The NFC South is one of the leagues most intriguing divisions, as many expect 45-year old Tom Brady and the Buccaneers to dominate, but with plenty of talent, that may not happen as easily as you might think. Each team has genuine strengths and weaknesses, but when it comes to the individual Pro Bowl potential, each of these squads have multiple contenders.
The NFC itself is loaded with talent, so if these teams want multiple players representing them at seasons end, they'll need to be healthy and at their best for 17 games in 2022. The list however is to identify just one player from every team, so here are the 4 players in the NFC South who should be Pro Bowl bound in 2022.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Tom Brady
It's insane to think that 22 years after his Patriots debut, a 45-year old Tom Brady will lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into the 2022 NFL season as a legitimately strong Super Bowl contender. Brady has more accolades that any player in NFL history, and even when he's been playing longer than some players in the league have been alive, he's going to dominate yet again in 2022 en route to his 16th Pro Bowl selection.
There's plenty of names on this team that are ready for another Pro Bowl as well; Mike Evans, Shaquil Barrett, Devin White and plenty of others, because this team are considered loaded enough to be a top-two Super Bowl contender in the NFC. Most people have learnt by now that it's never a good idea to bet against the GOAT, who should again put up numbers that match the best QB's not only in the NFC, but the entire NFL.
Carolina Panthers - Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey is one of the most talented offensive weapons the NFL has ever seen, but over the past few seasons, he's unfortunately had major troubles staying on the field. When on the field, McCaffrey is beyond electric, and while it's a big if, if he remains healthy in 2022, he's got the all around skill and big play ability to be one of the best running backs in the entire NFL.
If McCaffrey can't stay healthy, DJ Moore and several players along the defensive line become the teams No. 1 Pro Bowl candidate, but if Christian can play at least 14 games, he's got All-Pro potential. If the Panthers want to challenge in the NFC South with the Saints and the Buccaneers, they'll need McCaffrey to be healthy, and if he can't stay on the field, this season could get very ugly.
Atlanta Falcons - Kyle Pitts
In the 2021 NFL Draft, there were plenty of offensive weapons, but none that quite matched the talent, overall skillset and versatility of Florida tight end, Kyle Pitts. Pitts' rookie year was definitely an up and down one, but he certainly flashed potential that one day he could become a genuine All-Pro tight end in the NFL.
A few massive games have Falcons fans excited for the potential, and pairing him with Coraderelle Patterson and USC rookie Drake London could make this a great offence in the future, especially if they can find a Quarterback to fit their timeline. Cornerback AJ Terrell also has great Pro Bowl potential, but if Pitts can stay healthy, we may be looking at someone who could be a top-5 tight end in the NFL when 2022 draws to a close.
New Orleans Saints - Michael Thomas
A few years ago, many regarded Michael Thomas as one of, if not the single best receiver in the NFL, and after some time away due to injury, he'll be back in 2022 to prove that he still belongs among the best in the game. In his prime, Thomas was one of the most prolific pass catchers in the league, setting records for the amount of catches made, and with Jameis Winston at QB in 2022, he could potentially get even better.
This team has some great talent on the defensive side of the ball too, and although people seem to be sleeping on the Saints, they're going to be a very good team in 2022. If all of the offensive pieces can remain healthy, this team could shock some people, and if Thomas is healthy, he should be good enough to resume his position as a Pro Bowl receiver.
Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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