Tony Pauline’s NFC South Mock Draft: Walter Nolen builds Falcons' defense, Bucs invest in future with Baker Mayfield

Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons threw a major curveball in last April’s draft, selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick of the draft after handing quarterback Kirk Cousins a large contract in free agency. The move has shown promise in the three games Penix started. It’s expected that the franchise will target a defensive prospect in the first round of this coming draft.

Round 1: Walter Nolen/DT/Mississippi - Nolen showed a lot of improvement in his game this season and is a playmaking defensive lineman with scheme versatility. His athleticism and quickness would fit the Falcons scheme. Contingency Plan: Kenneth Grant/DL/Michigan

Round 2: Danny Stutsman/LB/Oklahoma - An all-everything linebacker, Stutsman would immediately improve the Falcons’ ability to stop the run.

Round 4: Glendon Miller/CB/Maryland - Miller can play nickel or on the outside and is an underrated cornerback.

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Mock Draft: Carolina Panthers

Earlier this season, it looked inevitable that Bryce Young’s career in Carolina was over and the trade to acquire him was a massive bust. And while the trade still looks questionable, Young redeemed himself after being forced back into the lineup. Getting a pass rusher as well as a major weapon for Young is critical.

Round 1: Abdul Carter/Edge/Penn State - Much depends on if the Panthers own a selection in the top five, but this would be a natural fit for the defense. Carter’s an explosive athlete who primarily came out of a three-point stance this season, yet he has the skill to cover the pass or defend the run standing over tackle. Contingency Plan: Tetairoa McMillan/WR/Arizona

Round 2: Evan Stewart/WR/Oregon - Stewart has incredible potential and dominates when he’s on his game, yet he was hampered with injury and inconsistency this season.

Round 3: Ty Robinson/DL/Nebraska - Another great fit for the Panthers defense, like Carter. Robinson is a natural two-gap lineman who consistently makes plays on the football.

Round 4: Harold Fannin Jr./TE/Bowling Green

Round 4: Riley Leonard/QB/Notre Dame

Round 5: Tommi Hill/CB/Nebraska

Round 5: Jeffrey Bassa/LB/Oregon

Round 5: Tim Smith/DT/Alabama

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Mock Draft: New Orleans Saints

The Saints are in the market for a new head coach and must fill several critical holes. The defense, which had been a mainstay, is getting old and they must draft another receiver, if one is not signed in free agency.

Round 1: Luther Burden III/WR/Missouri - Burden is a nice-sized wideout with dependable hands and big-play ability. He can also assist on special teams. Contingency Plan: Mykel Williams/Edge/Georgia

Round 2: Marcus Mbow/T/Purdue - Despite expending a lot of draft capital on the offensive line, the Saints still have needs up front. Mbow is an incredibly athletic right-tackle prospect who may also be capable of handling the left side.

Round 3: Dorian Strong/CB/Virginia Tech - A nice-sized corner with next-level ball skills.

Round 3: Barryn Sorrell/DE/Texas

Round 4: Eli Stowers/TE/Vanderbilt

Round 4: Nazir Stackhouse/DT/Georgia

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Mock Draft: Tampa Bay Bucs

The future is now for the Buccaneers, whose star receivers are aging. The defense still needs to find the elusive edge rusher after several disappointing draft picks.

Round 1: James Pearce Jr./Edge/Tennessee - Pearce is insanely athletic and can do a lot of things well on the field, but he must get bigger and stronger. Contingency Plan: Benjamin Morrison/CB/Notre Dame

Round 2: Elic Ayomanor/WR/Stanford - Ayomanor has incredible upside and flashed dominance this past season.

Round 3: Charles Grant/G/William & Mary - The athletic small-school tackle will draw comparisons to former Buccaneers lineman Ali Marpet, and like the Bucs 2015 second-round pick, he offers potential at a variety of offensive line spots.

Round 4: Cobee Bryant/CB/Kansas

Round 5: Thomas Fidone II/TE/Nebraska