Ranking All 26 Rookies in the NFC South

Previewing which first-year guys will make a big impact on their respective teams.

In roughly 100 days, we will see the No. 1 overall pick, Bryce Young, take the field (we assume) for the first time as a Carolina Panther. He and a few other highly touted rookies will be featured in that Week 1 matchup with Atlanta. 

So that got me thinking, where do the Panthers rookies fit in with the rest of the draftees from around the division? Below, I ranked all 26 draft picks from the NFC South. 

1. QB Bryce Young, Panthers

He's the most polished prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft and is without question the top QB in the class. The intelligence, decision-making, and accuracy will make Bryce Young successful in his rookie season. He's the clear-cut best prospect in the NFC South.

2. RB Bijan Robinson, Falcons

Typically, I don't care for taking running backs very high in the draft but guys like Bijan are an exception. He's a special talent - one that can single-handedly carry an offense. I've been on the Bijan hype train since he first popped onto the scene at Texas. If he remains healthy, he could have a Hall of Fame career.

3. WR Jonathan Mingo, Panthers

This may be a notch or two high for some but it's hard not to get excited about Mingo's traits. He's a big slot receiver that can become a reliable force over the middle but don't expect him to be utilized strictly inside. Mingo reminds me of a slightly bigger Deebo Samuel. Will he have the same level of success? Time will tell. 

4. DT Bryan Bresee, Saints

The stats don't pop off the page but Bresee is one of these guys that I believe will have a lot more success in the NFL than in college. It may not happen immediately, but Bresee will eventually be a key fixture in New Orleans' defensive front.

5. OL Matthew Bergeron, Falcons

The Falcons have an eye for offensive linemen. Jake Matthews, Chris Lindstrom, Kaleb McGary, etc. Bergeron will slide right in at left guard with no issue. I was stunned that he didn't go in the first round of the draft. Home run pick here for Atlanta as they continue to solidify their offensive line.

The rest of the pack

6. DL Calijah Kancey, Buccaneers

7. OL Chandler Zavala, Panthers

8. RB Kendre Miller, Saints

9. DL Isaiah Foskey, Saints

10. DL Zach Harrison, Falcons

11. OL Nick Saldiveri, Saints

12. OT Cody Mauch, Buccaneers

13. LB SirVocea Dennis, Buccaneers

14. DL YaYa Diaby, Buccaneers

15. S Jammie Robinson, Panthers

16. DB DeMarcco Hellams, Falcons

17. WR A.T. Perry, Saints

18. TE Payne Durham, Buccaneers

19. LB DJ Johnson, Panthers

20. WR Trey Palmer, Buccaneers

21. QB Jake Haener, Saints

22. CB Clark Phillips III, Falcons

23. CB Josh Hayes, Buccaneers

24. DB Jordan Howden, Saints

25. DL Jose Ramirez, Buccaneers

26. OL Jovaughn Gwyn, Falcons

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