NFC South Notes: Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Falcons

• Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff told reporters that contract talks were “trudging” along with TE Austin Hooper and they plan to look at things after the Super Bowl. (D. Orland Ledbetter)
• According to Dimitroff, the franchise tag is an option for Hooper. Although, he did admit that it’s probably unrealistic at the cost of around $10.7 million. (Vaughn McClure)
• As for DE Vic Beasley, Dimitroff said no decision has been made at this point in time. (Vaughn McClure)
• Dimitroff told Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller that Atlanta has the No. 16 pick in the first round “for now.”

Panthers

• The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue says with the retirement of Luke Kuechly, Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons now becomes an option for the Panthers with the No. 7 overall pick in the first round. 
• With defensive tackle being a need even if Carolina picks up Dontari Poe‘s option, Rodrigue also mentions Auburn DT Derrick Brown and South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw as options. 
• Rodrigue writes a quarterback is an option in the first round given the uncertainty surrounding Cam Newton. Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa and Oregon QB Justin Herbert are the two most likely options at No. 7. 
• Rodrigue doesn’t believe the Panthers will look to trade up in the first round and are more likely to look to move back and stockpile picks to try and assist what’s looking like a rebuild. 
• For now, Rodrigue lists wide receiver, tight end, offensive line and secondary as positions that move more toward the backburner of the Panthers’ shopping list given the young talent at the position that could develop. 

Saints

• The Athletic’s Jeff Duncan says while he wouldn’t be surprised to see Saints RB Alvin Kamara hold out for an extension, his leverage isn’t as good as it could be after a down 2019 season.  
• Duncan predicts the Saints re-sign S Vonn Bell and choose CB Janoris Jenkins over CB Eli Apple.