All-Time NFC South NFL Depth Chart

What the NFC South lacks in history, it makes up for in pure firepower. This is the division of Drew Brees and Steve Smith. Of John Lynch, Julio Jones, and the ever-intimidating Warren Sapp. The NFC South brought us high-flying offenses, hard-hitting secondaries, and legends on both sides of the ball.

We broke down the All-Time NFC South NFL Depth Chart — not just the top starters, but backups who made their mark as well. This is the ultimate roster of the greatest players in division history, position by position.

Table of Contents

• Head Coaches
• Offense Overview
• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Fullbacks
• Wide Receivers
• Slot Receivers
• Tight Ends
• Left Tackles
• Left Guards
• Centers
• Right Guards
• Right Tackles
• Offensive Coordinators
• Defense Overview
• Edge Rushers
• Interior Defensive Line
• Nose Tackles
• Linebackers
• Cornerbacks
• Slot Cornerbacks
• Safeties
• Defensive Coordinators

Head Coaches

Sean Payton – New Orleans Saints

• Led the Saints to their first and only Super Bowl victory (SB XLIV)
• 10+ playoff wins and over 150 career wins as head coach
• Transformed the Saints into an offensive juggernaut for over a decade

Payton’s innovative play-calling and partnership with Drew Brees made the Saints a perennial contender — and his offensive mind helped redefine the modern NFL offense.

Tony Dungy – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Turned around a struggling Bucs franchise in the late 90s
• Built the core of Tampa’s dominant Super Bowl-winning defense
• Later became the first Black head coach to win a Super Bowl

Though his Super Bowl came with the Colts, Dungy’s real legacy began in Tampa, where he laid the foundation for one of the greatest defenses of the 2000s.

John Fox – Carolina Panthers

• Guided Carolina to its first Super Bowl appearance in 2003
• Known for gritty, defense-first teams that punched above their weight
• Over 130 career wins across multiple franchises

Fox brought toughness and discipline to the NFC South, elevating Carolina into a respected contender during his tenure.

From Payton’s genius to Dungy’s blueprint and Fox’s grit — this coaching trio helped shape the identity of the NFC South.

Top NFL players in NFC South history — this graphic highlights the all-time starting offensive lineup by position

All-Time NFC North Offense

Quarterbacks

Drew Brees – New Orleans Saints

• NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and completions (when retired)
• 13× Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl XLIV MVP
• Led the NFL in passing yards a record seven times

Brees brought unmatched accuracy and leadership to the Saints, rewriting the record books while turning New Orleans into a perennial playoff threat.

Matt Ryan – Atlanta Falcons

• 2016 NFL MVP and leader of the Falcons’ Super Bowl LI run
• Over 60,000 career passing yards and 375+ touchdowns
• Known for consistency and elite-level pocket passing

Ryan was the definition of stability for the Falcons — a technician with the arm talent to go toe-to-toe with the best of his era.

Cam Newton – Carolina Panthers

• 2015 NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year
• Most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in NFL history
• Led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 appearance

Newton was a one-man wrecking crew in his prime — combining size, speed, and swagger to create one of the most electric quarterback peaks ever seen.

Brees dissected defenses, Ryan commanded from the pocket, and Cam bulldozed through — this QB room covers every style with star power to spare.

Running Backs

Warrick Dunn – Atlanta Falcons

• Over 10,000 career rushing yards and 4,000+ receiving yards
• 3× 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the Falcons
• Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner for community work

Dunn was more than just a dual-threat back — he was a leader on and off the field, bringing elite vision, agility, and class to the Falcons’ offense.

Deuce McAllister – New Orleans Saints

• Franchise leader in career rushing yards for the Saints
• Two 1,600+ scrimmage yard seasons
• Key contributor to the 2009 Super Bowl-winning team

Deuce was a bruising runner with soft hands — the heart and soul of the Saints’ backfield for nearly a decade.

