2026 NFL Draft Franchise Post-Draft Review - NFC South

SNS takes a deep dive look into how every NFL team reloaded during the 2026 NFL Draft - every draft pick is evaluated and each UDFA class is assessed. Every NFL team is graded on how they addressed team needs and an early assessment is made about what to expect in the coming season. And for those who play fantasy football, consider this your first primer on the 2026 NFL rookie fantasy class as each rookie class is assessed and future stars are identified! The 2026 NFL Franchise Post-Draft Review is here to help you make sense of what every NFL team was trying to accomplish in Pittsburgh last month.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

2 (48)

Avieon Terrell

CB

Clemson

Terrell gets to join his brother AJ in the Falcons' secondary. Terrell will likely to play slot CB in the NFL. Terrell makes a living in run support and is an aggressive tackler.

3 (78)

Zachariah Branch

WR

Georgia

Branch is one of the quickest and most sudden slot receivers in the nation and he gives the Falcons a dangerous underneath WR to exploit zone coverage over the middle of the field.

4 (134)

Kendal Daniels

LB

Oklahoma

A former safety, Daniels has excellent size (6050 / 242 lbs / 32 & 1/2" Arms) and profiles as a demon on special teams with the instincts and range to be developed into an NFL quality off-the-ball-LB.

6 (208)

Anterio Thompson

IDL

Washington

Thompson, a transfer from Western Michigan, has limited pass rushing upside but has flashed as an effective IDL in an even front. Thompson plays with a low center of gravity and natural bend that makes it difficult to unroot in the running game. Thompson should push for a roster spot in September.

6 (215)

Harold Perkins

LB

LSU

When Perkins burst on the scene as a freshman, it looked like he was the second-coming of Micah Parsons as an undersized and disruptive pass rusher and was a likely top ten pick in the draft. But reality has a way of settling in and Perkins' lack of position fit and inability to stay healthy depressed his value as he fell to the second to last pick of the sixth-round. With James Pearce's immediate NFL future in legal jeopardy, Perkins may find his pass rushing skill in demand this fall in ATL. Great pick by the Falcons.

7 (231)

Ethan Onianwa

OT

Ohio State

Onianwa was a career backup OT at Ohio State who earned a draft pick based on his measurements - 6062 / 332 lbs / 34 & 1/8" Arms - and his raw skill and upside. Atlanta has the luxury of developing Onianwa behind their experienced OTs and will likely develop on the practice squad until he is needed. Great value pick at this point in the draft.

UDFA Signings

Jack Strand

QB

Minnesota-Moorhead

Cash Jones

RB

Georgia

Trent Battle

RB

TCU

Malik Rutherford

WR

Georgia Tech

Vinny Anthony

WR

Wisconsin

Jack Velling

TE

Michigan State

Brendan Frazier

TE

Auburn

Riley Mahlman

OT

Wisconsin

James Brockermeyer

OC

Miami, Fl

Kam Dewberry

OG

Alabama

CJ Nunnally

EDGE

Purdue

Carlos Allen

IDL

Houston

Draft Needs - WR, IOL, IDL, CB, OT

Draft & UDFA Grade - C-

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Falcons did not make their first pick until the second-round, pick number 48 and added to Avieon Terrell to the secondary where he will likely line up next to brother AJ as a starter. With their five remaining picks, Atlanta reached for a lot of prospects where higher rated prospects were still available. In the third-round, the Falcons selected Branch, a very good prospect who was arrested a few weeks ago and he has just started the judicial process and his availability going forward is still to be determined. Daniels displays great athleticism and range but lacks discipline and focus. Thompson was a surprise selection and may not be ready to produce at the NFL level. Perkins was an absolute steal at pick number 215 and he may serve as a valuable sub-package pass rush specialist with James Pearce's availability still in question. Perkins burst on the national scene as a true freshman when he was a revelation as a pass rusher and that is still is best skill as he enters the NFL. Onianwa has great athleticism but was a career backup at Ohio State and his pro potential is unknown. Overall, a curious set of selections by the Falcons.

