NFC South Morning Jog: Carolina's Luke Kuechly Will Start at Weakside Linebacker

Each morning, I like to start the day off with a workout—usually a morning jog. I can clear my head, plan my day, and think about what’s going on around the NFC South.

Carolina Panthers

Even though Luke Kuechly lined up at inside and outside linebacker during last weekend's rookie minicamp, head coach Ron Rivera said he plans to keep Jon Beason at middle linebacker and start the rookie Kuechly at weakside linebacker.

The Panthers were the first of the NFC South teams to sign their entire 2012 draft class.

Atlanta Falcons

One of the things the Falcons wanted to evaluate quickly during last weekend's rookie minicamp was whether or not Peter Konz could play both guard and center in the NFL. Apparently, Konz impressed the Falcons coaching staff.

Shortly after rookie minicamp ended, the Falcons signed four of their six draft picks.

During his conference call with the Atlanta media, Peter Konz said he grew up a fan of the Falcons and knew how to do the "Dirty Bird." After the day-one session at rookie minicamp, Konz was called to the mat.

New Orleans Saints

Rookie corner Corey White issued a challenge to quarterback Drew Brees on the day he was drafted. Brees responded and put the rookie in his place.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In a Friday mailbag, Roy Cummings stated that the Buccaneers will likely use a combination of Michael Bennett, George Johnson and Dekoda Watson to fill in for the injured Da'Quan Bowers at defensive end.

Bowers had successful surgery Friday to repair his torn Achilles tendon, but the team has set no timetable for his return to football.