Bay grab someone like LaMichael James or Robert Turbin in the third round.

Jon P,

Right now I think the Panthers might stick with David Gettis and Brandon LaFell heading into training camp.

Gettis is almost back from a torn ACL and should be 100 percent by the time August rolls around. He shined in 2010 with three touchdowns and 37 catches, and it's easy to see how having Cam Newton around could bring those numbers up.

LaFell showed some promise last year and also gave a taste of the kind of big-play receiver he could be with full-time snaps.

This will be an interesting battle to watch in camp.

Cutter,

Of the four defensive ends in the rotation for Atlanta last season Lawrence Sidbury had the fewest pass-rush snaps at 120. However, only John Abraham had more sacks than Sidbury. That tells me that Sidbury makes the most of his time on the field, and if that keeps up through training camp—Sidbury missed most of camp last year due to injury—he's going to get more opportunities to show his stuff.

Coach Mike Smith spoke frequently about Sidbury towards the end of the season and it's apparent to him as well as the rest of the coaching staff that he's starting to gain a grasp of what Atlanta's trying to do on defense.

I expect bigger things out of him in 2012.