Ranking All 26 Rookies in the NFC South
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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