Over the next two weeks, I’ll be taking a look at the top three need areas for every team in each NFL division.  Today we’ll look at the NFC South…

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

1. Defensive Line - This is by far the most glaring hole on the Bucs’ squad.  The loss of both Anthony McFarland (trade) and Dewayne White (free agency) have left this group with relatively no depth or youth.  Simeon Rice disappointed greatly last year before being placed on injured reserve, and the signing of Kevin Carter is no more than a one-year, stop-gap solution.

Picks That Fit: DE Gaines Adams, Clemson (Round 1), DE Anthony Spencer, Purdue (2), DT Marcus Thomas, Florida (3).

2. Safety - The Bucs saw very little in the way of playmaking and reliable tackling at the safety position last year, and that simply must improve for the defense to regain respect.  Jermaine Phillips and Will Allen have been given plenty of chances to prove that they are capable of providing the level of production expected from the Bucs’ defensive coaches (and veteran players), and I believe those chances have run out.  The Bucs need to focus on drafting two safeties in this draft: one who is a sure tackler and mentally strong to play strong safety, and another with playmaking, ball-hawking skills to patrol the deep zones at free safety.

Picks That Fit: CB/S Michael Griffin, Texas (2), FS Brandon Meriweather, Miami (FL) (2), SS John Wendling, Wyoming (4).

3. Offensive Line - The Bucs did a superb job with this position during last year’s draft, but it must continue.  A young center will be needed sooner rather than later, and young depth along the O-Line is always a necessity in the NFL. 

Picks That Fit: T Joe Thomas, Wisconsin (1), C Ryan Kalil, USC (2), G Ben Grubbs, Auburn (2).

ATLANTA FALCONS

1. Defensive End - The Falcons are in need of a top-flight pass rusher following the loss of Patrick Kerney to free agency.  John Abraham is can be a premier sack artist, but durability is a huge concern.

Picks That Fit: Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas (1), Tim Crowder, Texas (2), Quentin Moses, Georgia (3). 

2. Safety - The Falcons did a great job or shoring up the safety spot with veteran Lawyer Milloy, but he’s not getting any younger.  Chris Crocker has been a solid performer, and is still young, but the Falcons could use an upgrade.

Picks That Fit: LaRon Landry, LSU (1), Eric Weddle, Utah, (2), Josh Gattis, Wake Forest (3).

3. Wide Receiver - The Falcons have a pair of young starters at WR, both of whom they’ve spend recent first-round picks on.  However, both Roddy White and Michael Jenkins have been career underacheivers up to this point, and the Falcons need a reliable target to take attention away from TE Alge Crumpler. 

Picks That Fit: Ted Ginn, Jr., Ohio State (1), Jason Hill, Washington State (2), Courtney Taylor, Auburn (3).

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

1. Cornerback - The Saints secondary was decimated by injuries last season, so depth is a serious need here.  While Mike McKenzie is still a solid performer, Fred Thomas is serviceable at best.

Picks That Fit: Chris Houston, Arkansas (1), Eric Wright, UNLV (2), Travarous Bain, Hampton (3).

2. Defensive Tackle - Starters Hollis Thomas (34 years old) and Brian Young (30 by the start of the season) are aging, and the Saints have little depth behind them.  While Thomas is a steady force in run support, the Saints lack a true pass-rushing presence along the interior defensive line.

Picks That Fit: Justin Harrell, Tennessee (1), Turk McBride, Tennessee (2), Jay Alford, Penn State (3).

3. Linebacker - This isn’t a glaring need for the Saints as far as starters go, but depth is definitely necessary.  The signing of free agent Brian Simmons will help out considerably, but he’s not as young as he used to be and the Saints need more youth in the depth chart.

Picks That Fit: Justin Durant, Hampton (2), Stephen Nicholas, South Florida (3), Prescott Burgess, Michigan (4).

CAROLINA PANTHERS

1. Inside Linebacker - Dan Morgan’s injury concerns have forced the Panthers to look elsewhere for the future at inside linebacker.  Morgan is likely to never be the same after sustaining many concussions over his career.

Picks That Fit: Patrick Willis, Mississippi (1), David Harris, Michigan (2), H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh (3).

2. Safety - Mike Minter has been a solid starter for years in Carolina, and Shaun Williams played decently last season.  However, both players are again, and the Panthers need an infusion of youth now before it’s needed too desperately.

Picks That Fit: Reggie Nelson, Florida (1), Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech (2), Michael Johnson, Arizona (3).

3. Defensive Line - The Panthers are getting old along the defensive line, and aside from Julius Peppers, they lack a durable, reliable pass rushing threat.  Both Kris Jenkins and Mike Rucker are on their last legs, and the Panthers need some young depth sooner rather than later.

Picks That Fit: DE Adam Carriker, Nebraska (1), DT DeMarcus “Tank” Tyler, North Carolina State, (2), DT Kareem Brown, Miami (FL) (3).