2026 NFL Draft team needs for the NFC South after the trade deadline

2026 NFL Draft team needs for the NFC South after the trade deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The NFL trade deadline has come and gone, shaking up the New York Jets‘ long-term future and bolstering playoff teams around the league.

However, the NFC South was left largely unchanged. With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers being taken down a peg by injuries, the New Orleans Saints feel like the only team with a clear direction. The Atlanta Falcons are trying to build a contender with Michael Penix Jr. under center, and the Carolina Panthers are encroaching on a playoff picture that didn’t expect to host them.

As such, New Orleans added draft capital at the deadline while the rest of the division stood still, keeping their team needs the same ahead of a pivotal 2026 offseason.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Urgent needs: WR, EDGE, LB

Worth considering: RB, OG

This roster is loaded, but it’s also aging, injured, and going to look different next season. Mike Evans might have taken his last snap in Tampa. The threat of Lavonte David’s retirement has long loomed over the organization.

Reinforcing the middle of this defense should be a priority, and adding a pass rusher would allow head coach Todd Bowles to rely less on the blitz.

On the other side of the ball, Emeka Egbuka will soon need a new co-star. The Buccaneers could also use depth along the offensive line and at running back, a reality that second-year star Bucky Irving’s frame and medicals have forced the front office to reckon with.

Atlanta Falcons

Urgent needs: TE, CB, DT

Worth considering: WR, LB

I’m not sure how good tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. is; I’m not sure the Falcons know, either. Atlanta has a contract decision to make here, and in an intriguing class of tight ends, the chance to take a new piece for next year’s offense could give Penix a better shot at developing. Another receiver to pair with Drake London could prove to be meaningful, too.

Defensive tackle remains a major issue, playing a role in Atlanta ranking 29th in rushing success rate allowed. Edge rushers helped the Falcons improve their pass rush, but an early-round tackle would make their lives easier. There’s work to be done at every level of this defense, notably at linebacker and corner, too.

Carolina Panthers

Urgent needs: DT, LB, S

Worth considering: QB, WR, TE

Bryce Young is fighting for his football life. Carolina’s recent winning streak is giving him temporary job security, but if the Panthers struggle down the stretch, few would blame the front office for pulling the plug.

In the meantime, fixing a defense that is below average against the pass and run is paramount. It’s not a coincidence that the Buffalo Bills stampeded them for four quarters, and that fragility on the ground is a weakness that makes for an instant January elimination. The entire spine of the defense could use work. Fortunately, this class should oblige in the first two days.

New Orleans Saints

Urgent needs: QB, WR, LB

Worth considering: DT, OG, RB

The biggest reason why Tyler Shough is playing is to give New Orleans information. Barring some serious flashes, the Saints will be favorites to take a quarterback in April.

A new quarterback won’t fix all of their problems. He’ll need new blood at receiver to replace Rashid Shaheed, and it’s clear that Alvin Kamara isn’t a quality starter moving forward.

Defensive upgrades at tackle and linebacker would make life easier for a talented, but inconsistent, crop of edge rushers and corners. They’d also play a big role in making this defense feel more competent on a down-to-down basis, raising the floor and allowing a prospective rookie quarterback to take more snaps in competitive games.

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2026 NFL Draft team needs for the NFC South after the trade deadline

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