2026 NFC South NFL Draft recap | Picks, analysis, trades
16 min read
The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers picked up two of the most explosive receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers did the opposite on the other side of the ball.
The NFC South’s 2026 NFL Draft recap involved more than just a number of high-profile selections. In retrospect, the Atlanta Falcons were in the spotlight under new leadership. Meanwhile, the Panthers and Saints hoped to build out its competitive young corps. Finally, could the Buccaneers regain control of a division it held down over a four-year period (2021-2024)?
Let’s go over some of the moves.
Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan led a staff which was ultra-assertive on the second and third day of the 2026 NFL Draft. First, they traded up two picks in the second round with the Minnesota Vikings. In the process, they gave up a 2026 second round pick (51st overall-Jake Golday) and 2026 fifth-round pick (159th overall-Max Bredeson). In return, the Panthers received the 49th overall pick (Lee Hunter) and a sixth-round pick (196th overall-Dametrious Crownover-Patriots).
This is when the Panthers brass got creative.
The team traded a 2026 fourth-round pick (119th overall-Wesley Williams) and that 2026 sixth-round pick (196th overall-Dametrious Crownover) to the Jacksonville Jaguars. In return, they received a 2026 fourth-round pick (124th overall-Malik Muhammad) and 2026 fifth-round pick (166th overall-Keyshaun Elliott).
Morgan used the two picks they received from the Bears (124, 166) to trade down on Day 3. Those picks netted the Panthers a fourth-round pick (129th overall-Will Lee III) and fifth-rounder (144th overall-Sam Hecht).
Essentially, the team moved down five spots in the fourth round to get its corner and moved up 22 spots in the fifth-round to grab one of the draft’s best centers in Hecht.
They weren’t done. In fact, their aggression reached an all-time high. Safety Zakee Wheatley was still on the board after they selected Hecht 144th overall. They traded up seven spots in the fifth-round to grab Wheatley (151st overall) and gave up its sixth-round pick (200th overall-DJ Campbell) to the Dolphins. The team then took Miami (Oh.) LB Jackson Kuwatch with the seventh-round pick (227th overall) they received in return.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay let the board fall to them in the first round and got their hands on Rueben Bain, Jr. Could Bain, Jr. become Todd Bowles’ new version of Shaquil Barrett?
Shortly thereafter, the team took Missouri’s Josiah Trotter with the 46th overall pick. Trotter -the son of former Eagles All-Pro Jeremiah- has an opportunity to ease the loss of the recently-retired Lavonte David.
General manager Jason Licht then traded with the Green Bay Packers to move back seven spots in the third round. In return, the team picked up the 84th overall pick (Ted Hurst) and a 2026 fifth-round pick (160th overall-Billy Schrauth). We break down each of the selections in our table below.