Atlanta made up for some gaps in their draft class by signing a talented group of UDFAs with potential to play and contribute as rookies. Strand, a Division III QB, has excellent size and arm strength but he is stepping up several levels. Strand will hope to make the practice squad. Battle and Jones are two career backups who bring varying skill sets to the Falcons - Battle has a tantalizing combination of size and speed while Jones is a shifty and tough third down RB. One of these two RBs is likely to continue his career with a practice squad job this fall. Anthony and Rutherford are two fast and clutch receivers who flash explosiveness after the catch. Frazier is a big, rugged blocker who shows limited speed after the catch. Velling looked like a future NFL TE at Oregon State but was never able to duplicate that success at Michigan State. Mahlman is a long and finesse-oriented OLT who needs to get stronger before he can start in the NFL. Brockermeyer acks some esired size and strength but displayed in the playoffs the intelligence and agility to be a valuable backup IOL. Allen lacks some desired size and strength but flashes a tremendous burst. He may bet out Thompson for a backup DL job this summer.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

The only rookie prospect who should be on your fantasy draft radar is Branch, a twitchy, sure-handed slot receiver who is quicker than a hiccup and has very good deep speed. And there is a need for a slot WR in Atlanta so the potential for success is present. But Branch has legal issues to navigate and he has to find a role in the offense. In simple terms, Branch is worth a late round flyer in your fantasy draft this summer.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (19)

Monroe Freeling

OT

Georgia

The Panthers select the uber-talented but inexperienced OLT out of Georgia. Freeling has only a dozen or so career starts but his reach and athleticism seem ideally suited to OLT in Carolina. He will compete with free agent signee Rasheed Walker for the starting OLT job.

2 (49)

Lee Hunter

IDL

Texas Tech

Hunter gets to step into one of the best IDL rotations in the NFL and will be a major contributor as a rookie. 

3 (83)

Chris Brazzell

WR

Tennessee

Surprisingly, Brazzell falls to pick number 83 after his great season in Knoxville. Brazzell is long, fast, explosive, and has reliable hands. Carolina is putting together one of the biggest and fastest WR corps in the NFL.

4 (129)

Will Lee

CB

Texas A&M

Lee has the length and ball skills that the Panthers desire in their outside CBs and will bolster the depth of the Carolina secondary. Lee should push for a starting job before the end of his rookie contract.

5 (144)

Sam Hecht

OC

Kansas State

Hecht stunningly falls to the fifth-round despite playing like a second-round pick this past fall in Manhattan. Hecht has starter potential and will provide needed depth up front for the Panthers.

5 (151)

Zakee Wheatley

S

Penn State

Wheatley has the size (6026 / 203 lbs / 31" Arms) and skill set to line up all over the secondary and has experience in the slot, in the box, and as a free safety. Wheatley is physical, tough, and resilient and will compete for playing time on defense while becoming a core special teams player in the NFL.

7 (227)

Jackson Kuwatch

LB

Miami, Oh

A late-rising MAC prospect, Kuwatch was a walk-on, high effort player at Ohio State who transferred to Miami for an opportunity to start. And by the end of the season, but especially through the all-star game circuit, Kuwatch played himself into the NFL. Kuwatch (6040 / 232 lbs) shows developing instincts and is a reliable tackler. Kuwatch should have a great opportunity to make Carolina's 53-man roster in September.

