NFL DRAFT NEWS

2017 NFL Draft Reset: NFC South

Frank Cooney

April 06, 2017 at 10:38 am.

Sep 3, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) rushes on Hawaii Warriors offensive lineman RJ Hollis (74) at Michigan Stadium. Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 3, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) rushes on Hawaii Warriors offensive lineman RJ Hollis (74) at Michigan Stadium. Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons beef up pass rush

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn must deal with the psyche of his team after the historic collapse in the Super Bowl LI against the New England Patriots.

Hard to tell how long that will take.

Meantime, the Falcons’ to-do list was topped by re-signing their own players and adding some help for the defensive front. So, in free agency they picked up defensive tackle Dontari Poe and defensive end Jack Crawford. After letting fullback Patrick DiMarco leave in free agency, they filled that void by signing former Seattle fullback Derrick Coleman.

A look at the Falcons’ pass-rush ratio explains why the team elected to move on from veteran defensive tackles Jonathan Babineaux and Tyson Jackson.

Hoping to get a better pass rush up the middle next to the emerging Grady Jarrett, they signed two-time Pro Bowler Poe. Also, the Falcons are heavily scouting the pass rushers in the upcoming draft, which is set for April 27-29 in Philadelphia.

The pass-rush ratio – sacks, hits and hurries – show there is still a need for improvement. The Falcons’ 34 sacks were the most since the 2007 team had 37 sacks.

The Falcons registered their 34 sacks over 655 pass attempts last season. They had a sack per 4.9 pass attempt, which ranked 27th in the league. The Falcons had 19 sacks over 561 pass attempts in 2015; one per 3.3 pass attempts, last (32nd) in the league.

In 2016, counting hurries and quarterback hits, the Falcons affected the quarterback on 255.5 of 655 pass attempts (39 percent). Linebacker Vic Beasley led the team with 16.5 hits and 33.5 hurries. With his sacks, he affected the quarterback on 65.5 plays.

In 2015, the Falcons had 19 sacks, 70 hurries and 75 hits (164 plays) on 561 pass attempts for (29.2 percent).

Here is a closer look at where the Falcons are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, at No. 31.

THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 1st NFC South (11-5)

STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 415.8 (2nd)
RUSHING: 120.5 (5th)
PASSING: 295.3 (3rd)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 371.2 (25th)
RUSHING: 104.5 (17th)
PASSING: 266.7 (28th)

TEAM NEEDS

–1. Right guard: With the retirement of Chris Chester, the Falcons are in need of interior offensive line help. Also, center Alex Mack is 31 and left guard Andy Levitre is 30. The Falcons could select Dan Feeney or Forest Lamp in the first round of the draft if they are available. They have put a premium on making sure that Matt Ryan is protected after they botched the previous rebuild of the offensive line.

–2. Defensive end: The Falcons signed Dwight Freeney last season to help with the pass rush. They are heavily scouting defensive ends with pass-rushing talent. The draft is considered to have good depth and they could land a solid prospect in the second or third rounds.

–3. Free safety: The draft is deep in defensive back talent. Converted free safety Ricardo Allen has been steady, but not spectacular.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 5)
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

–SS/LB Kemal Ishmael: UFA; $2M/1 yr, $500K SB/$1M guaranteed.

–LB LaRoy Reynolds: UFA; $1.3M/1 yr, $250,000 SB.

–QB Matt Schaub: UFA; $9M/2 yrs.

–TE Levine Toilolo: UFA; $12M/3 yrs, $3M SB.

–DT Courtney Upshaw: Potential UFA; terms unknown.

–CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson: Not tendered as RFA; $775K/1 yr.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–FB Derrick Coleman: FA; terms unknown.

–DE Jack Crawford: UFA Cowboys; $8.8M/3 yrs, $2.5M SB/$3M guaranteed.

–DT Dontari Poe: UFA Chiefs; $8M/1 yr, $7.5M guaranteed.

–WR Andre Roberts: UFA Lions; $1.8M/1 yr, $750K guaranteed.

–G Hugh Thornton: UFA Colts; $690K/1 yr.
PLAYERS LOST

–T Carter Bykowski (retired).

–G Chris Chester (retired).

–T Tom Compton: UFA Bears; $1.85M/1 yr, $850K SB.

