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Identifying the biggest need for every AFC South team

Kirby Lee / USA TODAY Sports

theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest positional needs for all 32 NFL teams entering free agency.

AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST

Indianapolis Colts

Biggest need: Outside linebacker

Other needs: Right guard, running back, inside linebacker, cornerback

With the retirement of Robert Mathis, the Colts' already weak pass-rush is the team's glaring flaw heading into the 2017 offseason. There's no way the Colts can go through free agency without at least adding one edge player.

Indy's offensive line was improved in the second half of last season after the team spent considerable draft capital reinforcing the unit. However, Andrew Luck would benefit from a veteran presence at right guard, which could cement the Colts' line as a solid group.

Frank Gore should have one more season left in his legs, but the Colts need to develop a more dynamic running game by bringing in a change-of-pace back that can develop into their starter.

Potential free-agent targets: With Melvin Ingram off the market, the top candidate for a long-term deal at rush linebacker should be Nick Perry. The former first-round pick, who will only turn 27 in April, posted a career-best 11 sacks in Green Bay last season.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

At inside linebacker, the Colts could look to Kevin Minter or Gerald Hodges as underrated guys who could step in and fill a gap at an affordable price.

The free-agent guard market is as strong as any other positional group, and while T.J. Lang is going to fetch a substantial contract, he's one of the league's best pass-blockers. Plus, the Colts have two rookie linemen on manageable deals to help offset the cost.

Houston Texans

Biggest need: Offensive line

Other needs: Quarterback, safety, tight end, inside linebacker

The Texans' roster remains one of the league's most complete. However, Houston's offensive line was one of its weakest spots, especially the right side. It won't matter who is behind center if they can't be protected better.

Speaking of, the Texans enter the offseason again in search of a starting-caliber quarterback. Yes, Brock Osweiler is on the team for one more season due to his contract, but after an abysmal 2016, Houston can't let his presence prevent it from exploring other options.

Outside of those two main areas, the Texans would be wise to shore up areas like inside linebacker, where more athleticism is required, and tight end, where they lack a big-time playmaker.

Potential free-agent targets: It's not a great offseason to be in the market for an offensive tackle, but there are several intriguing options set to be available. Ricky Wagner would provide the Texans with an immediate upgrade at right tackle. He can be inconsistent, but is strong in both pass protection and run blocking. Wagner will require a significant investment, however, as he'll likely be in high demand.

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

At the moment, there's nothing on the free-agent quarterback market. However, that could change soon with veteran cuts or trades. Tony Romo or even Jay Cutler would be a massive upgrade for Houston, but the cost might be too steep for the Texans, who don't have a ton of cap room.

If the Texans want to add a playmaker at tight end but don't want to break the bank, Jared Cook is likely their only viable option.

Tennessee Titans

Biggest need: Cornerback

Other needs: Safety, wide receiver

To compete in the modern NFL, you need cornerbacks and lots of them. The Titans have neither depth nor quality at the position. Jason McCourty didn't look himself after an injury-riddled 2015 campaign and Perrish Cox was one of the worst starters in the league. Tennessee needs to find multiple corners in free agency if it's to make a playoff push.

Marcus Mariota looks like a franchise quarterback, but he needs more reliable pass-catchers if he's to make the next step in his development. While the Titans don't need to necessarily add a slam dunk No. 1 target, they should look to bolster the wide receiver corp.

Additionally, while Rookie safety Kevin Byard played well last season, the Titans could still do with reinforcements in the secondary.

Potential free-agent targets: The Titans have the third-most cap space to work with this offseason, so if they're willing to dole out money to fix their hole at cornerback, they could land a top option. A.J. Bouye and Stephon Gilmore will command $11 million-to-$14 million per year, but all would give the Titans a strong No. 1 corner. If they want to go cheaper, Morris Claiborne and Logan Ryan could be targeted.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Tony Jefferson is likely going to cost too much and will want a cemented starting position, so the likes of Micah Hyde or Barry Church could be brought in for added safety depth.

In terms of wide receiver targets, Kenny Stills would be a great addition. He'll be expensive, but he's only 24 years old and could grow with Mariota, providing a much-needed big-play ability to the passing game.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Biggest need: Defensive end

Other needs: Offensive line, tight end, safety

While the Jaguars found a gem in Yannick Ngakoue, who racked up eight sacks in his rookie season, former first-rounder Dante Fowler was a disappointment. It was his first season, really, after missing his rookie season with a torn ACL, but the Jaguars can't rest their hopes on a third-year jump from Fowler to boost their pass-rush.

Outside of center Brandon Linder, the Jaguars could use upgrades along the offensive line, with no starting-caliber left tackle currently on the roster. If Blake Bortles is to bounce back from a disappointing 2016 campaign, the Jaguars need to construct an offensive line that can give him more time.

With Julius Thomas - a big free-agent addition of two years ago - reportedly on the brink of being sent to Miami, the Jaguars will need to fill his spot and give Bortles another weapon.

Potential free-agent targets: The Jaguars need a left guard, and luckily, there are several elite options out there. Ronald Leary is an excellent run blocker and could help the Jaguars' ground game. Kevin Zeitler is the premier free-agent guard. He does play right guard, however, A.J. Cann could be moved over to left guard if the Jaguars want to pursue Zeitler.

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Left tackle appears to be sorted, with Jacksonville reportedly set to trade for Branden Albert of the Dolphins. They team would be smart to make this move now, as there are few solid options in free agency.

Martellus Bennett is the consensus top free-agent tight end on the market, and therefore will likely command a big contract. The Jaguars could target him, but they might be wary of another significant investment in a tight end. Jared Cook, Jack Doyle, or Jermaine Gresham are cheaper alternatives the Jaguars could explore.

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