NFC South: Falcons knock another draft out of the park

NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks is handing out grades for each team following the 2009 NFL Draft. Check back daily as he breaks down each team, division by division.

After watching the draft come and go, it is time to assess how each team fared in the league's biggest event. From the acquisition of talent to the execution of various draft strategies, teams were graded on their overall ability to play the chess game that emerges on draft weekend.

Let's take a look to see how the teams from the NFC South performed during the 2009 draft:

Atlanta Falcons: B+

The first season of the Thomas Dimitroff/Mike Smith era was an overwhelming success as the Falcons made an unexpected run to the postseason behind a sensational draft class that may have included the best rookie quarterback in league history. With so much of their success attributed to their shrewd draft moves, many were curious to see what the tandem would do for an encore. Based on the early results, the Falcons have hit another one out of the park.

The Falcons made a blockbuster trade on the eve of the draft to acquire perennial Pro Bowler Tony Gonzalez. For a second round pick in 2010, the team received a shoo-in Hall of Famer to address their biggest offensive need.

Without having to worry about selecting a tight end on the first day, the Falcons were able to focus extensively on upgrading their defense with their top picks.

Peria Jerry gives the team an athletic "3-technique" with outstanding skills as an interior rusher. As a likely rookie starter, he will be counted on to boost a pass rush that was overly reliant on Pro Bowler John Abraham.

The Falcons' second-round pick, William Moore, was regarded as the top-ranked player at the position until injuries and inconsistent play derailed his senior season. If he regains the form that he displayed as a junior at Missouri, Moore could become an Pro Bowl-caliber player in the Falcons' defense.

The team may have hit on a big-time sleeper with their selection of Lawrence Sidbury Jr. The former Richmond standout has good athleticism and is an exceptional rusher off the edge. As a situational player, he could turn out to be a valuable contributor by season's end.

With their other selections, the Falcons added quality depth to their secondary and upgraded their special teams units.

The Falcons' brass has been lauded for its ability to engineer a quick turnaround in Atlanta, and the admiration should continue after watching the team fortify its roster with a series of sound moves on draft day.

Carolina Panthers: B-

The key to the Panthers' success a season ago started with their successful implementation of an aggressive draft-day strategy that resulted in the team plucking two starters in the draft. Although the moves left the team short-handed in this year's draft, the tactical approach of aggressively going after coveted prospects clearly remains intact after watching the team maneuver up and down the draft board throughout draft weekend.

Panthers general manager Marty Hurney showcased his assertive ways when he traded away a future first-round pick to jump up and nab Everette Brown with the 43rd pick. The former Seminole standout was regarded as a top-15 pick in some war rooms, and the team made the ultra-aggressive play to secure a playmaker capable of providing a legitimate rush opposite Pro Bowler Julius Peppers.

In addition, the team used the fourth-rounder included in the Brown deal to acquire speedster Mike Goodson. Though the team already has two quality backs, it needs another youngster to help out in spot duty and on special teams. Tony Fiammetta was regarded as the best fullback available, and he gives the team a young sledgehammer to steady its running game.

Sherrod Martin, the Panthers' second-round pick, gives the team a versatile defender with the ability to play corner or safety. For a team in desperate need of athletic defenders, Martin could play a vital role as a sub-defender.

In looking for a potential sleeper in the team's draft class, Duke Robinson is the one to watch. The former Sooner standout is a mauler with skills to shine in the Panthers' power-based attack.

With a general manager willing to take advantage of trades to secure highly rated talent, the Panthers receive solid marks for their execution of draft-day strategies.

New Orleans Saints: C

The Saints didn't have many selections in this year's draft, so it was imperative for the team to effectively upgrade its roster. Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton opted to wait for the best available prospects to fall to them at their respective selections.

In the first round, the Saints snagged Malcolm Jenkins to upgrade their secondary. The former Buckeye is talented enough to play at corner or safety. With exceptional size, length and tenacity, Jenkins is an imposing presence at either position. If he plays to his potential, the Saints have finally resolved a long-standing issue.

With their other three picks, the Saints fortified their special teams units. The team picked up a safety (Chip Vaughn) and linebacker (Stanley Arnoux) that will spend their first season covering kicks on a full-time basis. In addition, the Saints quietly made a trade to pick up a punter (Thomas Morstead) in the fifth round.

For a team with a prolific offense and a suspect defense, the decision to upgrade its kicking game will result in better field position, which could lead to an additional win or two in the fall.

The Saints entered the draft handcuffed by their paucity of picks, but they made the best of the situation by making the necessary moves to address their most pressing needs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B-

The Bucs ushered in the Raheem Morris era by being aggressive in the draft. Fueled by their desire to upgrade an aging roster, they worked the phones relentlessly to secure talent throughout the offseason. The aggressive approach netted Kellen Winslow in a trade with the Browns (the Bucs gave up a second- and fifth-round pick), and it was again on display at the draft.

The team ardently pursued Josh Freeman in the first round, and the Bucs found a willing trade partner in the Browns to land the former Kansas State star. Pegged as a franchise-caliber talent, Freeman gives Morris the big, deep-ball thrower he covets. While some view him as a "boom or bust" prospect, Freeman’s sheer talent is undeniable and he's worthy of taking a flier on with the 17th pick.

Roy Miller, the Bucs' third-round pick, gives the defense a big body to place over the top of the center. His ability to control the middle will allow the Bucs' smallish linebackers to run free to the ball. The Bucs also added a defensive end, Kyle Moore, after trading up in the fourth round. The former USC standout is a bit of a developmental project, but he has the size and strength to function as a base end in the Bucs' scheme. If he can contribute anything as a run stopper, the Bucs' defense would have greatly benefitted from an aggressive decision to trade up.

The Bucs used their remaining selections to add depth to various positions, but the player to watch in that group in Xavier Fultonn. Although he is recovering from shoulder surgery, Fulton is a former tight end-turned-tackle with the athleticism to play on either side as a pro. He could give the team a much-needed swing player if he returns to form.

The Bucs gambled in all aspects of the draft and may have ignored some pressing needs (linebacker) as a result. However, they landed a class that is long on talent and promise. However, the crew must play to their potential to justify the wheeling and dealing executed on draft day.