–DL Tyson Jackson (released/post-June 1 designation).

–FB Patrick DiMarco: UFA Bills; $8.4M/4 yrs, $2M SB/$4.8M guaranteed, $1.5M injury only at time of signing.

–WR Aldrick Robinson: UFA 49ers; $4M/2 yrs, $300K SB/$500K guaranteed.

–WR Eric Weems: UFA Titans; $2.6M/2 yrs, $275K guaranteed.

–LB Paul Worrilow: UFA Lions; $3M/1 yr, $750K SB/$2.75M guaranteed.

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 31 overall).

Rob Rang (April 3 mock draft):

–Budda Baker, FS, Washington. After surrendering a Super Bowl record 466 passing yards to Tom Brady, no one should be surprised if the Falcons opt to reinforce the secondary. At just 5-foot-10, 195 pounds, Baker does not possess ideal size, but head coach Dan Quinn has previously been willing to overlook that at free safety with the 5-foot-9, 185-pound Ricardo Allen currently starting in Atlanta and previously working with Earl Thomas (5-foot-10, 202) in Seattle. Baker has more range and quickness than Allen, projecting as a traditional centerfielder who can drop down to help at nickel, as well.

Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):

–Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan. Charlton has only one true season of starting experience in college, but he is built for the pro game and still far from hitting his ceiling as an edge rusher.

Agree? Disagree? Still shopping?

Based on the team’s current status, there are our suggestions for that first pick. To double check or find another candidate check out NFLDraftScout.com’s full mocks and ratings.

Panthers get blockers, seek runners for Cam

Quarterback Cam Newton underwent surgery on a partially torn rotator cuff, and recently began a four-month rehab process. If all goes well, Newton will be full-go at the start of training camp, but the 2015 NFL MVP needs to mend more than just his throwing arm.

“(His confidence) was shook,” head coach Ron Rivera said at the NFL league meeting. “Let’s be honest. I’m not going to lie about that. The young man went through a tough time and we went through a tough time.

“Why? Because of the injuries we incurred on the offensive line. That was probably the biggest thing. It just kind of shows the importance and significance of protecting your quarterback.”

Which is why the Panthers opened free agency by signing left tackle Matt Kalil to a five-year contract worth $24 million guaranteed at signing.

“We did a lot of work on him and I feel really good about it,” general manager Dave Gettleman said of Kalil, a former No. 4 overall pick who struggled in his final four years with the Vikings. “He’s the right guy for us.”

After pairing Matt with his older brother Ryan on the offensive line, the Panthers reunited with defensive end Julius Peppers, who is not as dynamic as he was when began his Hall of Fame career in Carolina, but who still has some tread left.

Peppers’ final year in Charlotte was Captain Munnerlyn’s first. After a three-year stint in Minnesota, he’s back as well. The Panthers have had a gaping hole at nickel back since Munnerlyn left, but his new four-year deal plugs that problem.

In what was easily his most active free-agency period, Gettleman also added safety Mike Adams and receivers Charles Johnson and Russell Shepard. So with their most obvious needs filled, the Panthers head into the draft unencumbered by a to-do list.

“When you’re sitting at eight, you’re going to be looking at a variety,” Gettleman said. “You’re going to be in Ben and Jerry’s. Chocolate, pistachio, rocky road. You’re going to have a variety of guys to look at; it gets you excited.”

Here is a closer look at where the Panthers are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, at No. 8.

THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 4th NFC South (6-10)

STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 343.7 (19th)
RUSHING: 113.4 (10th)
PASSING: 230.3 (T21st)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 359.8 (21st)
RUSHING: 91.6 (6th)
PASSING: 268.2 (29th)

TEAM NEEDS

–1. Running back: With the Panthers planning to take quarterback Cam Newton out of the run game, they need more than just the 30-year-old Jonathan Stewart in their backfield.

–2. Tackle: Even after giving left tackle Matt Kalil big money, the Panthers’ tackle situation isn’t ideal. Michael Oher will slide to the right side, as long as he’s cleared from a concussion that cost him 13 games in 2016.

–3. Defensive end: If this were 2012, pairing Julius Peppers with Charles Johnson would be a great start. But it’s 2017, and the Panthers need to plan for their future pass rush.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 5)
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

–DE Mario Addison: Potential UFA; $22.5M/3 yrs, $11.25M guaranteed.

–DE Wes Horton: Potential UFA; $2.7M/2 yrs, $425,000 guaranteed.

–DE Charles Johnson: Potential UFA; $9.5M/2 yrs.

–S Colin Jones: Potential UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

–DT Kyle Love: UFA; $2.2M/2 yrs, $200K SB.

–G/T Chris Scott: UFA; $980K/1 yr, $80K SB.

–RB Fozzy Whittaker: Potential UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

–CB Teddy Williams: UFA; $855K/1 yr, $80 SB.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–S Mike Adams: UFA Colts; $4.2M/2 yrs, $650K SB/$1.15M guaranteed.

–QB Garrett Gilbert: FA; terms unknown.

–WR Charles Johnson: Not tendered as RFA by Vikings; terms unknown.

–T Matt Kalil: UFA Vikings; $55.5M/5 yrs, $12M/SB$21M guaranteed; $7M injury only at time of signing.

–CB Captain Munnerlyn: UFA Vikings; $17M/3 yrs, $6M SB/$8M guaranteed, $1.1M injury only at time of signing.

–LB Julius Peppers: UFA Packers; $3.5M/1 yr, $1.65M SB.

–WR Russell Shepard: UFA Buccaneers; $10M/3 yrs, $2.1M SB.

–G Amini Silatolu: FA; terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST

–WR Philly Brown: Not tendered as RFA/Bills; terms unknown.

–DE Kony Ealy (traded Patriots).

–WR Ted Ginn Jr.: UFA Saints; $11M/3 yrs, $3M guaranteed.

–CB Leonard Johnson: UFA Bills; $855K/1 yr, $80 SB.

–LB A.J. Klein: UFA Saints; $24M/4 yrs, $4M SB/$9.4M guaranteed.

–T Mike Remmers: UFA Vikings; $30M/5 yrs, $3M SB/$10.5M guaranteed.

–DL Paul Soliai (released).

–FB Mike Tolbert (released).

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 8 overall).
Rob Rang (April 3 mock draft):

–Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama. Defensive line is not necessarily the biggest concern in Carolina, but general manager Dave Gettleman may have a hard time letting a talent like Allen slip any further. Questions about the health of his shoulders and schematic fit could hound the 6-foot-3, 286-pound Allen, but the tape does not lie; he is agile, powerful and technically refined, possessing the ability to play virtually anywhere along the defensive line.

Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):

–Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU. Veteran Jonathan Stewart averaged only 3.8 yards per rush and reached the 100-yard mark in only one game last season, his ninth in the NFL. Fournette is a freak talent who would instantly add juice to the Panthers’ offense.

Agree? Disagree? Still shopping?

Based on the team’s current status, there are our suggestions for that first pick. To double check or find another candidate check out NFLDraftScout.com’s full mocks and ratings.

Saints dealing to reinforce defense

The New Orleans Saints spent the first month of the new league year on two major projects — both of them involving the reigning Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.

Fixated on getting better on defense after a slight improvement last season from 2015, when they were absolutely dreadful on that side of the ball, the Saints made one big deal with the Patriots and have been working hard at getting another one done.

So desperate are the Saints that, for the second time in the past three seasons, they traded away one of the key pieces of the their record-producing offense to acquire an extra first-round draft pick that they will probably use to pick up some help for the defense.

In March 2015, it was All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham, who was traded to the Seattle Seahawks for dependable center Max Unger and a first-round draft pick, which the Saint used to take middle linebacker Stephone Anthony.

This time, it was wide receiver Brandin Cooks’ turn. The speedy, fourth-year wideout was sent to the Patriots along with a fourth-round draft pick. In return, the Saints received the 32nd and final pick of the first round and a third-round selection in this year’s draft.

Then the Saints started their due diligence on Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler, a restricted free agent whom the Saints think can be a major help to a defense that ranked last in the league against the pass.

Although the Saints want to pry Butler from the Patriots, it was made pricey when New England tendered him with a first-round pick as compensation.

The Saints now hold the 11th and 32nd picks of the first round and the price to get Butler would be to give up one of those picks. Saints head coach Sean Payton will play a wait-and-see game before making any kind of a move. Butler has until April 21 to sign an offer sheet with another team.