UDFA Signings

Haynes King

QB

Georgia Tech

Kobe Prentice

WR

Baylor

Isaia Glass

OT

Vanderbilt

Aaron Hall

IDL

Duke

Cam Miller

CB

Rutgers

Jaylon Guilbeau

CB

Texas

Draft Needs - EDGE, OT, CB, S, RB

Draft & UDFA Grade - B+

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Panthers won the NFL South last season under a resurgent Bryce Young and the Pro Bowl potential displayed by WR Tetairoa McMillan and hope to repeat as division champions despite losing OLT Ikem Ekwonu to a knee injury that may not allow him to play this fall. By signing free agent Rasheed Walker (Packers) and then drafting a high ceiling prospect like Freeling, Carolina may have improved the OL by allowing Ekwonu to slide inside to guard, when he is healthy, where he has Pro Bowl potential. Hunter is a big and surprisingly quick IDL who fell after an average workout at the combine. Hunter and Derrick Brown have intriguing potential as a tandem in Carolina. Brazzell's size, length, and fantastic speed makes him a potential excellent complement to McMillan and Xavier Legette at WR. Lee has the size, length, and agility that Carolina prefers in their CBs. Hecht has starting potential, perhaps as early as his rookie year after the departure of Cade Mays (Lions) in free agency. Wheatley has the versatility to be deployed all over the secondary and makes the defense potentially even better. Kuwatch has a high ceiling and at a minimum should be a solid contributor on special teams.

King is a perfect fit as a potential backup to Young and brings a very good running threat with the speed and instincts to be dangerous with the ball in space. King needs to prove to look comfortable in an NFL offense but he is an experienced and productive starter with experience in the SEC and ACC. King likely begins his career on the practice squad. Glass has flashed NFL-caliber skills at OT but seems like a natural fit at OG. Glass likely starts his career on the practice squad. Hall possesses NFL size and flashes outstanding twitch and quickness but he is overly reliant on speed and needs to improve his strength significantly before he is ready to contribute in the NFL. Guilbeau is likely to be limited to slot duties but has the quickness and agility needed to cover quick WRs.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Brazzell is lean, long, and fast and could contribute as a rookie. If you're in a dynasty league, using a pick on Brazzell makes a lot of sense but in traditional re-draft leagues, no need to add Brazzell in your draft. But monitor Brazzell's use in Carolina's offense - he could prove to be a useful streaming option later this fall.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (8)

Jordyn Tyson

WR

Arizona State

Tyson's stock rose rapidly as the draft approached and the Saints are happy to snag him here. Tyson is fast, agile, and is a great leaper but he is highly injury prone missing significant time to injuries in high school as well as college. If Tyson stays healthy, he could be the best WR in this draft.

2 (42)

Christen Miller

IDL

Georgia

After drafting Jordyn Tyson in round one, the Saints draft the talented Bulldog DT. Miller is best against the run but flashes upside as an interior pass rusher. Miller could be the best IDL in this draft ten years from now.

3 (73)

Oscar Delp

TE

Georgia

Fantasy football tip - draft Delp late, he could be a steal in your league. Delp is a great blocker and never really displayed his athleticism and agility in space. Delp has deceptive speed that could get unleashed by the Saints' coaching staff. Keep an eye on Delp.

4 (132)

Jeremiah Wright

OG

Auburn

Wright is a big, strong (6050 / 331 lbs / 33 & 1/8" Arms), and powerful run blocker who has a tendency to fall of some blocks and has difficulty handling speed. When he gets tired, his pads rise and he can get washed out of plays but he is powerful and a devastating drive blocker who should provide depth inside in the NFL. 

4 (136)

Bryce Lance

WR

North Dakota State

Lance, whose brother Trey is QB with the Chargers, joins the Saints and has a great opportumity to earn playing time as a rookie, with potential to be the starter opposite Chris Olave down in the Big Easy. Lance's combination of size (6030 / 204 / 32 & 1/8" Arms), speed, leaping ability (41.5" Vertical), and body control gives him upside as an eventual starter.

5 (172)

Lorenzo Styles

S

Ohio State

Styles, a former WR at Notre Dame, profiles as a slot CB in the NFL with rare speed (4.27 40), agility, and closing burst on the ball in the air - very loose hips and stays in-phase well down field, cuts superbly, and rarely lose a step at the break point. Turns his head and plays the ball in the air well with natural ball skills. Styles needs refinement in his technique before he is ready to start but profiles as a tremendous special teams player - should excel as a gunner in the NFL.

