NFl draft preview: AFC south
The AFC South is in rough shape. Houston is the only team showing real promise, and even they have major flaws to address. The Titans are a complete mess, spiraling downward since parting ways with Mike Vrabel. Jacksonville can’t seem to build a stable roster around Trevor Lawrence, and Indianapolis is hoping Anthony Richardson can become the quarterback they envisioned, despite early struggles.
With all four teams needing significant help, expect best player available (BPA) surprises throughout this draft. Each franchise has too many holes to focus on just one position.
Tennessee Titans: The Pressure of the No. 1 Pick
- Top Needs: QB, EDGE, WR, S, OG
- Biggest Question: Do they draft a quarterback, or do they trade down for more picks?
- Draft Approach:
- The Titans hold the first overall pick, but it comes in a year with no clear-cut QB1.
- Many believe they’ll take Cam Ward, an athletic, high-upside passer with a raw skillset. Others argue that Abdul Carter is the best defensive talent in the class and could provide an elite pass-rush presence.
- Given their severe lack of top-100 picks (only two), trading down could be the smartest move.
- If they trade out, expect them to fill multiple positions, including WR, OL, and secondary. This team needs help everywhere after years of poor roster management.
- No matter what they do, the Titans will shape the entire draft with their decision at No. 1.
- Top Targets: Cam Ward (QB, Miami), Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State), Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado)
Jacksonville Jaguars: A Roster in Shambles
- Top Needs: DL, CB, OT, WR, TE
- Biggest Question: Can they find a true impact player at No. 5?
- Draft Approach:
- Jacksonville’s roster has been gutted, with Christian Kirk and Evan Engram both being released.
- Mason Graham is the most logical pick if he’s available. Jacksonville’s interior defensive line is weak, and elite pass-rushers up the middle are invaluable in today’s game.
- If Travis Hunter unexpectedly drops, they could take a WR/CB hybrid with superstar potential, but that seems unlikely.
- With three more top-100 picks, they can address WR and TE later, as this class is deep in both areas.
- If they don’t go with Graham, Tyler Warren or Will Johnson could be in play, though the idea of releasing a star tight end just to replace him in the first round seems counterproductive.
- Once they shore up the defense, expect them to target explosive offensive playmakers to finally unlock Trevor Lawrence’s full potential.
- Top Targets: Mason Graham (DL, Michigan), Will Johnson (CB, Michigan), Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)
Indianapolis Colts: Building Around Anthony Richardson
- Top Needs: TE, S, LB, OG, C
- Biggest Question: Can they trust Anthony Richardson as their long-term QB?
- Draft Approach:
- While the Colts won’t move on from Richardson yet, his wild inaccuracy, injuries, and inconsistency have raised major red flags.
- The best way to help him? Strengthen the offensive line and add reliable weapons.
- If Tyler Warren falls to No. 14, he’s a perfect fit—this team has no real tight end threat and needs a big target to make Richardson’s life easier.
- If they go in another direction, Malaki Starks would be a major upgrade at safety, or Jalon Walker could fill a linebacker spot if EJ Speed leaves.
- Beyond the first round, offensive line should be a focus, and they could also look to build a more complete defense.
- Even if everything goes well, this team still hinges entirely on Richardson’s development. If he doesn’t improve, no draft pick will save them.
- Top Targets: Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State), Malaki Starks (S, Georgia), Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
Houston Texans: Fixing the Offensive Line
- Top Needs: OG, C, DL, OT, LB
- Biggest Question: Can they keep C.J. Stroud upright?
- Draft Approach:
- The Texans’ offensive line was atrocious, making life miserable for C.J. Stroud in his sophomore season.
- Every single lineman—left tackle, right tackle, guards, center—is either a liability now or will need to be replaced soon.
- Expect back-to-back offensive line picks early, with a focus on protecting their franchise quarterback.
- Once they address the line, interior defensive line and linebacker should be next. The defense was soft against the run, and they need more physicality in the front seven.
- The good news is that they don’t need help at WR, RB, or QB, which allows them to focus purely on the trenches.
- Top Targets: Armand Membou (OT, Mizzou), Josh Simmons (OT, Ohio State), Josh Conerly Jr. (OT, Oregon)
Final Thoughts
The AFC South is a long way from being competitive, but this draft will be a major step toward rebuilding.
- The Titans hold the No. 1 pick but may trade down instead of forcing a QB selection.
- The Jaguars need impact players and will likely address defense early before grabbing weapons later.
- The Colts need to protect Anthony Richardson and might take a top-tier tight end or lineman.
- The Texans’ only priority is fixing the offensive line—expect multiple picks on that front.
While Houston looks like the most promising team in the division, the rest of the AFC South needs a lot of work before they can compete with top teams in the NFL.
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