Otherwise, the Saints were busy sizing up draft prospects for their five picks in the first three rounds.

They re-signed several of their own unrestricted free agents, notably defensive tackle Nick Fairley and defensive end Darryl Tapp. They also signed seven unrestricted free agents — including guard Larry Warford, middle linebacker A.J. Klein, wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. and linebacker Manti Te’o.

Here is a closer look at where the Saints are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, at No. 11 overall.

THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 3rd NFC South (7-9)

STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 426.0 (1st)
RUSHING: 108.9 (16th)
PASSING: 317.1 (1st)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 375.4 (27th)
RUSHING: 101.6 (14th)
PASSING: 273.8 (32nd)

TEAM NEEDS

–1. Defensive end: The Saints, who had just 30 sacks last season, re-signed Darryl Tapp and brought in Alex Okafor, but may still want to add a young, speedy pass rusher to pair with steady two-time Pro Bowler Cameron Jordan.

–2. Cornerback: If the Saints can’t acquire Malcolm Butler before the draft, they’re extremely likely to go for a cornerback with the 11th or 32nd pick. They could also wait and hope one in a deep draft pool lasts until the second round.

–3. Running back: With Mark Ingram having another good season last year, the Saints feel better about this position. Yet, they could use a shifty satellite back — a la Darren Sproles – who will be a major threat coming out of the backfield.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 5)
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

–RB Travaris Cadet: UFA; $855K/1 yr, $80K SB.

–DT Nick Fairley: UFA; $28M/4 yrs, $8.5M SB/$14M guaranteed, $5M injury only at time of signing.

–CB Sterling Moore: UFA; 1 yr, $900K/1 yr, $125K SB/$200K guaranteed.

–TE John Phillips: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

–DE Darryl Tapp: UFA; $1.08M/1 yr, $60K SB.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–S Rafael Bush: UFA Lions; $855K/1 yr, $80K SB/$100K guaranteed.

–QB Chase Daniel: FA Eagles; 1 yr, terms unknown.

–WR Ted Ginn Jr.: UFA Panthers; $11M/3 yrs, $3M guaranteed.

–LB A.J. Klein: UFA Panthers; $24M/4 yrs, $4M SB/$9.4M guaranteed.

–LB Alex Okafor: UFA Cardinals; $2M/1 yr, $1M SB.

–LB Manti Te’o: UFA Chargers; $5M/2 yrs, $600K SB.

–G Larry Warford: UFA Lions; $34M/4 yrs, $8.4M SB/$17M guaranteed.
PLAYERS LOST

–S Jairus Byrd (released/post-June 1 designation).

–WR Brandon Cooks (traded Patriots).

–DE Kasim Edebali: Not tendered as RFA/Broncos; 1 yr, terms unknown.

–RB Tim Hightower: UFA 49ers; terms unknown.

–G Tim Lelito: UFA Titans; terms unknown.

–QB Luke McCown (released).

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No.11 overall).

Rob Rang (April 3 mock draft):

–Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama. The Saints ranked dead last in pass defense in 2015 and may opt to trade this or another pick for New England Patriots’ star cornerback Malcolm Butler in an attempt to fix the issue. Until that occurs, adding talent in the secondary is likely New Orleans’ top priority. Humphrey has a rare combination of size (6-0, 197 pounds) and speed (4.41), who at just 20 years old appears to be just scratching the surface of his potential.

Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):

–Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama. Projecting as either a MIKE or WILL linebacker in the NFL, Foster hits anything that moves with the closing burst and aggressive mindset to create violent collisions at contact. His Combine incident has teams scrambling for more information, but the tape shows a player worthy of this selection.

Agree? Disagree? Still shopping?

Based on the team’s current status, there are our suggestions for that first pick. To double check or find another candidate check out NFLDraftScout.com’s full mocks and ratings.

Bucs seek help for Winston

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have done a good job of building a solid core of young defenders around defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and linebacker Lavonte David. And, of course, their leader is quarterback Jameis Winston, who threw for more than 8,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in his first two seasons.

But turnovers remain a big concern for Winston, with 33 interceptions and nine lost fumbles.

To help accentuate Winston’s positives and take pressure off him, the Bucs signed former Washington Redskins receiver DeSean Jackson to a three-year, $33.5 million contract.

