NFC South: 2023 First-Round Picks
During the 2023 NFL Draft, the NFC South teams made some interesting first-round draft picks. The Carolina team was searching for their next franchise quarterback, the Falcons were looking to create an impact, the Bucs needed to add younger players to their defense, while New Orleans had various options for receivers, tight ends, and linemen as they started to become available.
Here's a look at the NFC South first-round draft choices:
Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Alabama quarterback Bryce Young on stage after he was drafted first overall by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
CAROLINA PANTHERS
No. 1: Bryce Young, QB - Alabama
Carolina has acquired a franchise quarterback who is intelligent, pocket-savvy, accurate, and intuitive, much like Drew Brees. Although his size is a concern, if the team constructs a strong offensive line to shield him, he has the potential for a successful career.
Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Texas running back Bijan Robinson on stage after being selected by the Atlanta Falcons eighth overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
ATLANTA FALCONS
No. 8: Bijan Robinson, RB - Texas
The general manager, Terry Fontenot, prioritized getting the best running back in the draft and may have overlooked other team needs. However, Bijan Robinson is a versatile player who can both run and catch, making him a valuable asset to the team. With him on board, the NFC South defensive linemen and linebackers will have a tough time stopping him. Pairing Robinson with the young Desmond Ridder gives head coach Arthur Smith a potent offensive duo.
Mar 1, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pittsburgh defensive lineman Calijah Kancey (DL09) speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
No. 19: Calijah Kancey, DT - Pittsburgh
Several mock drafts for the New Orleans Saints predicted that Kancey would join the team in the Big Easy. However, coach Todd Bowles plans to utilize the formidable presence of Calijah Kancey and Vida Vea to pressure quarterbacks Derek Carr, Bryce Young, and Desmond Ridder by collapsing their pockets.
Dec 30, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (11) sacks Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) during the first half of the 2022 Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
No. 29: Bryan Bresee, DT - Clemson
The New Orleans Saints selected Bryan Bresee, a 6-5 and 298-pound defensive tackle from Clemson, with the No. 29 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite being chosen after DT Mazi Smith and DE Myles Murphy, Bresee will be a great addition to the Saints' defensive line, which struggled against the run in 2022-23.
"The only real issue is the medical side, but anyone drafting him will have done their due diligence. Bresee will instantly make the defense better." John Hendrix, SNN
"He has experience working from nose tackle position to taking snaps as a 5-technique run stopper (think Cameron Jordan his rookie season). His NFL projection is that of a 3-tech pass-rush penetrator." Bob Rose, SNN
"What shines when it comes to the Clemson product is his ability as a pass rusher. His heavy and violent hands take opposing blockers by surprise and knocking them back on their heels. He is also a very disciplined player in terms of where his eyes shoot and remain throughout plays." Ross Jackson, SNN
