The 2025 NFL Draft may be months out, but it’s never too early to take a closer look at who teams could select. Let’s take a look at which prospects were mocked to each NFC South team in Pro Football Network’s latest mock draft.
Projecting Who All 16 NFC South Teams Will Select in 2025 NFL Draft
1) Carolina Panthers: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
If the Panthers are here again, it’s likely because the upgrades at the skill positions weren’t enough to help elevate Bryce Young. I wouldn’t rule out a quarterback or offensive tackle here, but I have a higher view of Ikem Ekwonu than many and I don’t love the quarterback class. So, the Panthers are in full rebuild mode to upgrade the roster before taking a quarterback (Arch Manning?) in 2026.
Luther Burden III is probably going to end up in the Ja’Marr Chase or Marvin Harrison Jr. range of prospects by the time we’re done. He’s that good. He excels after the catch and should end up as a true No. 1 in the NFL.
9) New Orleans Saints: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
If all the edge rushers fall this far, I’ll be shocked, but it happens that way here, to the benefit of the Saints. James Pearce Jr. is my early favorite as the top edge rusher and fits well in New Orleans’ traditional 4-3 front. Pearce has put on nearly 30 pounds since enrolling at Tennessee, so he’s still honing his craft as a traditionally-sized edge rusher. The upside here is tremendous.
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11) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Tetairoa McMillan isn’t likely to fall this far, but getting him to replace an aging Mike Evans would be a coup for the Buccaneers. He’s extremely fluid for a 6’5″ receiver and excels at the catch point at that size. A strong 2024 season could push him even further up draft boards.
20) Atlanta Falcons: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Teams have recently been a bit scared of taking safeties this early in the draft, but if there’s a single first-round safety this April, it will be Malaki Starks. If you were to create-a-player in College Football 25 or Madden to play safety, he’d look a lot like Starks, whose combination of explosiveness and football IQ make him a tantalizing prospect.
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