Roster Reset: NFC South By Kevin Patra Around the League writer NFL.comPublished: April 9, 2014 at 11:14 p.m. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzQ86HvmAXE The topsy-turvy NFC South, which never has seen a back-to-back conqueror, took another spin this offseason. As the dust begins to settle from free agency, Around The League explores how teams from each division have improved. The gap between teams in the South closed as the teams that finished 2013 at the top of the division shed veteran players, while the teams at the bottom took steps to strengthen their weaknesses. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers brought in Lovie Smith to guide their rudderless ship. The Bucs were one of the most active teams in free agency, identifying players and locking them down. This wasn't a team that was devoid of talent -- especially on the defensive side of the ball -- but Smith brought in players who better fit his scheme. In most cases, they were also big upgrades in talent. The Buccaneers now will be a popular pick to repeat the success of the 2013 Kansas City Chiefs, who made the playoffs following a dismal season. With Smith at the helm and an infusion of talent, there is good reason for that comparison. On the flip side sits the division winning Carolina Panthers, who saw more retirements than game-changing signings. The Panthers won last season on the back of a ferocious defense and run-heavy offense. Those two aspects must be replicated and improved upon if Carolina is to repeat because all other areas have been downgraded. In our "Roster Reset" series, Around The League will rank teams in each division based on how much they improved this offseason. The NFC South is up next. 1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers » How they improved: New coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht revamped the Bucs' crew, signing a whopping 17 new players. Their additions were complements to the talent already in place when the new regime arrived. The duo overhauled the offensive line, cutting veterans Donald Penn and Davin Joseph and trading away center Jeremy Zuttah. Evan Dietrich-Smith is a big upgrade over Zuttah at center, and left tackle Anthony Collins is a massive improvement -- he allowed zero sacks last season. Releasing Darrelle Revis might have been bad PR, but replacement Alterraun Verner will fit seamlessly into Smith's system and came at a much cheaper price. High-priced defensive end Michael Johnson is a perfect partner to Gerald McCoy on the inside and should immediately upgrade the Buccaneers' pass rush. In the end, swapping in the respected Smith for the mercurial Greg Schiano was the biggest boon for the Bucs' franchise. 
What's next» Find a complement to Vincent Jackson: Trading Mike Williams to Buffalo left a big void opposite Jackson. The rest of the depth chart is awash with No. 3 receivers -- Louis Murphy, Lavelle Hawkins, etc. Finding a playmaking receiver in the draft is a must to take the heat off Jackson. (Mike Evans, anyone?)» Linebacker depth: Smith had the luxury of an All-Pro group of linebackers during his stint in Chicago. Pro Bowl snub Lavonte David should dominate in Smith's system. The coach must cultivate a Brian Urlacher-type to augment David's Lance Briggs imitation. » Future QB: Josh McCown will begin as the Bucs' starter. Incumbent Mike Glennon plans to battle for the starting job, but in reality could be fighting for the backup job. The 35-year-old McCown is not a long-term solution. Offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford must decide if Glennon can be the future or if a developmental rookie is necessary. If you would like to see the rest of the breakdowns, click here....2....... Atlanta3........New Orleans4........Carolina http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000340393/article/roster-reset-nfc-south
