NFC South Morning Jog: NBA Players Think Highly of NFC South's Hoops Prowess

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.

NFC South

Four players from the NFC South made the Sports Illustrated NBA "Players Poll: Athlete From Another Sports Who Could Play in NBA." The Saints Jimmy Graham was No. 2, the Panthers Cam Newton was No. 5, Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez was No. 6 and The Saints Drew Brees was No. 13.

Cam Newton landed squarely on the list, while Julio Jones was an honorable mention on Daniel Jeremiah's "Top 10 NFL players under the age of 25."

Atlanta Falcons

Tony Gonzalez landed on Bucky Brooks' list of "top five over 35." Gonzalez was an honorable mention.

Four Falcons made CBSSports.com writer Pete Prisco's "Top 100 NFL players" list: Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Sean Weatherspoon and Michael Turner.

Carolina Panthers

Scott Fowler thinks coach Ron Rivera made the right move leaving Jon Beason at middle linebacker and putting rookie Luke Kuechly at weakside.

New Orleans Saints

I wasn't a fan of the Saints glorifying their decision to leave an empty seat for suspended head coach Sean Payton in all meetings, buses and airplanes. But I didn't offer up an ulterior suggestion like Gwen Knapp did. She said, "These gestures sound lovely, but as tributes to Payton's value, they can't beat the impact of a 7-9 season in his absence."

Backup quarterback Chase Daniels is gearing up to take over first-team reps at OTA's next week since Drew Brees hasn't signed his franchise tender.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This is very high praise for rookie running back Doug Martin. Rob Rang calls Martin "a Ray Rice clone".

Tampa Bay added Wallace Wright and Armahd Lewis to the roster Thursday, bolstering the receiving corps.

Kicker Connor Barth signed a long-term deal Thursday with the Buccaneers. Barth will get $13.2 million, $4 million of which is guaranteed, over four years.