| 2026 NFL DRAFT RECAP: NFC SOUTH | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draft Order, Team, Rd, Pick | Selection | Outlook | Offensive FA signings/Trades | Defensive FA signings/Trades | Free Agent losses | Re-signed | Team Needs (Draft) or post-draft | Draft Day trades, prior trades | ||
| Carolina Panthers | ||||||||||
| 1 (19) Carolina Panthers | Monroe Freeling 6’7 315 OT-Georgia | Freeling provides insurance for the team in case Ekwonu can’t fully recover from his ACL injury. And Rasheed Walker has been signed for just one year. Freeling continues to get better technically and carries significant finish as a run blocker. His quick-set technique helps his cause, as does his ability to slide-and-mirror. | QB Kenny Pickett (Raiders) on a one-year deal, WR John Metchie (Jets) on a one-year deal, OT Rasheed Walker (Packers) on a one-year deal, OT Stone Forsythe (Raiders) on a one-year deal, OC Luke Fortner (Saints) on a one-year deal, RB AJ Dillon (Eagles) on a one-year deal | DE Jaelen Phillips (Eagles) on a four-year deal, LB Devin Lloyd (Jaguars) on a three-year deal, LB Nick Hampton (Rams) on a one-year deal | OC Cade Mays (Lions), RB Rico Dowdle (Steelers), S D’Anthony Bell (Seahawks), DE DJ Wonnum (Lions), OC Austin Corbett (Bills) | DL LaBryan Ray, LB Claudin Cherelus, DE Thomas Incoom, S Nick Scott on a one-year deal, P Sam Martin on a two-year deal, CB Robert Rochell on a one-year deal, DE Trevis Gipson on a one-year deal, LB Isaiah Simmons on a one-year deal, CB Akayleb Evans on a one-year deal, WR David Moore on a one-year deal, LS J.J. Jansen on a one-year deal | OT, IOL, TE | |||
| 2 (49) Carolina Panthers (from Minnesota Vikings) | Lee Hunter 6’3 1/2 318 DT-Texas Tech, UCF, Auburn | The Carolina Panthers believed in Hunter’s quickness at 318 pounds. He is tough to stop if he wins with snap count timing. Keeping his pads down with consistency remains a focus as he enters Year 1. | QB Kenny Pickett (Raiders) on a one-year deal, WR John Metchie (Jets) on a one-year deal, OT Rasheed Walker (Packers) on a one-year deal, OT Stone Forsythe (Raiders) on a one-year deal, OC Luke Fortner (Saints) on a one-year deal, RB AJ Dillon (Eagles) on a one-year deal | DE Jaelen Phillips (Eagles) on a four-year deal, LB Devin Lloyd (Jaguars) on a three-year deal, LB Nick Hampton (Rams) on a one-year deal | OC Cade Mays (Lions), RB Rico Dowdle (Steelers), S D’Anthony Bell (Seahawks), DE DJ Wonnum (Lions), OC Austin Corbett (Bills) | DL LaBryan Ray, LB Claudin Cherelus, DE Thomas Incoom, S Nick Scott on a one-year deal, P Sam Martin on a two-year deal, CB Robert Rochell on a one-year deal, DE Trevis Gipson on a one-year deal, LB Isaiah Simmons on a one-year deal, CB Akayleb Evans on a one-year deal, WR David Moore on a one-year deal, LS J.J. Jansen on a one-year deal | OT, IOL, TE | The Minnesota Vikings traded a 2026 second-round pick (49th overall-Lee Hunter) and a 2026 sixth-round pick (196th overall-Dametrious Crownover-Patriots) to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2026 second round pick (51st overall-Jake Golday) and a 2026 fifth-round pick (159th overall-Max Bredeson) | ||
| 3 (83) Carolina Panthers | Chris Brazzell II 6’4 198 WR-Tennessee, Tulane | Brazzell II was featured quite a bit at Tulane both inside and outside. He transitioned into a legitimate outside vertical threat for the Vols this past season. Brazzell II’s length and height are complemented with sneaky quickness at the line of scrimmage. He became more consistent in 2025. | ||||||||
| The Jacksonville Jaguars traded a 2026 fourth-round pick (124th overall) and a 2026 fifth-round pick (166th overall) to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick (119th overall-Wesley Williams) and a 2026 sixth-round pick (196th overall | ||||||||||
