With just 2 divisions of Team Needs left, we move on today to the AFC South. Just to reiterate, these are team needs for starting players, big holes, not just slight upgrades or for backup depth. So, with that being said, let’s get right to the AFC South Team Needs.
Houston Texans (picks in the 1st 3 rounds) – 25th. 57th, 89th.
- Quarterback – A lot of people share the opinion that if the Texans had an adequate QB over the past 2-3 years, they would have made it to a Superbowl by now. They have had a top 5, if not top, defense for the past couple of years. They need their offense to catch up and fast.
- Left Tackle – Once they have the QB they want to take them to the next level, they have to protect him. Duane Brown is suitable enough to play the right side, but they need a big time LT. Unfortunately, they need more than the help of 1 player on their line.
- Guard – Jeff Allen was 1 of the worst guards in the league last year. The best way to get a play blown up is with pressure up the middle. This doesn’t have to be addressed in the 1st round or 2, but it must be addressed.
- Safety – The Texans don’t need too much on the defensive side of the ball, but they do need some secondary help. Corey Moore is currently slated to start at SS and that’s not a good thing. This draft is filled with Safety depth, so they shouldn’t have an issue fixing this area of need.
- Tight End – It’s been a while since the Texans utilized their TE. Owen Daniels is the last name that comes to mind. CJ Fiedorowicz is okay, but not really a world beater to say the least. Texans need as many weapons as they can find and just like with S, the TE spot is very deep this year.
- Defensive End – This may not end up being a need if 3rd year pro-Christian Covington steps up. Last year he showed some flashes, but he’s more of a project than a sure thing. I would use a pick and let them have a competition in camp.
25th – Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
57th – Obi Melifonwu, S, UConn
89th – Zach Banner, OL, USC
Indianapolis Colts (picks in the 1st 3 rounds) – 15th, 46th, 80th.
- 2 Inside Linebackers – The Colts may not think they have 2 holes for their ILB spots, but I do. They signed Sean Spence from the Tennessee Titans and he’s a solid coverage LB, but not great against the run and doesn’t put any pressure on the QB. This is arguably their biggest weakness.
- Cornerback – Vontae Davis has been a beast for a while now. Darius Butler was re-signed and is a solid #2. However, what the Colts need is a slot CB. They may be able to get a Saftey who can cover, so that may be the best thing. They’d kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
- Safety – There is a rumor that Clayton Geathers will be moved to LB. Whether he does or not, he was injured last year and probably can’t be heavily depended on. A pick to team with last year 2nd round pick TJ Green would be their ideal situation. Someone on day 2 would be best.
- Running Back – It feels like Frank Gore has been playing since the 1980s. I love Gore and he gives it his all, but I don’t think he really has much, if any, left in the tank. There are a lot of good, young, hungry back in this draft. They should take advantage of obtaining one now.
15th – Rueben Foster, ILB, Alabama
46th – Fabian Moreau, DB, UCLA
80th – Jeremy McNichols, RB, Boise State
Jacksonville Jaguars (picks in the 1st 3 rounds) – 4th, 35th, 68th.
- Guard – I could put QB on this list, but I’m going to give Bortles 1 more year. Instead, I’m going to get him some blocking. The rest of their o-line is pretty solid now, but if you want to be successful, you can’t have any weak links on the line
- Running Back – There is a very good chance that this could be addressed with their 1st round pick. Chris Ivory didn’t prove to be worth the money last year and they are about ready to give up on TJ Yeldon. The best friends of a QB are o-line, a good running game, and a tight end.
- Tight End – Speaking of TE, Julius Thomas was supposed to be the answer. But after being hurt each of the last 2 years, he was sent to the Dolphins. They shouldn’t have to go back to Mercedes Lewis, this should be addressed on day 2.
4th – Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
35th – Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama
68th – Dorian Johnson, G, Pittsburgh
Tennessee Titans (picks in the 1st 3 rounds) – 5th, 18th, 83rd, 100th.
- 2 Wide Receivers – It has been amazing the turnaround of this franchise. From 5-27 the previous 2 years to 9-7 last year, so what’s missing? More weapons. Rishard Matthews was big for them last year, but another starter and a slot WR are needed. Tajae Sharpe is a solid guy but is more of a #4 WR on a good team.
- 2 Defensive Backs – If you look at almost every mock draft, they have the Titans taking a DB in round 1. Some of it is being overblown, as people act like the Titans should draft 4 more DBs. It’s not that serious, but some more is definitely needed. With the additions of Logan Ryan and Jonathan Cyprien to go with Kevin Byard and LeShaun Sims, their secondary is shaping up nicely.
5th – Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
18th – John Ross, WR, Washington
83rd – Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky
100th – Tedric Thompson, S, Colorado
That leaves us with 1 division left, as we are about 1 week from the NFL Draft. Things change quickly in the NFL, just like last week with the signing of Johnathan Hankins and the release of Jason McCourty. Both changed some of the needs in this article and others can still happen. But that’s the life as a fan of the NFL. You just get used to change. Enjoy the draft.