Michael Turner – Atlanta Falcons

• 2× Pro Bowl selection and 2008 All-Pro
• 66 rushing touchdowns in just five seasons with Atlanta
• Led the NFL in carries twice

Nicknamed “The Burner,” Turner was a short-yardage tank with surprising burst — a workhorse who carried Atlanta’s offense in the late 2000s.

Speed, power, versatility — this RB trio brought everything to the table, helping define their franchises with punishing ground games.

Fullbacks

Mike Alstott – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• 6× Pro Bowl selection and 3× First-team All-Pro
• 71 career touchdowns — most by a fullback in NFL history
• Key offensive weapon in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl XXXVII run

Alstott was a rare breed — a bruising fullback with nimble feet and a nose for the end zone. He was the face of power football in Tampa Bay.

Ovie Mughelli – Atlanta Falcons

• 2× Pro Bowl alternate and 1× All-Pro selection
• Elite run-blocker who opened lanes for Michael Turner
• Contributed on special teams and short-yardage packages

Mughelli was the unsung hero in Atlanta’s ground-and-pound days, anchoring the run game with relentless physicality and elite blocking angles.

William Henderson – Green Bay Packers

• 1× Pro Bowl and 1× All-Pro selection
• Reliable lead blocker for multiple 1,000-yard rushers
• Super Bowl XXXI Champion with Brett Favre’s Packers

Henderson did the dirty work in Green Bay — catching passes, making key blocks, and leading by example in one of the NFL’s most stable offenses.

This fullback trio blended old-school toughness with surprising versatility, providing muscle, touchdowns, and leadership in the trenches.

Wide Receivers

Julio Jones – Atlanta Falcons

• 7× Pro Bowl and 2× First-team All-Pro selection
• Leads NFC South in career receiving yards with 13,629
• Averaged 96.1 yards per game — the highest in NFL history (min. 100 games)

Julio wasn’t just dominant — he was a cheat code for a decade. Elite size, speed, and route running made him unguardable at his peak.

Mike Evans – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• 10,000+ receiving yards and counting
• Only player in NFL history with 1,000+ yards in each of first 10 seasons
• Super Bowl LV Champion with Tom Brady

Evans is the model of consistency — a towering red zone threat who always shows up, no matter who’s under center.

Michael Thomas – New Orleans Saints

• 2019 NFL Offensive Player of the Year
• Holds NFL single-season receptions record (149)
• 3× Pro Bowl and 2× All-Pro selection

At his peak, Thomas was the most reliable possession receiver in the league — slant routes, contested grabs, you name it.

Joe Horn – New Orleans Saints

• 4× Pro Bowl selection with the Saints
• 7,622 career receiving yards and 58 touchdowns
• One of the most iconic TD celebrations in NFL history

Horn brought flair and production to New Orleans — a fan favorite who always delivered in the clutch.

Vincent Jackson – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• 3× Pro Bowl selection (2× with Tampa)
• 6 seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards
• Big-play machine at 6’5” with deceptive speed

Jackson was a physical mismatch who could stretch the field — a dangerous WR2 across multiple seasons.

Marques Colston – New Orleans Saints

• Top target for Drew Brees during Saints’ golden years
• 9,759 receiving yards and 72 touchdowns
• Super Bowl XLIV Champion

Colston was one of the NFL’s best seventh-round steals — quietly productive, always dependable.

From Julio’s dominance to Evans’ consistency and Colston’s underrated greatness — this WR corps defines the South’s explosive history.

Slot Wide Receiver

Steve Smith – Carolina Panthers

• 5× Pro Bowl and 2× First-team All-Pro selection
• 14,731 career receiving yards and 81 touchdowns
• 2005 NFL leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns

Smith brought unmatched intensity and toughness to the slot — a bulldog who could torch defenders with quickness and attitude.

Chris Godwin – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Key piece of Super Bowl LV-winning offense
• Over 6,000 career receiving yards (and counting)
• Reliable hands and elite YAC skills

Godwin’s blend of strength and finesse made him one of Brady’s favorite targets — a versatile weapon across the middle.

Randall Cobb – Green Bay Packers (honorary from NFC South via brief Saints tenure)

• 50+ career touchdowns and over 7,000 receiving yards
• Slot menace with great chemistry in timing routes
• Valuable presence across multiple offenses

Though known for his time in Green Bay, Cobb’s slot savvy and veteran IQ gave him impact wherever he lined up — including a stint in the South.

Smith’s fire, Godwin’s sure hands, and Cobb’s timing — this slot group is shifty, sharp, and sure to move the chains.

Tight Ends

Tony Gonzalez – Atlanta Falcons

• Hall of Famer with 15,127 career receiving yards (2nd most among all TEs)
• 14× Pro Bowl and 6× First-team All-Pro selections
• 93 career touchdowns across a legendary 17-year career

Gonzalez was the ultimate safety blanket — a route-running machine who could box out defenders like a power forward and move chains with ease.

Greg Olsen – Carolina Panthers

• First tight end in NFL history with three straight 1,000-yard seasons
• Over 8,000 career receiving yards and 60+ touchdowns
• Key target in Panthers’ 2015 Super Bowl run

Olsen blended athleticism with intelligence — a matchup nightmare who helped redefine the modern tight end role.

Jimmy Graham – New Orleans Saints

• Double-digit touchdowns in four seasons
• Five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro
• 1,310 receiving yards in 2011 — most ever by a Saints tight end

Graham was practically a wide receiver in a tight end’s body — dominant in the red zone and unstoppable on seam routes during his peak years.

With Gonzalez’s consistency, Olsen’s grit, and Graham’s red zone dominance — this tight end trio brings size, hands, and Hall of Fame-level production.

Left Tackles

Willie Roaf – New Orleans Saints

• 11× Pro Bowl and 9× All-Pro selections
• Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2012
• Anchored the Saints’ offensive line for nearly a decade

Roaf was a dominant force on the blind side — combining size, speed, and footwork to become one of the greatest left tackles ever.

Mike Kenn – Atlanta Falcons

• 5× Pro Bowl and 2× All-Pro selections
• Played 251 games across 17 seasons with the Falcons
• Key protector for multiple 1,000-yard rushers

Kenn was a technician with incredible durability — a reliable anchor for Atlanta’s front line for nearly two decades.

Jordan Gross – Carolina Panthers

• 3× Pro Bowler and 2008 First-team All-Pro
• Started 167 games over 11 seasons
• Helped lead the Panthers to Super Bowl XXXVIII

Gross was a model of consistency in Carolina, excelling in both pass protection and run blocking with sharp technique and grit.

With Roaf’s Hall of Fame dominance, Kenn’s longevity, and Gross’s reliability — this left tackle trio could protect any QB, any era.

Left Guards

Jahri Evans – New Orleans Saints

• 6× Pro Bowl and 4× First-team All-Pro selections
• Started 183 games across 11 seasons with the Saints
• Key part of the offensive line during the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV run

Evans was a mauler in the run game and a wall in pass protection — one of the most dominant guards of his generation.

Andrus Peat – New Orleans Saints

• 3× Pro Bowl selection
• Versatile interior lineman capable of playing multiple spots
• Protected Drew Brees through the Saints’ playoff runs

Peat’s strength and flexibility have made him a consistent presence on a top-tier offensive line.

Logan Mankins – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• 7× Pro Bowler and 1× All-Pro selection
• Spent final seasons of his career in Tampa Bay after a stellar run in New England
• Brought toughness and veteran leadership to the Bucs’ offensive front

Though best known for his time with the Patriots, Mankins made a strong impact in Tampa Bay with his trademark grit and experience.

Evans set the gold standard, Peat brought versatility, and Mankins delivered veteran presence — this left guard group is a nightmare for defenders.

