NFC South: Only Bucs aren't desperate for big draft hits

The fourth in a series on division needs leading up to the April 26-27 NFL Draft:
AFC East | NFC East | AFC South

When coach John Fox first took over Carolina he talked about how important it was to get his first draft choice right. So he took Julius Peppers, not Joey Harrington.

Smart move.

Will the Panthers go for Miami S Kenny Phillips? (Getty Images)

Now Fox and the Panthers are on the clock again, this time fighting for their lives. Carolina has a raft of needs, and it better get them straight again -- otherwise, Fox and Friends will be looking for work.

Tampa Bay is the top dog here, but the Bucs solved many of their wants through free agency. New Orleans is looking to get back on top with defense and offensive linemen. And Atlanta ... well, the Falcons are where the Panthers were in Fox's rookie season.

Matt Ryan or no Matt Ryan: That is the question.

Carolina Panthers

The skinny: There are must-win games and must-win seasons, and this, folks, is a must-win season for Fox and the Panthers. After two straight losing years, Fox must straighten out his club, which means he better find someone other than Steve Smith to gain yards and get something more than 2.5 sacks out of Peppers.

Primary need: Safety

Secondary needs: Defensive tackle, wide receiver, defensive end, offensive tackle.

Possible targets: Miami safety Kenny Phillips, Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey, Clemson defensive end Phillip Merling.

Summary: The Panthers will be OK if Jake Delhomme stays healthy, but they must do something about protecting him with an offensive line and running game. There are plenty of offensive linemen and running backs in this draft, so you could see the Panthers waiting on either of those positions. But they better find a safety or defensive lineman fast. I'd take either at the 13th position.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The skinny: After signing half the available unrestricted free agents, the Bucs feel pretty good about their draft position, but they still must find someone to help out Joey Galloway. The guy can't go on forever, and Michael Clayton hasn't done much of anything since joining the team. Remember, Jeff Garcia is 38. The window is closing, guys.

Primary need: Wide receiver

Secondary needs: Cornerback, defensive end, offensive tackle.

Possible targets: Cal wide receiver DeSean Jackson, Texas wide receiver Limas Sweed, Indiana wide receiver James Hardy.

Summary: At the 20th position, the Bucs will have a crack at one of the top wide receivers. That is good. But the position is deep, which means they could wait for the second or third rounds. If that happened, they could choose to go defense and bolster one of the league's top units with a young talent. Me? I'm looking for help for Garcia.

Atlanta Falcons

The skinny: This is a tear-down project that is starting from the ground up. There are needs everywhere, but none more important than the quarterback. Michael Vick is gone and forgotten. Chris Redman had his moments last year, but he was Bobby Petrino's quarterback. With a new coach and new offensive system the Falcons should look for a new quarterback.

Primary need: Quarterback

Secondary need: Cornerback, wide receiver, defensive tackle, tackle.

Possible targets: Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, Michigan tackle Jake Long or LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey.

Summary: Anything is possible. Some people think the third spot is too high for Ryan, but he's the best QB in the draft, and he won't last long. The Falcons must solve that position, and this is their chance. If you're sold on Long you better jump because he won't get past Kansas City at the fifth position.

New Orleans Saints

The skinny: A year ago the Saints were the feel-good story of the NFL, graduating to the NFC championship game one year after Hurricane Katrina. Now they're trying to shake off a disappointing 7-9 finish, and a healthy Deuce McAllister, linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive end Bobby McCray are critical to the cause. Still, the Saints must get a boost from the draft.

Primary need: Cornerback

Secondary needs: Linebacker, defensive tackle, tight end, center.

Possible targets: Linebacker Keith Rivers is a possibility. So are cornerbacks Leodis McKelvin and Michael Jenkins.

Summary: I wouldn't worry about the Saints' offense. If McAllister is OK it should be fine. My concern would be with a defense that ranked 26th overall and 30th against the pass. The Saints allowed 32 touchdown passes, tying Detroit for rock bottom, so you have to believe they'll look for a pass rusher or cornerback.