NFC South 2025 NFL Draft Grades: Analysis of Every Team's Picks

The Falcons made it clear their main priority was to improve their defense. They landed a big-time edge rusher in James Pearce Jr. with a bold trade-up in the first round.

Pearce has the kind of athleticism that could make an immediate impact on their pass rush, which has been a weakness for a while now. Adding Jalon Walker, another edge rusher from Georgia, to bolster the front seven was a solid move as well. The Falcons didn’t stop there — addressing their secondary with players like Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr..

These defensive additions are exciting, but giving up a 2026 first-round pick to move up for Pearce carries some risk. If the Falcons don’t make a playoff push this season, that trade could sting, but the overall haul definitely brings hope for the future.

The Panthers nailed their draft. Their top priority was giving young quarterback Bryce Young a true No. 1 target, and they did just that by selecting Tetairoa McMillan in the first round. McMillan’s size and ability to dominate in contested situations should be a perfect fit for Young’s development.

Carolina didn’t stop there — on Day 2, they added pass rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, both with plenty of upside. Sure, there were some curious picks, like grabbing another running back in the fourth round and taking Lathan Ransom, a safety who doesn’t quite fill a major need, but those are small concerns compared to the overall strength of this class.

The addition of tight end Mitchell Evans in the later rounds adds another weapon for the offense, and he’s someone who can contribute early as a solid blocker and pass-catcher. All in all, Carolina’s draft gives them a great mix of immediate help and long-term potential.

The Saints’ draft had some hits, but it wasn’t as clean as others in the division. First, they grabbed offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. in the first round, which is a smart move for the future of their offensive line, even if it didn’t light up the fanbase.

Their defensive picks, like Danny Stutsman, Shaun Sanker, and Quincy Riley, add depth and some potential starters, which is promising. However, the second-round pick of quarterback Tyler Shough raised eyebrows. Shough has experience, but at 26 years old, it’s unclear if he’s a long-term answer, especially after a career that included some injury struggles.

New Orleans might have been better off using that pick for a player who could contribute more immediately. The Saints seem to be caught between rebuilding and competing for now, and this draft didn’t give them a clear direction.