| 4 (129) Carolina Panthers (from Chicago Bears) | Will Lee III 6’1 1/2” 189 CB-Texas A&M | Lee III is sufficient in run support and flashes short-area quickness to close on routes from the outside-in (PBU, skinny post, Arkansas ’25). When he falls a step behind in press coverage, it is tough to throw over the top of his longer frame. Staying on top of receivers at the next level should be the focus. | The Chicago Bears traded a 2026 fourth-round pick (129th overall-Will Lee III) and a 2026 fifth-round pick (144th overall-Sam Hecht) to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick (124th overall via Jacksonville-Malik Muhammad) and a 2026 fifth-round pick (166th overall-Keyshaun Elliott) | |||||||
| 5 (144) Carolina Panthers (from Tennessee Titans via Chicago) | Sam Hecht 6’4 303 OC-Kansas State | Hecht’s efficiency on double teams versus the one-technique DT (pancake, Nwankwo, Colorado ’24) showed up on film. As did his ability to complete trap blocks on the team’s gap-schemed concepts. His mobility allows him to reach even third-level defenders. Improving his anchor in pass protection will be key. | The Chicago Bears traded a 2026 second-round pick (60th overall-Anthony Hill, Jr) to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick (69th overall-Sam Roush)and a 2026 fifth-round pick (144th overall-Sam Hecht) | |||||||
| 5 (151) Carolina Panthers (from Miami Dolphins) | Zakee Wheatley 6’3 203 S-Penn State | Wheatley produces range with succinct breaks and CB-like short-area quickness. An interchangeable safety who can play either high or low, Wheatley has occasionally shown blitz potential (QB hit, Big Ten Champ ’24). His transition has been up-and-down in the deep middle one-third. | The Carolina Panthers traded a 2026 fifth-round pick (158th overall-Michael Taaffe) and a 2026 sixth-round pick (200th overall-DJ Campbell) to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick (151st overall-Zakee Wheatley) and a 2026 seventh-round pick (227th overall-Jackson Kuwatch) | |||||||
| 7 (227) Carolina Panthers (from Miami Dolphins) | Jackson Kuwatch 6’4 230 LB-Miami (OH), Ohio State | Kuwatch’s ball skills were evident in the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl, when he ended the game with a pick. The Ohio State transfer took awhile to develop, but his star is pointing upward. His special teams capability helps his cause to make the squad. | The Carolina Panthers traded a 2026 fifth-round pick (158th overall-Michael Taaffe) and a 2026 sixth-round pick (200th overall-DJ Campbell) to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick (151st overall-akee Wheatley) and a 2026 seventh-round pick (227th overall-Jackson Kuwatch) | |||||||
| Atlanta Falcons | Selection | Offensive FA signings/Trades | Defensive FA signings/Trades | Free Agent losses | Re-signed | Team Needs (Draft) or post-draft | Draft Day trades, prior trades | |||
| 2 (48) Atlanta Falcons | Avieon Terrell 5’11 186 CB-Clemson | Terrell rejoins his brother, AJ, one of the league’s better CBs. Terrell could help ease the loss of Dee Alford (Bills) due to his sticky nature. Avieon has no problem sticking to receivers on in-breaking routes. Although his brother is in the building, CB-mate Mike Hughes carries a similar frame to the younger Terrell. He can learn from some of the veteran’s techniques. | Agreed to terms with QB Tua Tagovailoa on a one-year deal after his imminent release from the Dolphins____________ WR Jahan Dotson (Eagles) on a two-year deal, WR Olamide Zaccheus (Bears) on a two-year deal, OC Corey Levin (Titans) on a one-year deal, TE Austin Hooper (Patriots) on a one-year deal, RB Brian Robinson (49ers), RB Tyler Goodson (Colts), QB Trevor Siemian, PK Nick Folk (Jets) on a two-year deal | DL Da’shawn Hand (Chargers) on a one-year deal, DE Cam Thomas (Browns) on a one-year deal, DE Azeez Ojulari (Eagles), DL Chris Williams (Bears) on a one-year deal, DE Samson Ebukam (Colts) on a one-year deal, LB Christian Harris (Texans), LB Channing Tindal (Cardinals) on a one-year deal, DE Azeez Ojulari (Eagles) on a one-year deal, CB Darnay Holmes (Raiders) on a one-year deal, P Jake Bailey (Dolphins) on a three-year deal______________TRADED a 2026 fourth-round pick (116th overall) and a 2026 sixth-round pick (197th overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for S Sydney Brown, a 2026 fourth-round pick (122nd overall) and a 2026 sixth-round pick (215th overall) | RB Tyler Allgeier (Cardinals), OL Jovaughn Gwyn (Ravens), TE Feleipe Franks (Panthers), CB Dee Alford (Bills), DT David Onyemata (Jets), DL Kentavius Street (Bears), DE Arnold Ebiketie (Eagles), LB Kaden Elliss (Saints), LB Ronnie Harrison (Dolphins), PK Zane Gonzalez (Dolphins) | DL LaCale London | DT, LB, RB, | |||
| 3 (79) Atlanta Falcons | Zachariah Branch 5’9 177 WR-Georgia, USC | Branch never established himself as a vertical threat in school, despite 10.33 100-meter speed. He did, however, flash it as both a PR and KOR on occasion. This past season, he did his best work on third down. He’ll be able to learn the game from steady veteran Olamide Zaccheus. | ||||||||
| 4 (134) Atlanta Falcons (from Las Vegas Raiders) | Kendal Daniels 6’5 243 OLB-Oklahoma, Oklahoma State | Daniels, a former safety at Oklahoma State, provides the Falcons with safety experience. In fact, it can be argued that the former Cowboy was even more effective at that position. That experience should help him transition into a potential third-down role for the Falcons. | The Las Vegas Raiders traded a 2026 fourth-round pick (134th overall) and a 2026 sixth-round pick (208th overall-via Jets) to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick (122nd overall-Mike Washington, Jr.) | |||||||
| 6 (208) Atlanta Falcons (from Las Vegas Raiders) | Anterio Thompson 6’4 306 DT-Washington, WMU, Iowa | Thompson’s outstanding Pro Day (4.75 40-yd, 30 reps-225 lbs) impressed at over 300 pounds. The former Iowa Hawkeye blocked two punts in 2023, ranking third in the nation. Don’t be a bit surprised if he finds a role for the Falcons in that regard. | The Las Vegas Raiders traded a 2026 fourth-round pick (134th overall) and a 2026 sixth-round pick (208th overall-via Jets) to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick (122nd overall-Mike Washington, Jr.) | |||||||
| 7 (215) Atlanta Falcons | Harold Perkins, Jr. 6’1 223 LB-LSU | Perkins, Jr. may have never lived up to the hype at LSU, but that simply depends on the lens its viewed through. His first career tackle came on the KO team (FSU ’22) and he was the team’s best pass rusher by season’s end. During his development, he was a major factor in pass coverage (5 INTs, 10 PBUs). In addition, he posted 18 sacks and 36.5 TFLs. | In March 2026, TRADED a 2026 fourth-round pick (116th overall) and a 2026 sixth-round pick (197th overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for S Sydney Brown, a 2026 fourth-round pick (122nd overall) and a 2026 sixth-round pick (215th overall-Harold Perkins) | |||||||
| 7 (231) Atlanta Falcons | Ethan Onianwa 6’6 333 OG-Ohio State, Rice | Onianwa moved to an interior OG spot at Ohio State and did not win a job. There’s no shame in that. The former high school baseball player started 27 straight games at RT for Rice and was very effective. He’ll get an opportunity to develop at multiple spots after competing favorably at the 2026 Senior Bowl. | ||||||||
| New Orleans Saints | Selection | Offensive FA signings/Trades | Defensive FA signings/Trades | Free Agent losses | Re-signed | Team Needs (Draft) or post-draft | Draft Day trades, prior trades | |||
| 1 (8) New Orleans Saints | Jordyn Tyson 6’2 203 WR-Arizona State, Colorado | No matter where he’s been, Tyson produced. In fact, he finished his Buffaloes stint with back-to-back 100-yard receiving efforts. Coached by Hines Ward, he has a significant feel for separating in tight quarters. His feel for zone coverage is impressive when it comes to finding the soft spots. The strong WR could blossom with an outstanding offensive staff. | RB Travis Etienne, Jr. (Jaguars) on a three-year deal, RB Ty Chandler (Vikings), OG David Edwards (Bills) on a four-year deal, QB Zach Wilson (Dolphins), TE Noah Fant (Bengals) on a two-year deal | LB Kaden Elliss (Falcons) on a three-year deal | LB Demario Davis (Jets), CB Alontae Taylor (Titans), DE Jonah Williams (Cardinals), DL Jonathan Bullard (Cowboys), TE Jack Stoll (Browns), TE Foster Moreau (Texans), OC Luke Fortner (Panthers) | DL John Ridgeway on a two-year deal, DE Chris Rumph II on a one-year deal, OG Dillon Radunz on a two-year deal | CB, EDGE, WR, LB | |||
