Every pick has the chance to change a franchise. No matter the spot-first overall or Mr. Irrelevant-a player could flourish into a superstar.
This article highlights the biggest steal from each draft class in the NFC South (and the overall biggest steal of the division). Of course, there will be some honorable mentions at the end since it is not always definitive.
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Atlanta Falcons: Xavier Watts, DB, Notre Dame (Round Three)
The Falcons were extremely aggressive once again in 2025.
In 2024, fans disintegrated as they felt each pick and move failed to meet the value given up. This year was different.
Watts was projected a near lock in the second round. His ball skills were among the best in the class. Maybe there were more reasons as to why he fell than the public knew, but the value was impeccable. That, combined with the fit next to Jessie Bates is incredible.
Unlike 2024, the Falcons scored big time in the 2025 NFL Draft.
New Orleans Saints: Devin Neal, RB, Kansas (Round Six)
The Saints had an amazing day three, so stay tuned to the end for a couple more mentions.
Neal was as reliable as it gets in college. He had zero issues outside of having just solid athleticism. Seeing Neal in person versus Baylor was incredible. That was far from his best game this year, too. The balance of vision, balance, ball security, etc, is exactly what teams look for in a back.
Maybe Neal won’t be a true RB1, but he is as good as it gets for a backup. That is well worth a sixth-round pick.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jacob Parrish, DB, Kansas State (Round Three)
There was some initial skepticism with the Parrish pick. Those not tuned into Tampa’s vision for Tykee Smith would not know their desire to kick him to safety from the slot.
The post-vision clarity (if you will) makes this selection incredible. Parrish is aggressive and fearless. He will immediately contribute as a high-end nickel with the ability to kick to the boundary in case Smith wants to move back to the slot, or if injury strikes the boundary corners.
Altogether, the Parrish pick could prove to be incredibly valuable.
Carolina Panthers: Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Colorado (Round Six)
The Panthers made massive improvements to their biggest areas of weakness—the edge and wide receiver corps.
Even with Tetairoa McMillan, the Panthers lacked a true separator with deep-speed applications. Horn is an absolute dark horse to get a starting role. His ability to change directions on a dime is jaw-dropping. There is nearly zero speed lost through some of the sharpest of cuts.
Having a wide receiver who is tactical and dangerous will be an asset that few appreciate until seeing it in action. Giving Bryce Young a new dynamic separator will be amazing to watch.
Biggest Steal: Xavier Watts, DB, Atlanta Falcons
Jessie Bates’ presence secures this spot for Watts.
Seeing the Falcons get aggressive with a perfect fit, most saw as a second-round pick at the end of the third round, is too good to ignore. Watch out for this new dynamic duo to take advantage of a tumultuous division.
Honorable Mentions
There were lots of picks across most drafts that one would call ‘steals.’ Below are a few of the biggest for the NFC South that missed the top spot.
New Orleans Saints: Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma (Round Four)
Some viewed Stutsman as the best pure linebacker in the class. With several linebackers taken before, it is shocking to see the Oklahoma product fall to day three. New Orleans took advantage. Do not be surprised to see Stutsman get noticeable reps early on.
Atlanta Falcons: Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin (Round Seven)
Very few seem to appreciate this selection. Nelson was a fringe day-two offensive tackle with a ton of experience. Wisconsin knows how to train offensive linemen, and he was arguably the best they had. The Falcons only had two day-three picks, but they left the draft with plenty of talent.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon (Round Seven)
Johnson fell due to his poor 40-yard dash and minuscule frame. That did not stop him from testing as one of the fastest wide receivers in drills, nor did it stop Johnson from being physical at Oregon. Hopefully, the frame does not massively affect his career, but the talent is too good not to draft.