Centers

Ryan Kalil – Carolina Panthers

• 5× Pro Bowl and 2× First-team All-Pro selection
• Anchored the Panthers’ offensive line during their 2015 Super Bowl run
• Known for his intelligence, athleticism, and leadership

Kalil was the brain of Carolina’s offensive line — a technician and tone-setter who rarely made mistakes.

Jeff Faine – New Orleans Saints

• Reliable starter across multiple seasons for the Saints
• Known for his quickness and ability to reach the second level
• Key part of the Saints’ high-powered offensive scheme

Faine brought finesse and agility to the pivot, making him a great fit for New Orleans’ pass-heavy attack.

Alex Mack – Atlanta Falcons

• 6× Pro Bowl and 3× Second-team All-Pro selections
• Instrumental in Atlanta’s 2016 Super Bowl run
• One of the most consistent and technically sound centers of his era

Mack’s blend of power and poise made him a rock in the middle for the Falcons’ offense during its peak years.

Kalil called the shots, Faine played with finesse, and Mack brought muscle — this center trio kept the NFC South quarterbacks clean and confident.

Right Guards

Bill Fralic – Atlanta Falcons

• 4× Pro Bowl and 2× First-team All-Pro selection
• Known for his raw strength and run-blocking dominance
• Anchored the right side of the Falcons’ line during the 1980s

Fralic was a punishing presence who bulldozed defenders and brought old-school grit to Atlanta’s offense.

Chris Lindstrom – Atlanta Falcons

• Named to the Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro in 2022
• One of the most efficient guards in run-block win rate
• Cornerstone of the Falcons’ offensive line rebuild

Lindstrom’s agility and leverage have made him a modern interior force — one of the NFC South’s best recent linemen.

Larry Warford – New Orleans Saints

• 3× Pro Bowl selection with the Saints
• Key blocker during the Saints’ offensive resurgence in the late 2010s
• Known for his power and steady pass protection

Warford provided consistent interior protection and helped solidify Drew Brees’ clean pockets late in his career.

Fralic brought the fire, Lindstrom added finesse, and Warford was the enforcer — a trio of right guards any coach would dream of anchoring their line.

Right Tackles

Ryan Ramczyk – New Orleans Saints

• First-team All-Pro in 2019 and multiple All-Pro nods throughout his career
• Consistently ranked among the top tackles in pass block and run block grades
• Key protector for Drew Brees and Alvin Kamara during elite offensive seasons

Ramczyk has been a rock at right tackle since entering the league, excelling in both pass sets and downhill run schemes.

Tyson Clabo – Atlanta Falcons

• Pro Bowl selection in 2010
• Started 101 games for Atlanta over seven seasons
• Reliable and tough blocker in both zone and power schemes

Clabo was an underrated presence who gave Matt Ryan time to thrive and brought tenacity to Atlanta’s line.

Todd Steussie – Carolina Panthers

• 13-year NFL veteran with over 160 career starts
• Key part of the Panthers’ offensive line during their Super Bowl XXXVIII run
• Brought veteran leadership and versatility to multiple NFC South teams

Steussie’s career longevity and ability to adapt across different teams make him a valuable inclusion at RT.

Ramczyk set the gold standard, Clabo brought consistency, and Steussie offered experience — together, they represent the toughness and durability expected at right tackle.

Offensive Coordinator

Mike Shanahan – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Innovative offensive mind behind multiple Super Bowl-winning offenses
• Helped modernize the West Coast offense with zone-blocking schemes
• Set the tone for offensive balance and QB development across decades

Shanahan’s time in the NFC South may have been short, but his influence on offensive philosophy shaped a generation of coaches and quarterbacks.

Mike Mularkey – Atlanta Falcons

• Offensive coordinator during the rise of Michael Turner and Matt Ryan
• Implemented power running schemes and play-action success
• Brought toughness and balance to Atlanta’s offensive identity

Mularkey helped build the offensive core that would become a force in the early Matt Ryan era.