| 2 (42) New Orleans Saints | Christen Miller 6’4 321 DT-Georgia | Miller’s combination of size and quickness allowed him to man the defensive end spot in three-man fronts. That twitch (in short areas) allowed him to quickly defeat blockers in the run game (Clemson ’24) and he will re-trace his steps in pursuit (GT ’25). It’s not out of the question that he can turn into a productive pass rusher on third downs. Regardless, he’ll pair well with Bryan Bresee inside. | CB, EDGE, WR, LB | |||||||
| 3 (73) New Orleans Saints | Oscar Delp 6’5 245 TE-Georgia | Delp’s 4.5 speed was on display when Bowers went down to injury in 2023 (see Vandy ’23). What may have been more impressive is the fact that he embraced his role as a blocker in two TE sets with Lawson Luckie. They were often used to re-set prior to the snap, often confusing the gap control of opposing defenses. | CB, EDGE, WR, LB | |||||||
| 4 (132) New Orleans Saints | Jeremiah Wright 6’5 331 OG-Auburn | Wright may not be a sleek pass protector, but he was efficient as on the move puller (see Baylor ’25). On top of that, he was able to move bodies in the team’s run game when engaged. He could reasonably compete for a backup spot. Cesar Ruiz’s contract runs out in 2027. | CB, EDGE, WR, LB | In November 2025, the New Orleans Saints traded WR Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick (132nd overall-Jeremiah Wright) and a 2026 fifth-round pick (172nd overall-Lorenzo Styles, Jr.) | ||||||
| 4 (136) New Orleans Saints | Bryce Lance 6’3 204 WR-North Dakota State | Lance was the rare collegian who stayed at his original school in the NIL-era. The Bison used motion to realign him as a slot target by alignment or motioning outside of him. This set him up for box fades (FCS nat’l title ’25). He also displayed some efficiency working at the No. 3 slot on seam patterns. | CB, EDGE, WR, LB | |||||||
| 5 (172) New Orleans Saints | Lorenzo Styles, Jr. 6’0 1/2” 194 DB-Ohio State, Notre Dame | Styles, Jr. moved to the DB spot just a couple of years back. The former Notre Dame WR actually went for 136 yards (TD) in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl. It is surprising that he didn’t stay at the position with his 4.28 speed. He has shown an ability to play the ball down the field as a middle of the field runner in sub-packages (see PBU, post-Cooper, Big Ten Champ ’25). | CB, EDGE, WR, LB | In November 2025, the New Orleans Saints traded WR Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick (132nd overall-Jeremiah Wright) and a 2026 fifth-round pick (172nd overall-Lorenzo Styles, Jr.) | ||||||
| 6 (190) New Orleans Saints | Barion Brown 5’11 177 WR-LSU, Kentucky | We featured Brown a couple of years back and noted his natural kick return capability. The Nashville native has grown as a receiver, but still needs work on not widening himself so much on his outside releases vs. press-man. He’s going to a staff that will get him to concentrate on fundamentals. Additionally, he’ll have a shot to earn a KR-role, but Ty Chandler (25.7 yds/KR in career) has experience in that area. | CB, EDGE, WR, LB | |||||||
| 7 (219) New Orleans Saints (from Las Vegas Raiders) | TJ Hall 6’1 189 CB-Iowa | Hall likely was knocked for sub-prime speed (4.59) and injury history. It takes him awhile to get out of breaks vs. shorter routes. While using a motor-press technique, he can get his hands on WRs (Reliaquest Bowl ’25). He’s left some INT opportunities on the field, but has sufficient movement skills for a 6-foot-1-inch CB. | CB, EDGE, WR, LB | The New Orleans Saints traded a 2026 fifth-round pick (150th overall-Dalton Johnson) to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for DE Tyree Wilson and a 2026 seventh-round pick (219th overall-TJ Hall) | ||||||
