AFC South Team Needs: Colts desperate for edge rusher, Texans a QB away
theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest positional needs for all 32 NFL teams entering free agency.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Indianapolis Colts
Biggest need: Outside linebacker
Other needs: Cornerback, offensive line, tight end
The Colts only mustered 35 sacks throughout the 2015 season, which ranked 22nd in the league. They simply must improve their pass rush after several of their recent moves didn't pan out.
Last offseason's free-agent addition of Trent Cole was a bust - the 33-year-old registered just three sacks and will likely be a cap casualty. Former first-round pick Bjoern Werner will likely join him after becoming an afterthought, and after a promising rookie season, Jonathan Newsome suffered a sophomore slump and was cut following an arrest for drug possession.
Greg Toler will be a free agent, and though his lack of consistency has hurt the Colts, they have no proven cornerback on the roster to replace him. Once again, the Colts must improve Andrew Luck's protection or risk another lost season, with the right side of the offensive line a particular weakness.
Potential free-agent targets: Courtney Upshaw appears a natural fit after working under new Colts defensive coordinator Ted Monachino in Baltimore, and could be a low-risk, high-reward acquisition.
The Colts could try to convert one of the big-name defensive ends to outside linebacker, such as Olivier Vernon, but would likely be put off by the money it would take to attempt such a gamble. Sean Smith or Prince Amukamara would fit the Colts' man coverage scheme well, and a guard like Kelechi Osemele would instantly elevate the struggling offensive line.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Biggest need: Defensive end
Other needs: Safety, cornerback, linebacker
The Jaguars are projected to have the most cap space in the league in 2016, and they'll need to use it, with holes all over their roster - especially on defense.
They lack any game-changing pass-rushers, with veterans like Andre Branch more suited to a backup role following a poor 2015 season. After missing his entire rookie season due to a torn ACL, Dante Fowler will be healthy heading into 2016, but the Jaguars cannot rely solely on him to boost the pass rush.
The secondary, too, needs an influx of talent in order to properly run head coach Gus Bradley's preferred scheme. The Jaguars run a similar system to the one Bradley employed during his time as defensive coordinator in Seattle, but it hasn't succeeded in Jacksonville due to poor play at free safety, which must be addressed for the defense to improve.
Potential free-agent targets: Olivier Vernon and Malik Jackson stand out as the two premier pass-rushing options that'll likely be available in free agency. The Jaguars could use their considerable cap room to outbid all the other suitors, despite Vernon receiving the transition tag.
Sean Smith and Janoris Jenkins are the top free-agent cornerbacks on the market, but both would command large contracts, while Reggie Nelson, Eric Weddle, or Rodney McLeod could provide stability at the safety position.
Houston Texans
Biggest need: Quarterback
Other needs: Wide receiver, running back, defensive tackle
The Texans are arguably a solid quarterback away from competing for a championship. It appears likely that they'll draft their signal-caller of the future, but if they do, they'll still need to add a veteran option - and they could go all out for one of the top free-agent passers, avoiding the draft completely.
There is little behind superstar DeAndre Hopkins at wide receiver, but with a weak free-agent class, the Texans may have to look for reclamation projects or undervalued receivers.
Arian Foster has long been the focal point of the Texans' offense, but the 30-year-old tore his Achilles during the season, and the team decided to move on from its all-time leading rusher. Houston will need to make finding his successor a priority, with several big-name options available in free agency.
Potential free-agent targets: If Brock Osweiler escapes the Broncos' grasp, the Texans may take a chance on him rather than use a top pick on an underwhelming class of quarterbacks.
If Houston is willing to pay for a second receiver, meanwhile, Marvin Jones, Jermaine Kearse, and Mohamed Sanu are the best options. Doug Martin and Lamar Miller are backs capable of carrying the offensive load, but will come with hefty price tags.
Tennessee Titans
Biggest need: Offensive line
Other needs: Wide receiver, cornerback, safety
The Titans have one of the least talented rosters in the league, and could arguably use upgrades at nearly every position.
However, with a franchise quarterback finally under center in Marcus Mariota, the Titans must make improving his offensive line a priority. While they may do so with the first pick in the draft - Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil is projected to be their selection - it's still a necessity to add talent and depth to the position in free agency.
Tennessee must also give Mariota some receiving weapons in order to continue his development. Delanie Walker is close to breaking into the top echelon of tight ends, but the Titans' receivers are a underwhelming group. Dorial Green-Beckham and Kendall Wright are solid, if inconsistent options, but Mariota needs reliable targets all over the field.
Potential free-agent targets: Marvin Jones is the free-agent receiver with the highest upside, and could replicate the type of success Golden Tate had after leaving Seattle as a free agent for a larger offensive role in Detroit.
The Titans could look at affordable options like Brandon Brooks, Mitchell Schwartz, and Don Barclay to bolster their offensive line. If they want to make a splash, Alex Mack will hit free agency after opting out of his contract with the Browns. While Mack's likely to be paid as the top center in the league, he would provide some much-needed stability.