The Carolina Panthers have two rookies making an early impact in the trenches, but they still have ground to make up on some of their NFC South rivals.
This is a gradual process, of course. General manager Dan Morgan has done a good job of building through the draft. There have been some misses, but it's been largely positive over the last three years as the Panthers' ethos took a seismic shift.
But others around the division are starting to do the same.
Here's how the four NFC South rookie classes stack up from worst to best as the midseason point approaches.
Ranking the Carolina Panthers' rookie class with their NFC South rivals
4. New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have the most work to do with their rookie class after a difficult start to the season.
Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson has yet to make his NFL debut because of an offseason hamstring injury. Defensive tackle Christen Miller recently returned but couldn't crack the rotation against the Atlanta Falcons, while tight end Oscar Delp remains behind Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant on the depth chart.
This group still has time to turn things around. But right now, the Saints haven't received enough from their class to rank higher.
3. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have a stronger foundation to build on, mainly along the offensive and defensive lines.
Monroe Freeling, the No. 19 overall pick, entered the season with a challenging assignment. Injuries to Carolina's established tackles forced the team to lean on the rookie earlier than it might have preferred. He has had some rough moments, but the Panthers have seen enough to remain encouraged by his progress.
Lee Hunter has also given the Panthers reasons to be optimistic. The second-round pick has flashed at nose tackle, where his size and strength can help Carolina hold up against the run.
The biggest setback has been wide receiver Chris Brazzell II's season-ending knee injury. Cornerback Will Lee III has also had growing pains, but the Panthers didn't expect him to play so much this early. Secondary injuries have made his development more urgent.
After that, safety Zakee Wheatley has made a positive impact when his number is called, so he is another to watch.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' second-round linebacker Josiah Trotter has been great.
Tampa Bay has given him significant defensive responsibility, and his production has helped make the selection look promising. Wide receiver Ted Hurst has also contributed despite the team's quarterback situation, recording 128 receiving yards and a touchdown through Week 5.
Fourth-round defensive back Keionte Scott adds another encouraging piece with his versatility. However, the class still has a major question mark in first-round edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. He has been in and out of the lineup and hasn't made the impact the Buccaneers hoped for yet.
1. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta takes the top spot after getting early contributions from several defensive rookies while dealing with injuries across the unit.
Cornerback Avieon Terrell, linebacker Kendal Daniels, and linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. have all helped the Falcons fill important roles.
However, third-round receiver Zachariah Branch has made more of his early impact on special teams than as a receiver, with just seven catches for 46 receiving yards through the first five weeks.
The Carolina Panthers still have plenty of time to change this order. Freeling and Hunter are already getting valuable experience, and Lee could benefit from a more stable secondary.
If those players keep improving, Carolina could make a push up the rankings before the season ends.
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