We are continuing a Summer series here on Bucs Wire, ranking the position groups across the division.
The major pit stops of the offseason have come and gone, which means rosters are set for the most part. Now, could someone pull off a major trade or sign a veteran free agent down the line? Of course, and they likely will based on our luck to throw things off. Regardless, we wanted to do this exercise just to give you, the reader, a state of the division.
At the end of each article, we will also provide a recap of the scorecards so that we can keep a running tally for you to keep track of and see who has the best roster in the division.
Next up are the wide receivers in the NFC South.
4) Carolina Panthers
Depth Chart: Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Leggette, Adam Thielen, Hunter Renfrow, David Moore, and Jalen Coker
Adam Thielen emerged as a favroite target for Bryce Young last season but the veteran is likely playing in his last season with the team. They have added Xavier Leggett and Tetairoa McMillan in back-to-back drafts with high draft picks so they are now fully invested in the position. They are still developing but have promise to rise up the ranks very quickly, just not yet.
3) New Orleans Saints
Depth Chart: Chris Olave, Brandin Cooks, Rashid Shaheed, Bub Means, Kevin Austin Jr., and Cedrick Wilson Jr.
It may seem bold to have this group over the Panthers, but the proven playmaking of Shaheed, along with Cooks and Olave, earns them the spot. Olave may be one concussion away from calling it a career, but for now, we will be optimistic. Cooks could have the same issue; regardless, he is also on the opposite side of his career, but the group has some flashy playmakers, including an underrated Bub Means.
2) Atlanta Falcons
Depth Chart: Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, Casey Washington, Khadarel Hodge, and Jamal Agnew
Drake London is one of the more underrated wide receivers in the NFL, but that may be changing with Michael Penix Jr. and his explosive arm becoming his starter in 2025. London is one of the best route runners, as well as a great athlete, making him the complete package. Opposite him is Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud, who can bust open an offense with any touch of the ball they can muster.
Depth Chart: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Sterling Sheppard, and Rakeem Jarrett
This group may be the best in the whole NFL, not just the NFC South. Evans and Godwin are as good a one-two punch as it gets, but sprinkling on Egbuka and McMillan is an insult to injury. The group as a whole is loaded with explosive playmakers who make it impossible for defenses to focus on any single one of them at a time, and as a result, they all benefit and make plays.