NFL Draft Needs: AFC South Edition
The AFC South is definitely a division that will be up for grabs with a lot of new faces entering the division. Both the Texans and Jaguars are welcoming new coaches and in all likelihood new QB1’s as well. A fresh start for two franchises that have been on the decline.
Also, Houston is obviously dealing with Deshaun Watson and his legal issues which will factor into their draft needs.
The Titans are an interesting team. Tennessee made the playoffs last season and the year before but lost a couple pieces on defense and a star receiver in Corey Davis. It could be a tough road ahead.
Finally, the Indianapolis Colts are welcoming newly acquired QB Carson Wentz and reuniting him with former Eagles OC Frank Reich. The reunion could pay off, but draft needs are still a demand for everyone.
Houston Texans
Head Coach: David Culley
Offensive MVP: Deshaun Watson
Defensive MVP: Zach Cunningham
Biggest Draft Needs: QB, DL, OL
Draft Picks: 67, 109, 147, 158, 195, 203, 212, 233
Although Deshaun Watson is facing serious legal charges, if he does indeed get out of it, he will still not want to be a Houston Texan and they will have to trade him sooner or later after missing their shot at getting 3 first round picks and more. The Texans run defense was the 32nd ranked run defense in the league and it only got worse with the loss of JJ Watt. An absolute mess.
Safe Pick: Terrace Marshall
Marshall could help Tyrod Taylor’s talents be maximized by adding a big target on the outside to compliment Brandin Cooks and his elite speed.
Risk Pick: Kellen Mond
Kellen Mond doesn’t look NFL ready. It would be a stubborn pick to take Mond in the second round but it may be Houston’s only choice should the complications with Watson continue.
Draft Goal: Find a potential replacement for Deshaun Watson and hit big on late-round picks.
Tennessee Titans
Head Coach: Mike Vrabel
Offensive MVP: Derrick Henry
Defensive MVP: Bud Dupree
Biggest Draft Needs: WR, DL, CB
Draft Picks: 22, 53, 85, 100, 126, 166, 205, 215, 232
The Titans lost Corey Davis, Jonnu Smith, Jadeveon Clowney and more. The goal has to be to fill the void to help Ryan Tannehill.
Safe Pick: Rashod Bateman
Bateman is a perfect replacement for Corey Davis and is a perfect selection around 22. Perfect value.
Risk Pick: Kwity Paye
Paye is an athletic freak that could produce more than Clowney did on his one-year deal, but it’s hard to read his potential after being misused at Michigan.
Draft Goal: Develop a pass rush; Ryan Tannehill replacement?
Jacksonville Jaguars
Head Coach: Urban Meyer
Offensive MVP: Trevor Lawrence
Defensive MVP: Myles Jack
Biggest Draft Needs: QB, OL, CB
Draft Picks: 1, 25, 33, 45, 65, 106, 130, 145, 170, 249
The Jaguars are taking Trevor Lawrence and I would be willing to bet the rest of my human life on it. He will immediately be one of their best players and increase the offensive production with DJ Chark and James Robinson. The offensive line will need to be built but 3 more picks in the top 50 gives room for it.
Safe Pick: Trevor Lawrence
Easy selection to finally secure a franchise QB.
Risk Pick: Zach Wilson
NFL draft expert Chris Simms believes Zach Wilson will translate better to the NFL stage, but taking Wilson over Trevor Lawrence could cause most of Jacksonville to riot.
Draft Goal: Build a team to make a playoff push.
Indianapolis Colts
Head Coach: Frank Reich
Offensive MVP: Quenton Nelson
Defensive MVP: Darius Leonard
Biggest Draft Needs: DL, OL, WR
Draft Picks: 21, 54, 127, 165, 206, 248
The Colts have a solid defense but could use some more offensive weapons to surround Carson Wentz with as many faces as possible.
Safe Pick: Gregory Rousseau
Gregory Rousseau could help the pass rush for Indianapolis, something they lacked last year.
Risk Pick: Kwity Paye
The fit is questionable.
Draft Goal: Build around Carson Wentz.
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