2012 NFL Draft Grades for Every NFC South Team

The NFC South did well with the 2012 NFL draft. With two teams in retool mode and two that are established but need to fill holes, everyone worked well within their own boundaries and limitations.

Tampa Bay did the best with its draft and quite frankly, a good draft was needed. The Buccaneers have had trouble in recent years turning their draft picks into starters and needed to improve so the team could make a run at the top of the division.

At least three players in the 2012 draft class will put up massive minutes for the Buccaneers in 2012.

Carolina went defense, just like everyone expected. But the Panthers threw an unexpected twist out when they called Luke Kuechly’s name in the first round. He’s a highly intelligent, never stop motor that will play from Day 1.

The Panthers also made some decent mid-round picks in Josh Norman and Joe Adams. Both could see the field a lot this season.

Atlanta didn’t have a first-round pick, but got really lucky to have center Peter Konz fall to their slot at No. 55. He was a steal in the later part of the second round.

Defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi could be another potential steal, but his pick was overshadowed by the reach for tackle Lamar Holmes in the third round.

New Orleans didn’t have much to work with without picks in the first or second round, and they reached tremendously by grabbing Akiem Hicks in the third.

If he turns out to be a bust, the Saints 2012 draft could also be a bust. Hicks has upside though, but we’re going to have to wait and see.

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