Top NFL Draft Need for Each AFC South Team

By Matt Johnson on Saturday, April 11th 2015
Top NFL Draft Need for Each AFC South Team

Less than three weeks from now, the first round will be wrapped up and eDraft will be breaking down the first 32 picks of the 2015 NFL Draft. After an exciting offseason filled with movement across the league, there has been plenty of shake up in the AFC South.

The AFC South has been one of the most active divisions this offseason, causing changes to team needs and strategies heading into the draft. Now that the frenzy has largely come to an end, let's take a look at each team's biggest need with less than 21 days until the draft.

 

Indianapolis Colts: Inside Linebacker

The Colts have done a very nice job surrounding Andrew Luck with talent on offense, though Ryan Grigson gets too much credit for it. While the offensive line remains a concern and could be addressed on day one or two, their defense is what's kept them from going further in the playoffs.

This defense is, well it's a bit of an enigma. There are two great pieces with Vontae Davis and Robert Mathis, along with some depth. But their defense was also ripped to shred by the New England Patriots this past postseason and by the Alex Smith-led Kansas City Chiefs in 2013. While safety is certainly an area that could be improved, inside linebacker is the bigger need.

Indianapolis needs even more help at outside linebacker thanks to D'Qwell Jackson's declining ability and his arrest this offseason. The Colts need a linebacker who can drop back in coverage or use his instincts to make plays versus the run. Quite simply, that man is UCLA's Eric Kendricks and he would be an excellent pick at 30.

Houston Texans Quarterback

Dear Houston,

I told you. Last year I told you to draft Teddy Bridgewater with the first overall pick, you drafted Jadeveon Clowney. I won't bash you or say Clowney was a bust, it's early and no one could have seen the microfracture knee surgery coming. But you had a chance once again to draft Bridgewater, as he slid down the board past the 20's and to 32. You were one pick away and it was the end of the first round, all you had to do was send the Seattle Seahawks a fourth-round pick. Instead, you didn't move up and you drafted Tom Savage in the fourth round.

Now you sit here, staring at your depth chart after signing Brian Hoyer and re-signing Ryan Mallett. I don't think I need to remind you of the quote about two bad quarterbacks but here it goes, "If you have two quarterbacks, you have none." Unfortunately, now you are praying for quarterback purgatory, just hoping that Mallett or Hoyer are not bad enough to keep you from a playoff spot.

Winston and Mariota will be long gone by the time Houston is on the clock. That leaves Brett Hundley, a multi-year project, but still a long-term upgrade over anyone currently on the roster. The 16th pick is too early, so maybe the Texans explore a trade down and "reach" for Hundley in the late-20's. Quarterback is the wall keeping them from being a playoff team and this all could have been avoided. Now they are left hoping to be in a place the Cincinnati Bengals regret being in. 

Jacksonville Jaguars: Pass Rusher

After investing first-round picks the past three seasons on the offensive line and quarterback. Now the focus must shift towards Gus Bradley's special, upgrading the defense. While having a shutdown corner is great, the focus when building a defense should always be on edge rushers.

With the third pick, Jacksonville will have a plethora of options to upgrade their pass rush. Vic Beasley and Dante Fowler are the top edge prospects available, with prospects like Randy Gregory, Shane Ray and Bud Dupree potential options if Jacksonville trades down from the third pick.

With the added help on defense, the Jaguars can take another step forward. The defense was already set to show more signs of improvement with the help of Jared Odrick and Davon House, now they will put more pressure on the quarterback. 

Tennessee Titans: Quarterback

While the Titans are still considering Zach Mettenberger as the future of their franchise, let that sink in, now please ask Tennessee to draft Marcus Mariota. Sitting at the second overall pick, the Titans will certainly have a chance to take Mariota once Jameis Winston is taken with the first pick.

As of now, Ken Whisenhunt seems committed to Mettenberger and the Titans seem tied to Whisenhunt. While some will point to Jake Locker and his "failure" in the NFL, Mariota is noticeably better than Locker and healthy. As for Mettenberger, he had a fine season in 2014, but he will not reach the levels Mariota can given time.

Quarterback is the most crucial position for a team's success and quarterback purgatory is a terrible place to be. If the Titans decide to pass on Mariota, they should seek the best offer available and trade down. With the added picks, Tennessee can address needs in the secondary, offensive line and wide receiver.

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