NFC South Draft Needs: Panthers want a new Norman, Saints not picky with defenders

theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest positional needs for all 32 NFL teams entering the draft.

NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST

Carolina Panthers

Biggest need: Cornerback

Other needs: Offensive Tackle, Edge Rusher, Wide Receiver

The Panthers were able to use their stellar all-around defensive play to hide the fact that they only had one quality cornerback last season, but Josh Norman is gone now. The Panthers will need to do something to replace their All-Pro if they want to continue to play a similar style of defense

It's a miracle that Panthers starting right tackle Mike Remmers didn't get exposed until the Super Bowl last season. The 27-year-old spent three seasons bouncing around waiver wires and practice squads prior to being handed the starting job in Carolina. Michael Oher was a pleasant surprise as a solid left tackle in 2015, but would be a better long-term fit on the right.

Potential draft targets: If a corner like Mackensie Alexander from Clemson or Houston's William Jackson III is available at pick No. 30, it would be hard for the Norman-less Panthers to pass. There could be as many as six offensive tackles selected in the first round. With the Panthers picking 30th and needing a corner, the pick may have to wait until the next round. Physical specimen Le'Raven Clark from Texas Tech or Indiana's athletic tackle Jason Spriggs could slide to the Panthers at pick 63 or the NFC South champs could move up to secure their o-line.

Atlanta Falcons

Biggest need: Defensive End

Other needs: Guard, Safety, Linebacker

Vic Beasley was a nice addition to the Falcons defense last season, but after a 2-7 finish, it was proven he needs more help disrupting opposing backfields. Head coach Dan Quinn has attempted to model his defense in Atlanta after the one he had with the Seattle Seahawks as the defensive coordinator. Beasley can be his Cliff Avril, but he still needs to find a Michael Bennett.

Following in that trend, the Falcons could really use some help at both safety positions. Anybody similar to Earl Thomas or Kam Chancellor are not easy players to find, but if Quinn wants to follow that Seahawks blueprint, he will need to improve in the defensive backfield.

Potential draft targets: It almost seems too obvious, but adding another Clemson defensive end like Beasley is totally possible. His former college teammates Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd are both expected to be drafted mid-first round. The safety position is one that traditionally isn't drafted very high. Jalen Ramsey won't be available when the Falcons pick 17th, but West Virginia's Karl Joseph, Florida's Keanu Neal, and Ohio State's Vonn Bell could all be on the board when Atlanta rolls around with the 50th overall pick.

New Orleans Saints

Biggest need: Pass Rusher

Other needs: Cornerback, Wide Reciever, Offensive Guard

Realistically, the Saints have a lot of holes, and Drew Brees has covered up quite a few of them over the years. The black and gold were the 31st-ranked defense across the board in 2015. Any player New Orleans can pick up with the 12th pick that can help the pass defense - regardless of position - will be greatly appreciated, but the offense could also use another weapon.

Marques Colston was released after a trio of underwhelming seasons, and Jimmy Graham was never properly replaced, although Coby Fleener was signed in free agency from the Colts. Brandin Cooks has a lot of talent, but the rest of the receiving core has been propped up by Brees. The Saints also released former All-Pro guard Jahri Evans this offseason, and need to drastically improve on the interior line.

Potential draft targets: Either Laquon Treadwell or Josh Doctson could be the piece that puts the Saints offence over the top and give Cooks some space to work. There is also a surplus of talent among defensive lineman at the top of the draft. It would be no surprise to see DeForest Buckner, Leonard Floyd, or Sheldon Rankins become a Saint if they're available at pick No. 12. Chances are a guard won't be picked in the opening round. New Orleans could have their pick of top guards Cody Whitehair, Josh Garnett, or Chris Westerman in the second round.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Biggest need: Cornerback

Other needs: Defensive end, Offensive tackle, Safety

The Bucs have been searching for a top-end cornerback ever since the departure of Darrelle Revis. They added Brent Grimes from the Dolphins, but the 32-year-old comes with some baggage. Six-year veteran Alterraun Verner has been a disappointment since his arrival in 2014, sliding out of the starting lineup. It's time for Tampa Bay to develop some help in the secondary for themselves.

Robert Ayers was signed from the New York Giants to give Gerald McCoy some help on the defensive front, but he's not accustomed to being a featured edge-rusher. Jameis Winston looks to lead a talented young offense, but a good replacement plan for 31-year-old Gosder Cherilus could set up the Bucs for long-term success.

Potential draft targets: If former Florida Gators cornerback and Tampa native Vernon Hargreaves III is available with the ninth pick, that will be an easy decision for Bucs management. He's the best pure press-corner in the draft and a native of the city, but there's a decent probability he's selected before Tampa is on the clock. If that's the case, it may be difficult to pass on Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, or Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner. Both players would be top-five picks in most drafts, but are up against abnormally elite talent at their respective positions this year.