Dirk Koetter – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Oversaw explosive passing offenses with Jameis Winston and Mike Evans
• Crafted aggressive vertical passing attacks
• Provided continuity across coaching regimes in Tampa Bay

Koetter’s playbooks were anything but boring — he let the ball fly and his receivers shine.

Shanahan’s legacy, Mularkey’s balance, and Koetter’s fireworks — this coordinator trio offers a full spectrum of offensive firepower.

Top NFL players in NFC South history — this graphic highlights the all-time starting defensive lineup by position

All-Time NFC South Defense

Free Safeties

Darren Sharper – New Orleans Saints

• 9 interceptions in 2009, anchoring the Saints’ Super Bowl-winning defense
• 5-time Pro Bowler and 2-time First-Team All-Pro
• Known for elite ball-hawking instincts and range in coverage

Sharper’s 2009 season was one of the most dominant ever by a free safety — his knack for creating turnovers helped New Orleans lift its first Lombardi.

Malcolm Jenkins – New Orleans Saints

• Two-time Super Bowl champion and 3-time Pro Bowler
• Versatile safety with over 1,000 career tackles
• Known for leadership, coverage skills, and hybrid DB play

Jenkins was the glue of every secondary he played in — smart, physical, and always reliable in clutch moments.

Tom Myers – New Orleans Saints

• Saints’ all-time leader in interceptions for much of franchise history
• Played 10 seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1979
• Consistent playmaker during a less-heralded Saints era

Before the Saints were contenders, Myers was locking down the back end with precision and pride.

With Sharper’s explosiveness, Jenkins’ versatility, and Myers’ steady presence — this free safety group defines range and reliability.

Strong Safeties

John Lynch – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Hall of Famer and 9-time Pro Bowl selection
• Key enforcer of the legendary Tampa 2 defense
• Over 1,000 career tackles and feared across the middle

Lynch didn’t just hit hard — he changed games with his instincts and leadership. The Bucs’ defensive identity started with #47.

Roman Harper – New Orleans Saints

• Two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XLIV champion
• Known for run support and timely blitzing
• Over 800 career tackles and 18 forced fumbles

Harper was the muscle behind the Saints’ secondary — a downhill thumper who played with controlled violence.

Tyrann Mathieu – New Orleans Saints

• 3-time First-Team All-Pro and Super Bowl LIV champion
• Versatile hybrid safety known as “The Honey Badger”
• Playmaker with 30+ career interceptions and elite instincts

Mathieu brought swagger and chaos — a chess piece who could disrupt any offensive game plan from multiple alignments.

From Lynch’s toughness to Harper’s grit and Mathieu’s versatility — this strong safety group brings the boom and the brains.

Cornerbacks

Deion Sanders – Atlanta Falcons

• Pro Football Hall of Famer and 8-time Pro Bowl selection
• 2× Super Bowl champion and 6× First-Team All-Pro
• Recorded 53 career interceptions and was a premier return man

Deion wasn’t just a shutdown corner — he was a cultural icon. With unmatched speed and swagger, Prime Time locked down WR1s and lit up highlight reels weekly.

DeAngelo Hall – Atlanta Falcons

• 3× Pro Bowl selection with over 40 career interceptions
• Electric returner and fearless playmaker
• Spent early prime years with Falcons as their top cover man

Hall had a nose for the ball and a flair for the dramatic. He could bait QBs into mistakes and turn picks into touchdowns with ease.

Brent Grimes – Atlanta Falcons

• 4× Pro Bowl selection and long-time Falcons starter
• Elite leaping ability despite 5’10” frame
• 20 INTs in 4 seasons between Atlanta and Tampa Bay

Grimes made circus picks and climbed receivers’ backs like a cornerback Spider-Man. One of the NFL’s most acrobatic DBs ever.

