NFC South: The Most Important Non-QB For Each Team -

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Welcome to the latest installment in FPC’s series identifying the most important non-quarterback for every team in the NFL. Today, let’s venture down to the NFC South, where the soon-to-be 45-year-old Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are defending division champions, and favorites to repeat the feat in 2022. Much like its southern counterpart in the AFC, the NFC South consists of two clear and distinct tiers.

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At the top of the division, you have the Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints, both of whom have designs on making a deep postseason run. At the bottom, you have the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons, both of whom are coming off back-to-back losing seasons are merely hoping to show signs of progress.

So, to preview the NFC South for 2022, let’s identify the most important player for each of its four members, excluding quarterbacks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RT Tristan Wirfs

It’s pretty clear and obvious that Brady is Tampa Bay’s most important player. But, within the confines of this exercise, where the quarterback position is ruled out, then the nod goes to Brady’s top bodyguard. Usually we think of left tackles when considering the top offensive lineman in the game, but Wirfs’ dominance on the right side supersedes any notion of positional value or blindside protection.

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The third-year tackle out of Iowa hit the ground running as an elite player in 2020, and vaulted into All-Pro status last season. He can be counted on to consistently hold up one-on-one in pass protection, which is especially impressive given the Bucs’ deep-drop, downfield aerial attack. That allows Tampa Bay to help out Donovan Smith at left tackle if need be, knowing Wirfs has the right side locked down. Oh, and let’s not forget that the 320-pound Wirfs is an absolute bully in the run game, too.

New Orleans Saints: CB Marshon Lattimore

In the post-Drew Brees era, the Saints have remained competitive on the backs of their strong defense. If there’s one player on that defense that New Orleans can least afford to lose, it’s Lattimore. The Ohio State product is in the rarified class of cornerbacks that can reliably cover a receiver one-on-one without help. Lattimore has allowed a completion percentage below 60 when targeted in each of the last three seasons. The four-time Pro Bowler’s consistency outside allows Dennis Allen to be highly multiple with the rest of the defense.

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Carolina Panthers: EDGE Brian Burns

Despite how a good running back Christian McCaffrey is, the Panthers’ virtual void at quarterback puts a pretty low ceiling on their offense. Carolina’s quickest path to respectability is through their young, talented defense developing into a top-tier unit. The best player on that defense with the most upside is Burns, who’s coming off his second straight nine-sack season. If he can take the next step and join the upper echelon of pass rushers, he can spearhead a new defensive identity for Carolina in a post-Cam Newton world.

Atlanta Falcons: TE Kyle Pitts

This was actually a tougher call than you might’ve guessed, since cornerback A.J. Terrell is a great young player. Ultimately, the nod goes to Pitts, who possesses the transcendent talent that can define an era for a franchise. It’s not absurd to suggest that Pitts can become the best receiving threat in football, regardless of position. The 2021 fourth-overall pick is mismatch against most any defender you can think of. Now it’s up to the Falcons to find the quarterback who can get him the ball.

– Ryan Cuneo is the Managing Editor of Full Press Giants. He covers the New York Giants. Like and follow on Follow @ryan_cuneo Follow @FullPressGiants and Facebook.