NFC Offseason in Review- NFC South

Possibly the biggest power players in the upcoming draft are the New Orleans Saints. Signing QB Drew Brees took them out of the QB market, leaving teams coveting Matt Leinart or Vince Young salivating at a chance to move up. If they can find a team willing to give up a number of picks, don't be surprised to see them move out of this slot. Two big time players moved in to the division during the offseason with the Falcons acquisition of DE John Abraham and the Panthers signing WR Keyshawn Johnson. Carolina and Tampa both made the postseason a year ago and the Panthers remain a favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Atlanta Falcons: Freestyling superstar Mike Vick failed to return the Falcons to the playoffs a year ago despite a terrific season from backfield mate Warrick Dunn. The Falcons have brought in T Wayne Gandy to help protect their star and try to keep him healthy the full year. Vick attempted to stay in the pocket more in '05 but with very little success. In order for the Falcons to return among the elite he needs to make things happen with his legs. He's got the double D's in the backfield with Dunn and TJ Duckett, along with safety valve TE Alge Crumpler. They have yet to find help on the outside with no real receiving threat emerging outside of Crumpler. Brian Finneran re-signed and Roddy White flashed potential in his rookie year. Big improvements were made on the other side of the ball with the acquisition of DE John Abraham. His ability to rush the passer opposite Patrick Kerney will make a formidable end duo. They also added veteran S Lawyer Milloy to anchor the defensive backfield.

Key Additions: DE John Abraham, S Lawyer Milloy, T Wayne Gandy
Key Losses: T Kevin Shaffer, S Bryan Scott

Carolina Panthers: Comeback player of the Year Steve Smith put up MVP numbers on his way to carrying the Cats to the NFC Championship game. The offense's biggest setbacks? Injuries to running backs and a number two receiver. They settled the latter problem by signing free agent WR Keyshawn Johnson and re-signed RB DeShaun Foster hoping he can stay healthy. The majority of changes this offseason have come on the defensive side of the ball. Starting linebackers Brandon Short and Will Witherspoon are gone, along with safety Marlon McCree. With Brenston Buckner either retiring or suiting up elsewhere and star Kris Jenkins suffering catastrophic injuries each of the last two seasons, DT Maake Kemeoatu and Damione Lewis have been brought in to fill up the interior of the defensive line. Former first round draft pick S Shaun Williams comes over from New York and will likely take over for McCree. Last year's first round draft pick Thomas Davis will switch from the defensive backfield to a full-time linebacker. He is a bit undersized but a tremendous athlete.

Key Additions: WR Keyshawn Johnson, S Shaun Williams, DT Maake Kemeoatu, LB Na'il Diggs
Key Losses: LB Will Witherspoon, LB Brandon Short, S Marlon McCree, RB Stephen Davis

New Orleans Saints: After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, the Saints were left without a home. They were forced to play their first "home" game in the Meadowlands and rotated between Baton Rouge and San Antonio for the rest. The chaos surrounding the team and region caused the team to struggle, along with the inconsistent play of QB Aaron Brooks. As has been a theme across football this season, gone are the head coach and QB from a struggling team. Instead of using their number two pick on a QB, the Saints signed Drew Brees to a six year deal. Deuce McCallister had his season cut short a year ago by injury, so they brought in speedster Michael Bennett for insurance. No matter who is handling the ball, there will be some holes up front. Star Center LeCharles Bentley will be snapping in Cleveland and Wayne Gandy was traded for defensive backfield help. Defensively their biggest move was bringing OLB Scott Fujita over from the Cowboys. They also added help in their defensive backfield, but lost solid DE Darren Howard.

Key Additions: QB Drew Brees, RB Michael Bennett, OLB Scott Fujita, S Bryan Scott
Key Losses: QB Aaron Brooks, C LeCharles Bentley, LT Wayne Gandy, DE Darren Howard,
OLB Sedrick Hodge

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Last season marked the emergence of young QB Chris Simms and rookie sensation Carnell "Cadillac" Williams. As has been the case in recent Bucs history, the defense paved the way to the postseason. They suffered a tough loss to Washington at home in the first round of the NFC Playoffs, but seem to be content with keeping their core together. The Bucs have done very little in the offseason, headlined by adding some Offensive Line depth. They also added FB Jerald Sowell to take some pressure off aging Mike Alstott. Backup QB Brian Griese bolted for the Windy City, leaving Simms completely in charge of the offense. The only projected starter who has left town was starting FS Dexter Jackson. However, the defense should get a little boost from the addition of versatile LB Jamie Winborn.

Key Additions: FB Jerald Sowell, LB Jamie Winborn, T Torrin Tucker
Key Losses: QB Brian Griese, FS Dexter Jackson, FB Jameel Cook