The NFL action never stops, even after reporters broke free agent signings early, football continues to draw us in on a daily basis. Free agency is a time of excitement for football fans, new faces with new teams means renewed optimism for the coming season and the hope that it will give their team the push to make the next step.
As free agency rolls along, the AFC South has been especially busy making moves this offseason. The Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans have all been out spending cap space, improving their rosters for next season and reducing their needs heading into the draft. Let's take a look at where each team's needs currently stand now.
Indianapolis Colts:
Added: Mike Adams (re-signed), Darius Butler (re-signed), Frank Gore, Kendall Langford, Andre Johnson, Duron Carter, Trent Cole, Todd Herremans
Needs:
Inside Linebacker: The Colts have been aggressive this offseason with their needs, bringing in depth and setting themselves up for a better playoff push this coming season. Needs at running back, right guard and wide receiver have been filled. Indianapolis still has a few big needs, including linebacker, a spot they can address with their first-round pick. UCLA's Eric Kendricks could be the perfect fit for this defense and help push them near the top of the AFC.
Free Safety: Indianapolis has their offense set to reach new heights in 2015, now their focus in the draft should be on the defense. Once they can fill the void at inside linebacker, the next step is upgrading at free safety. Finding a safety who can make plays in coverage and take away some of the deep plays opposite of Vontae Davis will further help this defense.
Houston Texans
Added: Kareem Jackson (re-signed), Derek Newton (re-signed), Ryan Mallett (re-signed), Brian Hoyer Vince Wilfork, Cecil Shorts, Rahim Moore
Needs:
Inside Linebacker: As the Texans continue to surround J.J. Watt with more help, the focus turns towards the linebacker group. Houston has set up an outstanding defensive line, now they need to upgrade at inside linebacker. Brian Cushing is a big name, his body has broken down and his play is close behind. The Texans need help at inside linebacker and they will have plenty of options in the draft.
Center: After releasing veteran Chris Myers, it's clear Houston is making a transition on the offensive line. The need for center is intensified given Houston's quarterback situation, so the Texans may have to address the need early. If Houston doesn't go after free agent Steven Wisniewski, they will be left to rely on drafting and starting a rookie center this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Added: Julius Thomas, Sergio Brown, Jared Odrick, Jermy Parnell, Davon House, Dan Skuta
Needs:
Pass Rusher: Defensive-minded head coach Gus Bradley has looked towards the offense the past two years, filling two of the most crucial positions for a franchise (quarterback and left tackle). Now his attention should shift toward the most important position on defense, adding a pass rusher. With the third overall pick, Jacksonville will have their choice of pass rushers to improve their defense.
Free Safety: Jacksonville's secondary is falling into place–Jonathan Cyprien is locked in at strong safety, while the Jaguars have set themselves up nicely at corner with Demetrius McCray and newly-signed Davon House. Free agency is the final piece needed and while Brown provides great depth at the position, Jacksonville needs a coverage safety and while this class isn't deep at the position, Gerod Holliman could be an option on day two.
Tennessee Titans
Added: Derrick Morgan (re-signed), Brett Kern (re-signed) Anthony Fasano, Brian Orakpo, Perrish Cox, Harry Douglas
Needs:
Quarterback: While Tennessee may have some confidence in Zach Mettenberger as their quarterback, they have the chance to make an upgrade with the second overall pick. Mettenberger has recovered from the torn ACL that caused his draft stock to slip, but he still isn't at the level of a Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston. If Tennessee doesn't use its pick to take a quarterback, then going best player available (Leonard Williams) is the best option.
Right Tackle: Whatever decision Tennessee makes with their second overall pick, they have to buy insurance to keep their quarterback safe. After taking Taylor Lewan, the next move comes by upgrading from Terren Jones. A right tackle can absolutely be found on day two, it's just about finding the right prospect.