Most Selected Players in MDS for Every NFC South Team: Buccaneers Focus on EDGE

The NFC North has had some major shakeup in the quarterback department, especially as two 2024 first-round picks enter the division.

Who will join those players in the division next year via the NFL Draft? Here, we look ahead at the players being drafted the most on each team in the NFC, according to data gathered from Pro Football Network’s NFL Mock Draft Simulator.

Which Players Are Being Selected Most in Round 1 of the PFN MDS?

Atlanta Falcons: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

One of the criticisms of the Falcons’ 2024 NFL Draft performance was that they waited too long to address a sparse EDGE room, and they might’ve passed up chances to add blue-chip talent as a result.

As they operate the MDS, Falcons fans are determined to remedy this, and they’re accomplishing that with local talent: Georgia’s Mykel Williams. His teammate Jalon Walker also shows up on Atlanta’s list, but Williams is separated at the top.

At 6’5″, 265 pounds, with elite explosiveness, power, and hip freedom on redirections, Williams has truly jaw-dropping potential, so long as he can keep refining his hands.

2) Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
3) Rod Moore, S, Michigan
4) Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
5) Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon

Carolina Panthers: Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama

Carolina Panthers fans seem intent on continuing to build around Bryce Young. The team’s front office addressed the guard position in free agency, and thus far in simulator mocks, Panthers fans are eyeing the next starter at center: Parker Brailsford.

At 6’2″, 275 pounds, Brailsford doesn’t have close to the mass that the Panthers seem to prefer on their line — but it’s easy to let that slide when you turn on the tape. He’s explosive and tenacious in space and well-leveraged in pass protection.

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Gus Hartwig is a popular Day 3 alternative at center for Panthers fans, and with such a high projected first-round pick, James Pearce Jr., Luther Burden III, and Emery Jones Jr. show up as well.

2) Gus Hartwig, C, Purdue
3) James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
4) Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
5) Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU

New Orleans Saints: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

No, you’re not seeing things. Will Campbell is up here again. For the third time, Campbell is a fan base’s most-selected player. This time, it’s the New Orleans Saints, who have long-term uncertainty to address opposite Taliese Fuaga.

The Trevor Penning selection didn’t pan out for New Orleans. Campbell could help rectify that. He’s already a much cleaner prospect, with nimble mobility and forceful hands. And as a natural LT, he could enable Fuaga to shift back to the right side.

Aside from tackle, EDGE is another position that seems to be sorely desired by Saints fans. Three EDGE prospects make up the top five for this team.

2) James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
3) Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU
4) Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
5) JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

Chris Braswell, YaYa Diaby, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. These are the top names in the Buccaneers’ EDGE rotation. Braswell has potential, and Diaby is a nice sparkplug, but blue-chip talent is still needed. Buccaneers fans know this, and Pearce is their choice.

MORE: Simulate the NFL Season With PFN’s Playoff Predictor

At around 6’5″, 242 pounds, Pearce is noticeably light relative to his frame and length, and he’ll have to add mass before he makes the NFL transition. But he’s a stellar fit for Todd Bowles’ wide-alignment scheme, and his instant first-step explosiveness can be jarring.

Surprisingly, this is Travis Hunter‘s first appearance inside the top five anywhere on this list. Perhaps fans question where to play him. Were he to land in Tampa, Fla., the Buccaneers would be getting a born playmaker.

2) Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan
3) Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
4) Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
5) Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington