For the sake of this article, I'm going to take a look at the projected top three-four wide receivers for each team, along with any rookies who might factor in. The reason behind this is there's always a lot of questions as to who will actually make the roster on the back end and what their roles will be.

After taking a look at the quarterbacks we're going to transition to the weapons they have to work with. Obviously it's tough to figure out where some guys are going to factor in, especially if you remember the Panthers receiver battles the last few years. Here's a stab at ranking the receiver groups on each team. I'll be covering tight ends later on. One thing to note is that the NFC South has become a particularly strong passing division and most of these ranking were pretty close in my opinion. Let's take a look.

I ranked the Falcons first on this list, and that's mainly because of their top receiving option. Julio Jones is one of the best in the NFL. Without Tony Gonzales this year and an aging Roddy White, the main responsibilities fell on Jones, who exploded with 104 receptions, 1593 yards (both career highs), and 6 touchdowns, including a 254 yard performance against the Green Bay Packers where he near singlehandedly brought the Falcons back . Roddy White is still a great number two receiver, though it appears he's on the down slope of his career. Still, White should help take focus off of Julio Jones.

Throw in polarizing rookie Justin Hardy, veteran Leonard Hankerson, and the always dangerous Devin Hester, and you have an awesome receiver group. Julio Jones vs. Josh Norman should be fun to watch once again in 2015.





2. Tampa Bay Bucs



The Bucs added to a receiver group that featured a 3 time Pro Bowler in Vincent Jackson by drafted Mike Evans in the 1st round. Evans responded with a 1051 yard 12 TD season, while Jackson put up his fourth straight 1,000 yard season. All of this happened in spite of quarterback issues between Josh McCown and Mike Glennon, who delt with protection issues and a defense that didn't help much either. They also feature Tavarres King and Louis Murphy, former Panthers. The Bucs drafted Kenny Bell in the 5th and Kaelin Clay in the 6th, all of which should battle it out for the 3rd and 4th receiver spots.

Obviously, a good group of receivers does not always create a winning team, and the season is still largely going to be contingent upon how fast Jameis Winston gets acclimated to the NFL. But, between Jackson and Evans, Winston will have a lot of solid options to work with in his rookie season. Winston to Evans should be a combo we're hearing about for a long time, and both of Winston's top options are still productive.

3. Carolina Panthers

Regardless of ranking, the Panthers receiving group is much improved from 2014, and the main reason why I have them ranked higher than the New Orleans Saints is simple; we have our number one receiver. Benjamin's 1000 yard 9 touchdown season helped cement his status as the number one guy, and he will be further complimented by 2nd round pick Devin Funchess, 2nd year player Philly Brown, Jerricho Cotchery, and a returning Ted Ginn. Stephen Hill could also become a legitimate threat in the passing game with his physical skills. The big question is figuring out who will factor in where on this team behind Benjamin and Funchess.

(I left Greg Olsen off this particular ranking since he is a tight end, but he's a big part of the passing game.)

Needless to say, last season the Panthers receiver group was dead last in the division and it wasn't close. The team did nothing but build upon it's young receiving core, and instead of trying to find diamonds in the rough for depth they will be parting with legitimate NFL talent in 2015's offseason.





4. New Orleans Saints

Many Saints fans will say they are glad to see Jimmy Graham gone, but he was the number one guy in that passing attack and now New Orleans has to find a guy to take his targets. Many fans seem to think it's Josh Hill, but in all likelihood they will be looking for it in the receiving group. The ever reliable Marques Colston is getting up there in mileage while Brandin Cooks looks to show us more of what we saw flashes of in 2014 before injury. Behind them is Josh Morgan, a well traveled NFL journeyman along with Nick Toon and Joseph Morgan, who are relative unknowns.

I don't disagree with the Saints using this draft to load up on defensive players or use their first round pick on Andrus Peat, but it leaves a wide receiver group that has some developing to do. Even still, with the ever accurate Drew Brees at the helm and a new power running game focus their offense should be just fine.

Do you agree with my rankings Panthers fans? Answer in the comments, and stay tuned for more division rankings!