Marshon Lattimore – New Orleans Saints

• 4× Pro Bowl selection and 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year
• Sticky in man coverage with elite closing burst
• Logged 14+ career interceptions and over 80 pass breakups

Lattimore became a cornerstone of the Saints’ secondary the moment he arrived — his battles with elite receivers are must-watch TV.

Josh Norman – Carolina Panthers

• First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection in 2015
• Key piece of the Panthers’ 15-1 Super Bowl run defense
• Known for physicality, trash talk, and game-changing picks

Norman’s 2015 season was legendary — he was a lockdown nightmare and never backed down from a challenge, no matter the matchup.

Desmond Trufant – Atlanta Falcons

• 2015 Pro Bowl selection and top CB for most of the 2010s
• Known for sticky coverage and savvy footwork
• Recorded 13 career INTs and 79 passes defensed with ATL

Trufant brought steady leadership and consistent play to the Falcons’ secondary, often taking on WR1s with quiet excellence.

From Prime Time’s flash to Trufant’s finesse — this CB room combines elite talent, swagger, and lockdown skill from every era of NFC South football.

Outside Linebackers

Derrick Brooks – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champion, and 11-time Pro Bowler
• 2002 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
• 25 career interceptions and 1,700+ tackles

Brooks was the heartbeat of the Bucs’ legendary defense — fast, instinctive, and always in the right place at the right time.

Thomas Davis – Carolina Panthers

• 3-time Pro Bowl selection and 2015 First-Team All-Pro
• Only player in NFL history to return from three ACL tears in the same knee
• Over 1,200 career tackles and 28 sacks

Davis was a warrior — a tone-setter whose resilience and leadership inspired an entire generation of Panthers fans.

Jonathan Vilma – New Orleans Saints

• Super Bowl XLIV champion and 3-time Pro Bowler
• Defensive captain of the Saints’ title team
• Over 900 career tackles and 12 interceptions

Vilma was the cerebral center of the Saints’ defense, bringing toughness, intelligence, and veteran savvy to every snap.

From Brooks’ dominance to Davis’ heart and Vilma’s leadership — this trio defines what it means to be an elite outside linebacker in the NFC South.

Inside Linebackers

Luke Kuechly – Carolina Panthers

• 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and 7-time Pro Bowler
• Led the NFL in tackles twice and recorded 18 career interceptions
• First-Team All-Pro five times in eight seasons

Kuechly was a film room genius and field general — a linebacker who saw plays before they happened and made offenses pay.

Tommy Nobis – Atlanta Falcons

• First overall pick in 1966 and NFL Rookie of the Year
• 5-time Pro Bowler and Falcons Ring of Honor inductee
• Recorded an unofficial 294 tackles in his rookie season

Nobis was the original Falcon — ferocious, consistent, and respected as one of the toughest tacklers of his era.

Hardy Nickerson – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• 5-time Pro Bowler and 1997 First-Team All-Pro
• Over 1,500 career tackles and 21 forced fumbles
• Key veteran leader during the Bucs’ defensive transformation in the ‘90s

Nickerson was the vocal backbone of Tampa Bay’s rise — a fierce enforcer with leadership skills to match his production.

From Kuechly’s brain to Nobis’ power and Nickerson’s presence, this ILB trio brings grit, intelligence, and impact to the heart of the NFC South defense.

Slot Cornerbacks

Ronde Barber – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• 5-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XXXVII champion
• First DB in NFL history with 25+ sacks and 40+ interceptions
• Played 241 games — all with the Bucs — and redefined the nickel corner role

Barber was the prototype slot corner — quick, smart, and lethal as a blitzer or in coverage. His versatility made the Tampa 2 hum.

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson – New Orleans Saints

• Known for physical slot coverage and relentless trash talk
• Led the NFL in interceptions during the 2022 season (6)
• Versatile defender who can play safety and slot

Gardner-Johnson plays with an edge — a modern menace who gets in opponents’ heads and creates turnovers from anywhere.