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Selection | Offensive FA signings/Trades | Defensive FA signings/Trades | Free Agent losses | Re-signed | Team Needs (Draft) or post-draft | Draft Day trades, prior trades | |||
| 1 (15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Rueben Bain, Jr. 6’2 263 DE-Miami (Fla.) | Bain, Jr’s dominant freshman season set a high bar for him to live up to. In that year, he dominated in his matchup with Clemson’s Blake Miller and earned Frosh All-American honors. He rebounded from an injury-plagued year and really turned it on at the end of 2025. He can offer significant versatility at a multitude of positions on third down as a Shaq Barrett-type clone. | RB Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers) on a two-year deal, QB Jake Browning (Bengals) on a one-year deal, OT Justin Skule (Vikings) | LB Lavonte David announced his retirement……LB Alex Anzalone (Lions) on a two-year deal, LB Christian Rozeboom (Panthers), DL A’Shawn Robinson (Panthers) on a one-year deal, DE Al Quadin-Muhammad (Lions) on a one-year deal, DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches (Giants), S Miles Killebrew (Steelers) on a one-year deal, P Ryan Wright (Vikings) on a four-year deal | WR Mike Evans (49ers), OT Charlie Heck (Dolphins), RB Rachaad White (Commanders), QB Teddy Bridgewater (Lions), DL Logan Hall (Texans), S Christian Izien (Lions), CB Jamel Dean (Steelers), S JT Gray (Eagles), CB Kindle Vildor (Patriots) | TE Cade Otton on a three-year deal, TE Ko Kieft on a one-year deal, OC Dan Feeney | EDGE, CB, LB | |||
| 2 (46) Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Josiah Trotter 6’2 237 LB-Missouri, West Virginia | Trotter reads things so quickly that he actually puts himself in unfavorable positions to get players on the ground. That high football IQ will help him in his NFL transition. And it allows him to close ground in space in the passing game to limit leaky yardage. He gives the team an answer at the MLB position with the departure of Lavonte David. | EDGE, CB, LB | |||||||
| 3 (84) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Green Bay Packers) | Ted Hurst 6’4 206 WR-Georgia State | Hurst still has some kinks to work out technically, but his long stride confuses CBs in coverage (see post TD, vs. Gamble, Georgia Southern ’24). Drops have been an issue. He has worked to clean up body language as a route-runner. The Bucs needed a WR with his body type and he could earn reps inside with the team. | EDGE, CB, LB | The Green Bay Packers traded a 2026 third-round pick (84th overall) and a 2026 fifth-round pick,160th overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick (77th overall) | ||||||
| 4 (116) Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Keionte Scott 5’11 193 CB-Miami (Fla.), Auburn | Scott -a former CB at Auburn- did not stand out at the position. However, his transition to nickel back proved to do wonders for his confidence. He wrapped as a tackler and was able to win as a point guy vs bunch sets (beats block of Boerkircher, 2nd and 4, 1st QTR/10:48 Rd 1, CFP ’25). He could help ease the loss of Christian Izien in free agency. | EDGE, CB, LB | |||||||
| 5 (155) Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Demonte Capehart 6’5 313 DT-Clemson | Capehart struggled on occasion to sink his hips vs. double teams during 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl practices. In fact, he’s much more effective working in-between them. That correlates with his upfield capability. His push-pull technique shows potential as a rusher. Effective on T-T stunts and if he times get-off vs. trap blocks. | EDGE, CB, LB | |||||||
