AFC South Draft Needs: Texans seeking receiving help, Titans in market for OT
theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest positional needs for all 32 NFL teams entering the draft.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Houston Texans
Biggest need: Wide receiver
Other needs: Tight end, defensive end, safety, offensive line
The Texans have a dynamic wide receiver in DeAndre Hopkins, but could use some additional targets for new quarterback Brock Osweiler. Veteran Nate Washington left Houston for New England this offseason, Cecil Shorts III failed to live up to expectations in 2015, and Jaelen Strong was used sparingly as a rookie.
The departure of Jared Crick left the Texans with a glaring need at defensive end opposite J.J. Watt, but given the depth of this year's defensive line class, they should be able to find a capable replacement in the draft. Upgrading the safety position should also be a priority.
Potential draft targets: If the Texans decide to use their first-round selection on a receiver, Baylor's Corey Coleman - which many mock drafts have them selecting - or Notre Dame's Will Fuller are among the options. Oklahoma State defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah was among the players who worked out at the Texans' local prospect day, and could also be available when it comes time for them to pick at No. 22.
Indianapolis Colts
Biggest need: Offensive line
Other needs: Pass-rusher, running back, cornerback
The Colts had a relatively quiet free agency period, which makes what they do in the draft that much more important. At the top of their priority list is offensive line, a unit owner Jim Irsay would like to make better. That includes guard, tackle, and center - the latter of which Irsay said the Colts plan to look "carefully" at.
Another high priority for the Colts is adding a pass-rusher. Bjoern Werner (2013 first-round pick) and Jonathan Newsome (2014 fifth-round pick) were both waived this offseason, and while Robert Mathis is still on the roster, he's 35 and in the final year of his contract. Elsewhere, Indianapolis could use reinforcements at cornerback, as well as a potential backup and successor to running back Frank Gore.
Potential draft targets: Most mock drafts have offensive tackle Taylor Decker going to the Colts at No. 18, but Alabama's Ryan Kelly, widely considered the top center in the draft, would also be a good fit. If the Colts decide to use their first-round selection on a pass-rusher, Eastern Kentucky's Noah Spence, Clemson's Shaq Lawson, and Georgia's Leonard Floyd all figure to be on their radar.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Biggest need: Pass-rusher
Other needs: Linebacker, cornerback, offensive line
The Jaguars enter the draft as a trendy pick to do some damage in the AFC South after making several key signings in free agency. There's still some holes to fill, though, namely on defense, where they lost starting edge-rushers Andre Branch and Chris Clemons. The 2015 first-round pick Dante Fowler Jr. should be ready for the start of the season, but after missing his entire rookie campaign with a torn ACL, it's unclear how much he can be replied upon.
With Paul Posluszny turning 32 in October and no clear successor behind him on the roster, linebacker is another area that should be addressed in the draft. Cornerback isn't a pressing need, but with starter Aaron Colvin suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing drugs, the Jaguars could use some reinforcements there.
Potential draft targets: UCLA linebacker Myles Jack would be the perfect addition to the Jaguars' defense, giving them a dynamic playmaker who can contribute right away. Ohio State pass-rusher Joey Bosa, one of the draft's most coveted prospects, may be available at No. 5 overall - as could Oregon's DeForest Buckner, or Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey.
Tennessee Titans
Biggest need: Offensive tackle
Other needs: Safety, cornerback, pass-rusher, wide receiver
The Titans hold six of the top 76 selections in this year's draft thanks to their blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Rams, which will go a long way toward helping them retool their roster. Finding an offensive tackle to pair with Taylor Lewan should be at the top of their to-do list. Lewan has occupied the left tackle spot during his first two NFL seasons, though general manager Jon Robinson recently hinted at the possibility of him flipping to right tackle.
Secondary is another area of concern for the Titans, who tied for third in the NFL with 34 passing touchdowns surrendered last season and allowed a 101.3 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks - the fourth-highest in the league. The signings of Brice McCain, Antwon Blake, and Rashad Johnson should help, but they could use some additional reinforcements.
Potential draft targets: The Titans appeared to be the likely landing spot for Laremy Tunsil before trading away the top pick, but could still nab a quality offensive tackle at No. 15, like Jack Conklin or Taylor Decker, both of whom have reputations as maulers in the run game. At safety, West Virginia's Karl Joseph or Ohio State's Vonn Bell could be in play.
