4 NFC teams that will see an immediate improvement after the draft
Matt Williamson is a former scout for the Cleveland Browns, and spent the last 10 years at ESPN as a scout and co-host of the podcast "Football Today."
The draft is an extremely important process, and is the lifeblood of the NFL and every team in it. However, it is common for fans and media to get overexcited with the immediate impact it will have on the upcoming season.
Most draftees will need plenty of time to develop before becoming impact NFL players. Every year, though, a few teams get an immediate shot in the arm (just ask the Cowboys and Chargers last year) from their rookie class.
Which NFC teams have the best chance of seeing such an improvement in 2017?
Related: 5 AFC teams that will see an immediate improvement after the draft
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals didn’t add their quarterback of the future and that might come back to bite them in a big way down the road. Dorian Johnson could quickly earn a starting spot on Arizona’s offensive line and Will Holden could surprise in similar capacity before long, but boy did the Cardinals help their defense with their first two selections.
There might not be a team in the league that values versatile defenders as much as Arizona. The Cardinals added Haason Reddick and Budda Baker, two rangy, athletic, and highly versatile defenders. Big time playmakers, Reddick and Baker couldn’t fit in better with their new team. Good luck figuring out what the Cardinals are planning to do on defense in 2017 with the likes of Tyrann Mathieu and Deone Bucannon already in tow.
Carolina Panthers
On defense, the Panthers' front seven is extremely solid. The secondary, particularly at cornerback, is young and should be in store for some improvement in 2017. But it was Carolina’s offense that looks to be much better next season. The Panthers must protect Cam Newton and cut back on his carries and the punishment he takes. The additions of Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel will help overhaul what was a big, but very slow offensive unit.
McCaffrey is a much different running back than Jonathan Stewart, but the rookie could also immediately become Carolina’s slot receiver when he and Stewart share the field together. Samuel is highly explosive and brings an element that this offense simply hasn’t had, with all due respect to Ted Ginn. Samuel is far more versatile than Ginn, but also brings his pure speed. Meanwhile, Taylor Moton very well could be the Panthers' Week 1 starter at right tackle.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints ended up making six picks in the draft's first two days. They got a gift when Marshon Lattimore fell to No. 11 and jumped all over it. The top cornerback on the board with immense ability, Lattimore fills a huge need. Further bolstering their secondary, the Saints added Marcus Williams even though they appeared pretty set at safety. Maybe we will be seeing more big nickel from New Orleans, a trend that is catching on quickly around the NFL.
Third rounders Alex Anzalone and Trey Hendrickson could provide an immediate upgrade on the second level and edge pass-rushing depth, respectively. But the Saints didn’t solely concentrate on addressing their defense. Zach Strief is getting up in age and New Orleans - a team that always prioritizes the offensive line - now has its heir apparent in Ryan Ramczyk. Expect to see plenty of six offensive lineman sets and power football. Even though the Saints recently signed future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson to pair with Mark Ingram, they added a much better all-around player at this position in Alvin Kamara. Kamara should catch plenty of passes as a rookie and could be the lead back as soon as 2018.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It is unwise to overreact to reports coming out of minicamp this time of year, but if, as reported, the Bucs can count on Doug Martin to regain his old form, this offense is going to be a nightmare to defend. Jameis Winston should be grinning ear-to-ear with the free-agent addition of DeSean Jackson to perfectly complement No. 1 receiver Mike Evans. O.J. Howard had no business falling to the 19th overall pick and should make both the run and passing attacks better immediately.
Then the Bucs had the nerve to add yet another playmaker, Chris Godwin, in the third round, as well as Jeremy McNichols for Martin insurance. On the other side of the ball, Tampa’s safety situation needed a lot of help and it may have landed an instant contributor in the very talented Justin Evans. Kendell Beckwith is a different type of thumper linebacker to what the Buccaneers played with on the second level last year. Beware of the Bucs.