Team Needs: NFC South

The NFL's worst division in 2014 was ridiculed for producing the second playoff team in NFL history with a losing record. Major upgrades are needed to the rosters of all four teams, but there's reason for optimism across the board. There's no division in the NFL where last-to-first is a more common occurrence.

Let's take a look at the players teams in the NFC South may be targeting in free agency and the draft. 

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

Atlanta Falcons

Positions of need: Pass rusher, linebacker, running back, tight end

The Falcons are in the unenviable position of needing new starters at several key positions and better depth across the board. The good news is their salary cap is in relatively good shape and the team can be aggressive in pursuing the free agents it wants most. 

Priority No. 1 (and probably No. 2) is improving one of the NFL's least effective pass-rushing units. New head coach Dan Quinn needs some new bodies who can get after the passer. Improvement is needed on the back end of the defense, too, particularly at cornerback.

Upgrading the offense is also vital. Julio Jones and Roddy White give the Falcons a top-tier pair of starting receivers, but the cupboard is mostly barren at tight end and in the backfield. 

Potential free-agent targets: The Falcons could double-dip at pass rusher, signing two players from a stacked free-agent group that includes Greg Hardy, Jerry Hughes, Derrick Morgan, Brandon Graham and Jabaal Sheard. 

Depending on how much the Falcons spend upgrading their defense, they could be major players in the tight-end market. Julius Thomas and Jordan Cameron are the biggest names available and either would look good in the Tony Gonzalez role. 

At running back, the Falcons will likely look to find a complement to second-year tailback Devonta Freeman. Mark Ingram could be a good fit in the Steven Jackson role.

Carolina Panthers

Positions of need: Offensive tackle, wide receiver

The Panthers continue to crawl along the path out of salary-cap hell. Things may get harder before they get easier, with Cam Newton in need of a gigantic contract extension. 

Protecting Newton is the top item on the Panthers' offseason agenda. The offensive line was nowhere close to good enough in 2014 and several upgrades are required. There are some intriguing interior linemen available in free agency, but the tackle class is very shallow. 

A speedy receiver who can stretch the field take some of the pressure off Kelvin Benjamin is another must-add. 

Potential free-agent targets: The Panthers' salary cap situation will likely prevent them from being major players in the market for offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga. After him the pickings are slim in free agency. Look for the Panthers to draft a left tackle. 

Torrey Smith would be a great fit opposite Benjamin, but he may be a tad expensive for the Panthers. Cecil Shorts and Kenny Britt could be more realistic targets. 

New Orleans Saints

Positions of need: Cornerback, defensive line, linebacker, offensive line

No team is in worse salary cap shape than the Saints. They must focus on cutting players before they can even think about additions. Pierre Thomas has already been shown the door and Jahri Evans, Ben Grubbs and Curtis Lofton could be next. 

Potential free-agent targets: A year after shocking the NFL world and making a big-money play for Jairus Byrd, the Saints will have to pinch pennies and search for bargains among this year's crop of free agents. 

Along the defensive line, the Saints should play it slow and cherry-pick the defensive tackle and pass rushers who slip through the cracks. Perhaps a player like Kenrick Ellis or Sheard can be had for cheap. 

At cornerback, a cheap veteran who can be plugged in for a year or two could be the Saints' best option. Terence Newman may fit the bill. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Positions of need: Quarterback, offensive line, defensive back, defensive end

The Buccaneers are widely expected to use the first overall pick in the draft on a quarterback and it's the right move. Though this team finished dead last in 2014, it has some significant talents on defense and the seeds to grow a strong offense if it can find stable play behind center. Whether it's Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota who inherits the reins remains to be seen.

The goal in free agency should be fortifying the line tasked with protecting the incoming quarterback. The Buccaneers need an upgrade at right guard and probably at left tackle, too. 

And, like most teams, the Buccaneers need to add depth to their pass rush. Michael Johnson was supposed to solve that problem, but the 2014 free-agent acquisition's first season with the Buccaneers was a total dud. 

Potential free-agent targets: The Buccaneers must choose where to spend their money in free agency. If they prioritize upgrading the offensive line, Orlando Franklin and Bulaga stand out as attractive targets who probably won't come cheap. 

If the Buccaneers prioritize the secondary, players like Charles Tillman and Rahim Moore stand out as good fits. 

At defensive end, the Buccaneers may be tempted by Hardy. Signing him away from the Panthers would not only improve the Buccaneers' pass rush but also weaken a divisional rival's.