| 160. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Green Bay Packers) | Billy Schrauth 6’5 310 OG-Notre Dame | Schrauth attempts to win early in the down and plays even longer than his size suggests. Also effective vs. line games, he can open holes with vigor on angle blocks (2nd and 9, 1st QTR/8:31, Arkansas ’25). Question marks revolve foot, ankle and knee injuries that date back to high school. | EDGE, CB, LB | The Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded a 2026 third-round pick (77th overall) to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick (84th overall) and a 2026 fifth-round pick (160th overall) | ||||||
| 6 (185) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Las Vegas Raiders) | Bauer Sharp 6’5 249 TE-LSU, Oklahoma, SE Louisiana | The former All-Southland selection did not have a sparkling year for the Tigers. Did anyone stand out for the team? Prior to that, the former high school QB spent a year at Oklahoma. He has upside as a player who can separate and catch the ball with field speed and flexibility. He needs time to develop into an in-line blocking role. | EDGE, CB, LB | The Las Vegas Raiders traded a 2026 sixth-round pick (185th overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick (195th overall-Malik Benson) and a 2026 seventh-round pick (229th overall-Brandon Cleveland) | ||||||
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons brass hired general manager Ian Cunningham in January 2026. Since that time, the team has been intentional in both free agency and the draft. So how did the team go about its business last weekend?
First, they stayed put on Day 2 of the draft. As a result, they picked up AJ Terrell’s brother, Avieon, and a Georgia Bulldog in Zachariah Branch.
Secondly, Cunningham and the team’s brass found a trade partner with the Las Vegas Raiders. They traded the 122nd overall pick (Mike Washington) to the Las Vegas Raiders and moved down 12 spots in the fourth round. It netted them a fourth-round selection (134th overall-OLB Kendal Daniels) and a sixth-round pick (208th overall-Anterio Thompson). Both picks have a chance to upgrade the Falcons special teams units.
Additionally, we cannot forget about the Falcons trade with the Philadelphia Eagles back in March 2026. They gave the Eagles fourth-round (114th overall-Devin Moore, Dallas) and sixth-round picks (197th overall-CJ Daniels, LA Rams). Subsequently, Atlanta received safety Sydney Brown, a fourth-round pick (122nd overall-Washington) and a 2026 sixth-round pick (215th overall).
With the 215th overall pick, the Falcons took a linebacker in Harold Perkins, Jr. Perkins, Jr. -another high-upside special teams projection- could earn repetitions in sub-packages. Prior to injury in 2024, Perkins, Jr. was projected to go much higher in the 2025 NFL Draft.
New Orleans Saints
New Orleans came into the draft with the most experienced executive in general manager Mickey Loomis. Loomis let the draft come to the organization. He started off by getting an experienced receiver to team with Chris Olave and found a defensive tackle to team with Bryan Bresee. Bresee will play in 2026 on his fifth-year option.
And, while his third-round pick Oscar Delp turned heads by running in the 4.48-range, it was his blocking that stood out at Georgia. His selection makes the team much more dangerous when it uses two tight-end sets.
The possibility of guard Cesar Ruiz departing in 2027 may have played a factor in the drafting of Jeremiah Wright in Round 4. They picked up that pick from Seattle -along with a 2026 fifth-rounder- in the Rashid Shaheed trade.
Finally, after the team chose a speedy return man of their own in Round 6, the Saints finished off the proceedings with a pick from another trade. The Raiders sent them a former Top 10 pick and a 2026 seventh-rounder (219th overall) in exchange for a fifth-rounder (150th overall-Dalton Johnson) in this year’s draft.
A couple of good days at the office for Loomis and the Saints.
About Author