Captain Munnerlyn – Carolina Panthers

• Played 10 NFL seasons, 7 with the Panthers
• 5 career defensive touchdowns and 12 interceptions
• Feisty, durable slot defender with strong instincts

Munnerlyn wasn’t the biggest, but he was scrappy and consistent — a reliable slot defender with a nose for big plays.

Barber’s legacy, Chauncey’s fire, and Captain’s grit — this slot trio locks down the middle of the field with style and toughness.

Edge Rushers

Rickey Jackson – New Orleans Saints

• Pro Football Hall of Famer and six-time Pro Bowler
• Member of the Saints’ famed “Dome Patrol” linebacker unit
• 128 career sacks and over 1,100 tackles

Jackson was relentless off the edge — an old-school pass rusher who brought brute strength and technician-level finesse to every snap.

Cameron Jordan – New Orleans Saints

• 7-time Pro Bowl selection and 3-time All-Pro
• Over 115 career sacks and a staple on the Saints’ front
• Elite run-stopper and locker room leader

Jordan is the heartbeat of the Saints’ defensive line — a power-rushing technician with an endless motor and veteran IQ.

Julius Peppers – Carolina Panthers

• 9-time Pro Bowl selection and 3-time First-Team All-Pro
• 4th all-time in NFL sacks with 159.5
• 2002 Defensive Rookie of the Year

Peppers was a rare blend of freakish athleticism and veteran savvy — a nightmare matchup for any offensive tackle for over a decade.

Claude Humphrey – Atlanta Falcons

• Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (2014)
• 122 career sacks (unofficial before 1982)
• 6 Pro Bowls and 5 All-Pro selections

Humphrey was dominant before sacks were even recorded — a true pioneer of the pass-rushing craft in Falcons history.

John Abraham – Atlanta Falcons

• Five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro
• 53.5 career sacks with Atlanta (133.5 total)
• Known for elite speed rush and strip-sack ability

Abraham brought heat from the blindside — quick off the snap and always a threat to flip momentum with one big play.

Simeon Rice – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Super Bowl XXXVII champion and 3-time Pro Bowler
• 122 career sacks and 5 double-digit sack seasons with Tampa
• Key member of the Bucs’ historic 2002 defense

Rice brought elite bend and burst to the Bucs’ edge — a closer who finished games and sealed championships.

From Jackson’s dominance to Rice’s closing speed, this edge group brings Hall of Fame pedigree, sack production, and relentless disruption from both sides of the line.

Nose Tackles

Grady Jackson – Atlanta Falcons

• Massive interior presence with elite run-stuffing ability
• Anchored the Falcons’ defensive front for multiple seasons
• Logged 359 total tackles and 35 tackles for loss in his career

Jackson wasn’t flashy, but he was immovable — clogging lanes and freeing up linebackers to hunt freely behind him.

Booger McFarland – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Key starter on the Bucs’ 2002 Super Bowl-winning defense
• 20 career sacks and nearly 200 total tackles
• Feared gap plugger and tone-setter in the trenches

Booger brought championship pedigree and grit to the middle — the kind of DT you wanted in the foxhole on 3rd and 1.

Tony Casillas – Atlanta Falcons

• No. 2 overall pick in 1986 NFL Draft
• Played 12 NFL seasons with 724 total tackles and 23 sacks
• Two-time Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys

Casillas was a technician with power — blending smart leverage play with championship-caliber experience.

Jackson’s mass, Booger’s motor, and Casillas’ IQ gave the NFC South trenches an old-school, hard-nosed identity right at the point of attack.

Interior Defensive Linemen

Warren Sapp – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Pro Football Hall of Famer and 7-time Pro Bowler
• Super Bowl XXXVII champion and 1999 Defensive Player of the Year
• 96.5 career sacks from the defensive tackle spot

Sapp was a game-wrecker from the inside — blending explosive quickness with unmatched trash talk and dominance in the Bucs’ golden era.

