Free agency has been going on for almost a week now, and almost every NFL team has made some additions. Today, we will talk about the AFC South and how incoming free agents have changed each team's draft needs. Although it was one of the weaker divisions in 2013, there are plenty of reasons why this division will be much-improved when the 2014 NFL season rolls around. Without further ado, let's get started.
Indianapolis Colts
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KEY LOSSES:
FREE AGENCY OUTLOOK
After signing Hakeem Nicks in free agency, the Colts got a good receiver to complement Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton. Nicks has had two down years, but he is a physical receiver who can bring down touchdown passes in the redzone. Arthur Jones is a versatile player who will line up everywhere on defense. Signing Phil Costa likely rules out the possibilty of signing Alex Mack in free agency. Kavell Connor will be a good depth player for this team too.
Losing Donald Brown and Antoine Bethea in free agency will be difficult for the Colts in 2014. Both were big-time producers for this team, and both were starters. Brown outplayed Trent Richardson, and he flew under-the-radar as one of the best running backs in the AFC. Bethea is a guy who has been there for years. Bethea was one of the last guys from the Colts' super bowl team in 2006. His value as a free safety will be missed in Indianapolis.
DRAFT NEEDS:
- Running Back
- Wide Receiver
- Defensive Tackle
- Inside Linebacker
- Cornerback
- Free Safety
DRAFT OUTLOOK
The Colts were a fun team to watch in 2013. Although they added some players in free agency, Indianapolis still has soem work to do in 2014. They could use another wide receiver to help Nicks and Hilton out, and they could use upgrades across the defense. Last season, the Colts had one of the worst defenses in the NFL. They have already said that they won't bring back Pat Angerer. That said, the Colts could look early in the draft for a middle linebacker. Also, the Colts should draft a few players in the secondary to help out Vontae Davis.
Tennessee Titans
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KEY LOSSES:
FREE AGENCY OUTLOOK
In my opinion, the Titans have had a really good free agency by signing a few quality players. Michael Oher is a versatile tackle who has experience playing the left side and the right side. Wesley Woodyard will become the starter at the middle linebacker position, and that's a good thing for the Titans.
Woodyard is one of the most underrated players in the NFL. He is excellent in pass coverage, and he does a good job against the run as well. Dexter McCluster is an offensive weapon as he can change the game in a few sceonds. Ken Whisenhunt can line McCluster all over the field.
The ex-Chief will get a ton of opportunities in this offense. Charlie Whitehurst was brought over becomes him and Whisenhunt have chemistry together from their time in San Diego. Al Woods is a low-risk, high-reward type of player. He will get a chance to play next to one of the best defensive tackles in the league in Jurrell Casey.
On the contrary, the Titans lost their best secondary player in Alterraun Verner. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers paid a ton of money for Verner, and they did that with good reasoning. Verner flourished in 2013, and he was a great player for the Titans. Also, Kenny Britt will sign with another team in free agency. Although he never developed like many thought he would in Tennessee, it is still worth noting that Britt has a ton of potential if he can get his head on straight.
DRAFT NEEDS:
- Quarterback
- Running Back
- Tight End
- Cornerback
DRAFT OUTLOOK
The Titans are a bit stuck right now. They have a decent roster, but their offense is mediocre at best. They have some good players on the outside, but I'm not entirely sold on Jake Locker. The Washington product hasn't performed that well since being drafted in the top 10 in 2011. Coach Whisenhunt may want to go in a different direction at the quarterback position. Chris Johnson is on the outs in Tennessee, and the Titans should look to the draft to find his replacement. The Titans need to improve their tight end play, and there are a ton of good options at that position in this year's class. Also, Tennessee has to draft a cornerback or two in April. Verner was a great player for this secondary, and the Titans need to find another player like him.
Jacksonville Jaguars
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KEY LOSSES:
FREE AGENCY OUTLOOK
The Jaguars a ton of good players in free agency. Head coach Gus Bradley's ties with Seattle is the reason why they got Chris Clemons and Red Bryant. Both players were big reasons why the Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII. Clemons in particular is one of the most underrated defensive ends in the NFL.
Ziggy Hood and Red Bryant will become starters on the defensive line, and Dekoda Watson should see time at the outside linebacker position too. On the offensive side of the ball, the Jaguars added Toby Gerhart, Zane Beadles, and Cameron Bradfield. Gerhart never had a chance to shine behind Adrian Peterson in Minnesota. Zane Beadles is one of the premier guards in the NFL, and Cameron Bradfield will be a nice backup tackle for this team.
Jason Babin terminated his deal, and became a free agent. There have been rumors of the Jaguars drafting Jadeveon Clowney so losing Babin shouldn't matter much. Babin had a few good years for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jaguars. But Babin wants to go to a Super Bowl contender, and the Jaguars aren't entirely there yet. Babin was a good player for Jacksonville, but they will be happy to relieve themselves from his cap hit.
DRAFT NEEDS
- Quarterback
- Wide Receiver
- Defensive End
- Cornerback
DRAFT OUTLOOK
Chad Henne was decent in 2013, but the Jaguars need a guy who can elevate this offense. Jacksonville should also draft a receiver to help Cecil Shorts out. Justin Blackmon is a head-ache for this team, and they should look to move on from him in this year's draft. Getting another defensive end and another cornerback would be a great thing for this team. Gus Bradley is a defensive genius, and drafting a player like Clowney would be an amazing fit for both parties.
Houston Texans
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KEY SUBTRACTIONS:
FREE AGENCY OUTLOOK
It's odd that the Texans haven't signed anyone in free agency. They need help at a ton of positions, and they will most likely draft a quarterback in April. Knowing that, the Texans should add some weapons around that future player. They already have Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins, and they re-signed Garrett Graham. The Texans should look to add a few players in the next few days.
Houston lost a ton of good players in free agency. Many say Ben Tate is better than Arian Foster so losing him will be a tough pill to swallow. Antonio Smith lined up across from J.J. Watt, and they will miss his production opposite of Watt. Earl Mitchell and Joe Mays were starters for this team, and their production will be missed as well.
DRAFT NEEDS
- Quarterback
- Wide Receiver
- Defensive End
- Linebacker
DRAFT OUTLOOK
With Bill O'Brien becoming the head coach of the the Texans, a quarterback will be drafted. Whether that quarterback comes in the first round or in the later rounds, he will need to be better than Matt Schaub and Case Keenum were in 2013. As of now, I believe the Texans will draft Blake Bortles with the first overall pick in this year's draft. There have been rumors about Clowney and Johnny Manziel, but Bortles just fits O'Brien's idea of a quarterback. Adding another wide receiver will be needed, and they could use some upgrades on the defensive side of the ball too. Houston will need to get a player to complement Watt, and they will need to get a linebacker to help out in the running game. The Texans have their work cut out for them before the new season kicks off.