We continue our division by division look at NFL team needs as the draft and free agency approach. Today, the NFC South is in the spotlight.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs won the division despite only going 9-7. Tampa is rebuilding their defense as they transition from the Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks and Simeon Rice era, to possibly the Gaines Adams, Barrett Ruud and Tanard Jackson era. Their roster has some good young players on it, but more youth is needed on the offensive side of the ball. Joey Galloway is 36, and easily the most reliable target. Ike Hilliard was a solid pick-up, but who knows if Michael Clayton will ever get back to where he once was. And we know how Jon Gruden loves those quarterbacks. What he does with Chris Simms this offseason will go a long way towards deciding if he should pick up a few more to play with.

Needs: WR, RB, QB, CB

Carolina Panthers

I think it's safe to say this is a team that needs to concentrate on offense as well. Their offensive line remains intact with the re-signing of tackle Travelle Wharton while placing the franchise tag on tackle Jordan Gross. Still, Carolina remains thin at the skill positions. They released running back DeShaun Foster, meaning former first-round pick DeAngelo Williams will get the lion's share of carries. Who hands the ball off to him is another question. After QB Jake Delhomme got injured, the situation at that position was a mess. David Carr continued to prove he was a bust, and things got so bad the Panthers started both a rookie free agent in Matt Moore and ageless wonder Vinny Testaverde. They are also still looking for a complement to WR Steve Smith.

Needs: QB, WR, RB, DE

New Orleans Saints

The Saints were many people's pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, but that didn't go quite as planned. After RB Deuce McAllister got injured, Reggie Bush simply could not handle the load, which has to be disconcerting to the team's fans. Still, they have a lot of pieces on offense but lack defensive playmakers, especially at corner. CB Jason David got abused by nearly every receiver he tried to cover, and Mike McKenzie suffered a knee injury in week 16. They are solid at defensive end but need help at nearly every other defensive position.

Needs: CB, DT, LB, TE

Atlanta Falcons

It's difficult to even pick a place to start with this team. Obviously, a quarterback is a necessity, unless Chris Redman is going to get it done. Running back is another obvious need, and with the departure of Alge Crumpler, so is tight end. With all the Falcons need on offense, the fact is, they need just as much on defense. DE John Abraham is a good player, as are LB's Keith Brooking and Michael Boley, though Boley is a restricted free agent. After that, little remains, since the most overrated player in football, CB DeAngleo Hall, wants to be traded, though that seems like a good thing for Atlanta. Honestly, there isn't a single position this team doesn't need help with.

Needs: Every position

(Photo: Flickr)