6 (190)

Barion Brown

WR

LSU

The Saints add their third WR this past weekend and Brown brings added value as one of the best return specialists in college football - dangerous kickoff returner which is where he is most likely to have the biggest impact in the NFL early in his career. Although he has great speed (4.40 40), it is build-up speed where he his faster in the second ten yards then the first ten yards and he lacks great burst. Only adequate quickness and is tighter in the hips than desired. Lacks some desired agility and fluidity and does not operate as well out of the slot as preferred.

7 (219)

TJ Hall

CB

Iowa

Hall has the size  (6006 / 189 lbs / 30" Arms) and technique to flourish in press coverage and is a physical CB who matches up well with size downfield in coverage but struggles against quickness in space. Hall has only average foot speed and that may limit his ability to play defense in the NFL. Hall will need to flourish on special teams to earn a living in the NFL.

UDFA Signings

CJ Donaldson

RB

Ohio State

Mekhi Mews

WR

Houston

Cody Hardy

TE

North Carolina State

Alan Herron

OT

Maryland

Alex Wollschlaeger

OT

Kentucky

Michael Heldman

EDGE

Central Michigan

Keeshawn Silver

IDL

USC

Jay'Viar Suggs

IDL

Wisconsin

DaShawn Jones

CB

Alabama

Jeremiah McLendon

CB

Southern Illinois

Mason Shipley

K

Texas

Draft Needs - CB, WR, LB, IOL, TE

Draft & UDFA Grade - B

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

Tyson may be the most talented WR available in the 2026 NFL Draft with a great combination of size, length, body control, leaping ability, speed, and hands to project as a true number one WR. But Tyson cannot seem to stay healthy and seems to always be battling injuries - he has never played a full season of football going back to high school! Aware of this, the Saints double-dipped at WR and selected Lance, a similar-sized WR who is smooth and fast. Miller should step-in and immediately provide quality depth on the Saints' DL. Delp is a well-rounded TE who may be a better pro than college player and should become the Saints' number two TE as a rookie. Wright provides quality depth on the OL. Styles will be an impactful special teams player while he learns the nuance of slot CB duties in the NFL. Brown could be an All-Pro level returner in the NFL. Hall may not have the agility to stay at CB and may nee to move to safety to play in the NFL.

Several UDFAs signed by the Saints have the skills and experience to contribute in the NFL. Donaldson is a big, powerful RB who displayed quality inside running skill at West Virginia before transferring to Ohio State and playing primarily as a backup. Donaldson will likely earn a practice squad job this summer. Hardy is a powerful blocker who needs to show some receiving skill before he makes a 53-man roster. Mews is vastly undersized but uber-quick and twitchy. He'll compete with Brown to become the Saints' primary returner. Herron has an excellent opportunity to make the 53-man roster due to his size, versatility, and experience in the Big Ten. Heldman has the potential to not only contribute but eventually start. His game is similar to Aidan Hutchinson (Lions) and he will push for a roster spot this fall. Jones has good size and the versatility to line up almost anywhere in the secondary. He will need to excel on special teams to continue his journey professionally.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Tyson should be a late round fantasy draft prospect as the Saints' number two WR lining up opposite Chris Olave but make sure to have quality depth because Tyson WILL miss time. Lance should be monitored but not drafted unless you are in a dynasty league. Lance makes a potential streaming option later this season. Delp may not be a great fantasy option this season but he has the athletic ability and speed to flourish as a traditional Y-TE. If anything happens to starter Juwan Johnson, Delp is likely to become a low-end fantasy starter. Drafting Delp late may pay dividends. Brown is a big play waiting to happen but unless you get offensive scoring credit from special teams TDs, he is not worth drafting as a rookie.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (15)

Rueben Bain

EDGE

Miami, Fl

Bain's minor fall down the draft board is stopped by the Bucs, who value production over measureables (30 & 7/8" arms). The Bucs get a well-rounded EDGE with the versatility to slide up and down the line to take advantage of match-ups.

2 (46)

Josiah Trotter

LB

Missouri

The third Trotter to get drafted by the NFL, the youngest Trotter joins an ideal situation to earn playing time and be developed as the successor to Alex Anzalone.