Jackson, 30, was clocked as the second-fastest player in the NFL during one play last season. His ability to stretch the field will provide some cover for Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans.

Defensively, the Bucs added Redskins defensive tackle Chris Baker, which gives them a penetrator to play alongside McCoy.

Perhaps the biggest development of the offseason was that defensive coordinator Mike Smith will return with a new contract. The Bucs defense made big strides in the second half of the season and continuity should be a real asset.

Here is a closer look at where the Bucs are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, at No. 19 overall.

THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 2nd NFC South (9-7)

STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 346.4 (18th)
RUSHING: 101.0 (24th)
PASSING: 245.4 (16th)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 367.9 (23rd)
RUSHING: 117.2 (22nd)
PASSING: 250.8 (22nd)

TEAM NEEDS

–1. Defensive back: The Bucs used their first-round pick last season on Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves. Could they double up? Sure. Veteran Brent Grimes will be 34 in July, and even though the Bucs think he has a lot in the tank after tying for the team lead with four interceptions last season, his eventual replacement isn’t on the roster. The Bucs also have a need at safety despite signing Cowboys free agent J.J. Wilcox and bringing back Chris Conte.

–2. Running back: Doug Martin will miss the first three games serving a suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing drugs. He is 28 and has been injured three of his five seasons. The Bucs re-signed Jacquizz Rodgers and both Charles Sims and Peyton Barber return. But the Bucs won’t commit to Martin for 2017 and his contract is no longer guaranteed. With a deep draft at running back, it would not be surprising if the Bucs used an early-round pick on one.

–3. Receiver: This might not seem as big of a need with the signing of DeSean Jackson. But the Bucs lost one of their wideouts when Russell Shepard signed with Carolina. Adam Humphries is strictly a slot receiver. At some point, they have to develop somebody to play opposite Evans.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 5)
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

–S Chris Conte: UFA; $5M/2 yrs, $2.5M guaranteed.

–DE William Gholston: Potential UFA; $27.5M/5 yrs,$13.5M guaranteed.

–C Joe Hawley: UFA; $5.5M/2 yrs, $1M guaranteed RB.

–CB Josh Robinson: UFA; $5M/2 yrs, $$2M guaranteed.

–RB Jacquizz Rodgers: UFA; $3.3M/1 yr, $600K guaranteed.

–DT Sealver Siliga: UFA; $1.1M/1 yr, $200K SB.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–DE Chris Baker: UFA Redskins; $15.75M/3 yrs, $9M guaranteed, $3M injury only at time of signing.

–K Nick Folk: FA Jets; $1.75M/1 yr, $750K guaranteed.

–WR DeSean Jackson: UFA Redskins; $33.5M/3 yrs, $20M guaranteed.

–LS Garrison Sanborn: FA Bills; 1 yr, terms unknown.

–S J.J. Wilcox: UFA Cowboys; $6.25M/2 yrs, $3.125M guaranteed.
PLAYERS LOST

–T Gosder Cherilus: UFA (retired).

–QB Mike Glennon: UFA Bears; $45M/3 yrs, $3M SB/$18.5M guaranteed.

–S Bradley McDougald: UFA Seahawks; $1.8M/1 yr, $750K SB.

–WR Russell Shepard: UFA Panthers; $10M/3 yrs, $2.1M SB.

–DT Akeem Spence: UFA Lions; $9M/3 yrs, $2.25M SB/$3.5M guaranteed.

–CB Alterraun Verner (released).

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 19 overall).

Rob Rang (April 3 mock draft):

–David Njoku, TE, Miami. Cameron Brate has developed into a very solid young security blanket for Jameis Winston, but he does not possess Njoku’s big-play potential. The 20-year-old Njoku is still very much a work in progress, but scouts are enamored with the 6-foot-4, 246 pounder’s ability to create mismatches in the passing game.

Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):

–Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut. Tampa Bay has shown plenty of interest in Melifonwu, a player who can wear several hats in the secondary. His tape wasn’t nearly as impressive as his testing numbers, but teams can’t teach his athletic skill-set.

Agree? Disagree? Still shopping?

Based on the team’s current status, there are our suggestions for that first pick. To double check or find another candidate check out NFLDraftScout.com’s full mocks and ratings.

–Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. TSX team insiders contributed to this article.

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