La’Roi Glover – New Orleans Saints

• 6-time Pro Bowler and 2000 NFL sacks leader (17.5)
• Played 13 seasons with over 80 career sacks
• Anchor of the Saints’ interior pass rush in the early 2000s

Glover was one of the rare DTs who lived in the backfield — collapsing pockets before QBs had a chance to blink.

Grady Jarrett – Atlanta Falcons

• 2-time Pro Bowler and staple of Atlanta’s modern defense
• Recorded 400+ career tackles and 34 sacks (and counting)
• Had a dominant performance in Super Bowl LI with 3 sacks

Jarrett’s blend of leverage, motor, and power has made him a mainstay in the trenches — and a nightmare for interior linemen.

Sapp brought swagger, Glover brought the heat, and Jarrett brought relentless pressure — this trio would feast from the interior every Sunday.

Defensive Coordinators

Monte Kiffin – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Architect of the legendary Tampa 2 defense
• Led Bucs to No. 1 ranked defense and a Super Bowl XXXVII title
• His defenses ranked in the top 10 for 11 straight seasons (1997–2008)

Kiffin was a football scientist — his Tampa 2 system revolutionized zone coverage and turned speed and discipline into dominance.

Gregg Williams – New Orleans Saints

• Super Bowl XLIV-winning defensive coordinator
• Known for aggressive blitz-heavy schemes
• Helped Saints lead the league in takeaways during 2009 season

Williams coached with a relentless, in-your-face edge — his defenses were chaotic, opportunistic, and dangerous in the best way.

Vic Fangio – Carolina Panthers

• Panthers’ first DC in franchise history (1995–1998)
• Later coached elite units with 49ers, Bears, and Broncos
• Mastermind of modern two-deep shell defenses

Fangio was the cerebral counter to aggression — a defensive mind who played chess while others played checkers.

Kiffin built a blueprint, Williams unleashed havoc, and Fangio taught precision — three masterminds, one terrifying sideline braintrust.

Conclusion

The NFC South may be one of the younger divisions in the NFL, but its legacy is packed with all-time greats. From Drew Brees rewriting the record books to Deion Sanders redefining shutdown corner play, this lineup is a testament to the elite talent that’s come through New Orleans, Atlanta, Carolina, and Tampa Bay. Whether it’s Steve Smith breaking tackles or Warren Sapp breaking pockets, every name on this chart left a permanent mark on the game. If you’re building a squad with power, precision, and swagger — this All-Time NFC South team is a problem for any era.

FAQs – All-Time NFC South Depth Chart

Who is the best defensive player in NFC South history?

While there are many legends, Derrick Brooks often gets the nod due to his Hall of Fame career, Super Bowl title, and leadership on one of the greatest defenses ever.

Why is the Tampa 2 defense so famous?

The Tampa 2, crafted by Monte Kiffin and executed by players like Brooks, Lynch, and Sapp, revolutionized zone coverage and created a defensive dynasty in Tampa Bay.

Is Deion Sanders included for his Falcons years only?

Yes — all players are judged based on their time with NFC South teams only. Deion’s dominance with the Atlanta Falcons earns him CB1 honors here.

Why is Luke Kuechly ahead of other linebackers?

Kuechly was a tackling machine, Defensive Player of the Year, and leader of a top-ranked Panthers defense — his peak was unmatched at ILB.

Are only NFC South careers considered?

Correct. This depth chart reflects players’ accomplishments strictly within the NFC South teams — Panthers, Saints, Falcons, and Buccaneers.

Explore Other All-Time NFL Division Depth Charts:

AFC All-Time NFL Depth Charts

• All-Time AFC East NFL Depth Chart
• All-Time AFC North NFL Depth Chart
• All-Time AFC South NFL Depth Chart
• All-Time AFC West NFL Depth Chart

NFC All-Time NFL Depth Charts

• All-Time NFC East NFL Depth Chart
• All-Time NFC North NFL Depth Chart
• All-Time NFC South NFL Depth Chart
• All-Time NFC West NFL Depth Chart

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