RB1, QB1 and the Outliers: NFC South Draft Grades

The dust has settled for the 2023 NFL Draft and while the rookies haven’t even signed their contracts yet, opinions are already in on teams draft classes.

The following grades will be handed out based on not just the draft selection but also trades made before or during the draft.

Atlanta Falcons

Draft Grade: B+

The value of a running back might not be there taking Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick but he makes their offense much more dangerous immediately. The young core of Robinson, Desmond Ridder, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Tyler Allgeier, as well as having veterans like Jonnu Smith and Cordarrelle Patterson, is promising for 2023 and beyond.

Matthew Bergeron should step in immediately as the starting left guard for an offensive line that already showed promise during the 2022 season. Zach Harrison wasn’t a great pick in my opinion but allowing him to learn behind the veterans that are on this roster could help him make progress toward becoming a legit starter.

Clark Phillips was arguably the best nickel defender behind Brian Branch in the entire draft so to add him on day three can’t be overstated from a value standpoint. Using seventh-round picks on players with the potential to become legit contributors in DeMarcco Hellams and Jovaughn Gwyn is a big plus as well for a still-rebuilding offense.

Carolina Panthers

Draft Grade: B

With so few picks in the Draft, it’s difficult to add many starters but the Panthers also added the guy who should be their quarterback for the next decade-plus in Bryce Young. At the moment, Andy Dalton is listed as the starter, but…