3 (84)

Ted Hurst

WR

Georgia State

Speaking of big and fast, Hurst was a man amongst boys in the Sun Belt Conference over the last two seasons and seems ready for the NFL game. Hurst may need a period of time to adjust to the speed of the game but he has the athletic profile to take over for the departed Mike Evans (Niners) as a starting WR in Tampa.

4 (116)

Keionte Scott

CB

Miami, Fl

Scott's free fall ends in the fourth-round with the selection by the Bucs. Scott is a clutch performer who makes plays in crunch time. Scott has the fluidity and agility to handle slot and the size and length (5112 / 193 lbs / 31 & 3/8" Arms) to man the outside. Great value pick for a potential future starter.

5 (155)

DeMonte Capehart 

IDL

Clemson

Capehart is only a one-year starter who is still raw as a pass rusher but whose size, length, and natural power (6047 / 313 lbs / 33 & 7/8" Arms) make him effective as a run stuffer. Capehart needs additional reps to meet his potential but should contribute immediately in the rotation inside. 

5 (160)

Billy Schrauth

OG

Notre Dame

Schrauth is strong, tough, resilient, and efficient but he has battled injuries throughout his career, including missing the end of last season and the post-season, including the combine. Schrauth has the size, length (6050 / 310 lbs / 32 & 7/8" Arms), and the nasty playing disposition desired to start in the NFL, if he can stay healthy. Schrauth provides valuable depth in Tampa with the potential to be developed into a starter.

6 (185)

Bauer Sharp

TE

LSU

Sharp rapidly rose up draft boards over the last half of last season and joins a great situation in Tampa where he should be able to contribute right away. Sharp (6045 / 249 / 31 & 3/8" Arms) has good YAC ability due to deceptive speed and could add a dimension to the Bucs' passing attack that is currently missing. Excellent value in the sixth-round.

UDFA Signing

Jalon Daniels

QB

Kansas

Chandler Morris

QB

Virginia

Eric Rivers

WR

Georgia Tech

Noah Short

WR

Army

Paul Pubelt

OT

UCF

Jack Pyburn

EDGE

LSU

Deshawn McKnight

IDL

Arizona

Caden Fordham

LB

North Carolina State

Javin Wright

LB

Nebraska

JY Gilmore

S

Georgia Tech

Draft Needs - EDGE, CB, TE, S, WR

Draft & UDFA Grade - B+

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Bucs were ecstatic that Bain fell to them at number 15 overall and get an instant impact rookie who will enter the season as one of the favorites for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Trotter will likely platoon as a rookie with free agent signee Alex Anzalone (Lions) with the intention of him taking over full-time starting in 2027. Hurst has the size, length, and playmaking skill to help fill the void left by Mike Evans (Niners). Scott earned a second-round grade from SNS and has the size and versatility to line up all over the secondary. Scott may earn a starting job before the end of his rookie season. Capehart has fantastic size and length but as a one-year starter, he is still raw and needs continued development. Schrauth is strong and physical and will provide good depth along the OL. Sharp should contribute immediately as a rookie and has the ability to line up as a Y-TE or as an H-back. He addresses the need for a young TE to develop.

Daniels and Morris are likely competing for one practice squad spot - Daniels has enough athletic ability to be switched to WR or safety, if QB does not work out. Rivers is a quick and shifty slot receiver while Short is a quality perimeter blocker and should excel on special teams. Rubelt has rare size (6'10") and length. The German citizen needs to play with a nastier disposition to make an NFL roster. Pyburn has flashed at Florida and LSU but has battled injuries and inconsistencies last year at LSU. Fordham is a tackling machine with a significant injury history. Wright has fantastic length and is an outstanding athlete. He should excel on special teams.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Hurst has the potential to be a late round gem in your fantasy draft this summer and could help get you through the bye weeks this fall. Targeting Hurst late in your draft could be a smart play. Sharp's progress up the TE depth chart should be monitored closely over the summer into the fall. If Sharp gets significant playing time, he could be a streaming option later this season.