The end line is right here. Now we have analyzed the NFC South place group by place group from prime to backside, plus the teaching staffs. However while you put all of it collectively what does all of it add as much as?

As I’ve been chronicling this collection, I’ve been assigning numerical weights to every place group rating. And now as every thing has lastly been offered, I’ve a remaining grade for every workforce that may function a barometer for the place the NFC South at present stands heading into coaching camp later this summer season.

Earlier than I get to the ultimate rankings listed here are some fast hyperlinks to the quarterbacks, working backs, broad receivers, tight ends, offensive traces, defensive traces, linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties, specialists and NFC South teaching staffs.

It is very important be aware that each one 4 groups graded out very equally. The distinction between the first-place workforce and the final place workforce was 2.7 factors on a scale of 1-100. And that matches up with typical knowledge relating to the NFC South. Keep in mind, the Bucs received the division final yr with an 8-9 report, whereas the opposite three groups have been tied at 7-10.

Each workforce has an inexpensive likelihood at ending in any of the 4 spots within the division. As a fan of soccer this must be enjoyable and intriguing. As a fan of the Bucs this will likely trigger you ulcers. Now, with out additional ado listed here are my NFC South full workforce rankings.

New Orleans Saints

Bucs CB Carlton Davis III and Saints WR Michael Thomas – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

The Saints take the highest spot by advantage of getting one of the best quarterback within the division in Derek Carr together with robust models at working again, broad receiver, tight finish, linebacker, security and particular groups. The Saints get to the No. 1 spot by advantage of constructing an all-around strong roster. They rank final within the NFC South in just one place group, which is the offensive line.

When you have been to guess towards New Orleans it could be that offensive line that drives your guess. Both that or an absence of religion within the teaching employees. Carr stands out as the most completed beginning quarterback within the division, however he can wrestle underneath stress and the inside of the Saints line is a slew of query marks.

However the execs for this workforce are straightforward to seek out. The offense ought to rating sufficient factors with a powerful forged of playmakers surrounding Carr and a very good deal with duo. And the protection underneath head coach Dennis Allen might be aggressive as a most-likely High 10 unit. On this division that may be ok for a division title and a visit to the playoffs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bucs DT Vita Vea – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

The Bucs end 1.5 factors behind the Saints in my grading and simply 0.6 factors forward of the subsequent workforce. Tampa Bay ties Atlanta for probably the most prime place teams with 4. Three of these place teams are on the defensive aspect of the ball the place the Bucs have amassed a gluttony of expertise.

With established stalwarts Vita Vea, Shaq Barrett, Lavonte David, Jamel Dean, Carlton Davis III and Antoine Winfield Jr. flanked by younger proficient gamers like Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Calijah Kancey, Yaya Diaby, Devin White and Zyon McCollum the Bucs may function one of the best protection in soccer, not to mention the NFC South. Elevating that protection is a head coach who is thought all through the NFL as some of the modern minds on that aspect of the ball. It provides the Bucs a excessive flooring to work from as they jockey for place within the NFC South.

The questions for Tampa Bay actually come up on the offensive aspect of the ball the place they ranked third at quarterback, tight finish and offensive line and final at working again. High that off with a rookie play-caller and an argument will be made (and has been by many a nationwide analyst) that the Bucs might have one of many worst offenses within the NFL. And whereas all of that’s true, I feel one factor that isn’t being talked about sufficient is the variance the workforce appears to be leaning into.

Baker Mayfield is constantly ranked as one of many worst starters within the league proper now, however he’s additionally certainly one of solely 14 projected starters with two or extra seasons with a Professional Soccer Focus grade of 80.0 or higher. Mayfield represents a gambit by the Bucs that, if wholesome and returned to a Kyle Shanahan/Sean McVay-style broad zone offense, he can return to a High 10-15 quarterback. If that occurs the Bucs could make some noise and leapfrog into the highest spot within the NFC South.

Atlanta Falcons

Texas RB Bijan Robinson – Picture by: USA Immediately

That is the one rating that feels most off. And I feel which may be as a result of my calculations don’t account for synergy. And synergy in soccer may be very actual. Working example, the Miami Dolphins final yr. By growing an offense that was on the intense finish of the pace spectrum, each a part of that offense elevated, and the Dolphins have been top-of-the-line scoring models within the NFL till Tua Tagovailoa’s damage points.

Head coach Arthur Smith is constructing an offense that might be troublesome to cease. They have been High 5 in EPA/rush final yr and have since added a doubtlessly generational working again in Bijan Robinson and bolstered their offensive line with an athletic participant in Matthew Bergeron. The synergy of that run sport matched up towards defenses which can be designed to cease the move first may lead the Falcons to being the highest offense within the NFC South regardless of having the worst quarterback scenario and one of many worst broad receiver rooms within the division.

On the defensive aspect of the ball Atlanta has invested closely with the signings of Jessie Bates III, Calais Campbell, David Onyematta and Bud Dupree plus the commerce for Jeff Okudah. These additions definitely elevate the expertise stage on this aspect of the ball, nevertheless it stays to be seen if all of those additions will coalesce into an above common unit. In the event that they do you may make a case for the Falcons being a shock darkish horse playoff workforce.

Carolina Panthers

Panthers QB Bryce Younger and head coach Frank Reich – Picture by: USA Immediately

When you have been a three-to-five-year outlook of every of those NFC South groups there’s a good guess the Panthers could also be ranked greater on this record. However by any cheap measure this can be a workforce that’s rebuilding. They’ve all the normal markers of 1. New teaching employees. Examine. Rookie first spherical quarterback. Examine.

The Panthers have some expertise on their roster. However there was not a single place group the place they ranked first within the NFC South in. As a matter of reality, they ranked final in 5 completely different areas (broad receivers, tight ends, line of defense, safeties and specialists).

But when there was a case to be made for this workforce shocking and ending in the direction of the highest it is because of their top-ranked teaching employees. An incredible teaching employees can get probably the most out of even a marginal roster (see: Giants, New York circa 2022). The Panthers’ teaching employees is heads and tails above the remainder of the division and will have this squad competing sooner reasonably than later.

Closing NFC South Evaluation

As I’ve proven, you may make a case for nearly each one of many groups within the NFC South and present a path to the highest spot within the division. However with a very good protection and one of the best quarterback the Saints have my vote for the slight edge within the super-competitive NFC South.