Identifying the biggest need for every AFC South team
theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest positional needs for all 32 NFL teams entering the 2017 draft, which will be held from April 27-29.
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Houston Texans
Biggest need: Quarterback
Other needs: Cornerback, offensive line, inside linebacker
While the Texans had a quiet free-agency period, they did make one significant move: trading failed 2016 signing Brock Osweiler to the Browns, in what was essentially a salary dump. The franchise already needed a quarterback in the worst way, but this just underlined that fact. Tom Savage might be able to hold down the fort for half a season or so, but the Texans must find a long-term option in the draft.
However, any rookie is going to have issues behind Houston's offensive line in its current state, especially the right side. Right tackle Chris Clark struggled mightily last season in place of the injured Derek Newton - who likely won't be able to play in 2017 - and left guard Xavier Su'a-Filo and right guard Jeff Allen were among the worst players at their positions, according to Pro Football Focus.
After losing star cornerback A.J. Bouye to the Jaguars, the Texans will have to find a replacement in the draft, though Kevin Johnson and Johnathan Joseph should be a solid starting duo for at least one more season.
Potential draft targets: There are no surefire franchise quarterbacks in this year's draft, and even if there were, Houston is way too far back (25th overall) to snag one. Unless the Texans trade up, Mitchell Trubisky and Deshaun Watson are likely out of reach. DeShone Kizer and Patrick Mahomes could be there at 25, but neither are Day 1 starters.
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If the Texans stand pat under center or look to take a mid-round prospect, offensive tackles Cam Robinson or Garett Bolles could be nice adds in the first. Robinson might be best suited to begin his career at right tackle, though, as he requires more consistency in pass protection.
Indianapolis Colts
Biggest need: Cornerback
Other needs: Outside linebacker, running back, offensive line, inside linebacker
New general manager Chris Ballard wasted no time rebuilding the front seven following a season in which the Colts ranked 30th in total defense. The free-agent haul was highlighted by outside linebackers John Simon and Jabaal Sheard and nose tackle Johnathan Hankins. However, cornerback was a position left untouched, with the returning Darius Butler switching to safety.
Vontae Davis has shown the ability to be a top corner in years past, but he was subpar in 2016. Even if Davis has a bounce-back season, the Colts can't go into 2017 with Rashaan Melvin and Chris Milton behind him. Multiple reinforcements are needed.
Sheard and Simon should be a solid duo, but there's still a significant need for a pass-rushing specialist at outside linebacker. And while the Colts should focus primarily on defense, running back Frank Gore is 33 years old and his successor has to be found soon. The offensive line, especially the right side, also needs more depth to battle Denzelle Good and second-year pros Joe Haeg and Le'Raven Clark for the right guard and right tackle spots.
Potential draft targets: This cornerback class is stacked, but Gareon Conley would be an ideal pickup for the Colts with the 15th overall pick. He does need some refinement, so it would suit him to slot alongside a No. 1 guy like Davis. If Conley is gone, Quincy Wilson would be a steal in the third round.
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At outside linebacker, Tim Williams' off-field issues and average combine might allow him to fall to Indy in the second. He'd slot in perfectly as a pass-rushing dynamo behind Simon and Sheard while he learns to better play the run. Joe Mixon or Marlon Mack would be dynamic compliments to Gore and would quickly take over the starting role; Mixon should be gone by the second and Mack by the fourth.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Biggest need: Offensive line
Other needs: Tight end, defensive line, safety
Jacksonville added Branden Albert via trade this offseason, but at 32 years old, he isn't the long-term option, and his 2016 play was inconsistent at best. It's not much better at guard. A.J. Cann has shown flashes of solid play, but both he and Patrick Omameh could be upgraded upon. The Jaguars need to build a strong offensive line to keep pressure off Blake Bortles, and they should make it a priority on Day 2 of the draft.
The defensive line will be a much-improved unit thanks to the signing of Calais Campbell, who combines elite play with rare leadership skills. He should bring the best out of young edge rushers Dante Fowler Jr. and Yannick Ngakoue, along with 2016 signing Malik Jackson. However, the Jaguars need better depth along the D-line, especially at defensive end.
Meanwhile, the trade of Julius Thomas leaves a significant hole at tight end. Thomas was a major disappointment, but Bortles sorely needs a big-bodied target over the middle to rely upon on critical downs.
Potential draft targets: There's no offensive lineman worthy of the No. 4 overall pick, so let's jump to the second round where Dan Feeney would be an ideal pickup. He has the lateral agility to excel in the Jaguars' zone-blocking scheme and is good in both pass protection and run blocking.
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Back to Jacksonville's first pick - Jonathan Allen's athleticism and versatility would take the defensive line to a new level. He might not have outstanding upside, but he's a safe pick for a team that needs more reliable long-term building blocks.
Tennessee Titans
Biggest need: Cornerback
Other needs: Wide receiver, inside linebacker
The Titans were one of the more cap-flush teams in the league this offseason, but outside of signing cornerback Logan Ryan to a three-year, $30-million contract, they focused on mid-tier moves to improve the depth of the roster.
While Ryan is a great get, and should instantly improve the secondary, Tennessee still has a huge need at cornerback - especially after releasing longtime veteran Jason McCourty. For the Titans to take the next step and compete in the AFC, they need multiple corners from this draft to stop the conference's top passing games, including the Colts' within the division.
On the flip side, Marcus Mariota needs more weapons to take this offense over the top. Rishard Matthews was solid in his first season with the team, and rookie Tajae Sharpe showed flashes of potential, but both top talent and depth are needed at receiver. Wesley Woodyard and Avery Williamson are solid contributors in the center of the defense, but the Titans could also add an inside linebacker who can push the duo for a starting job.
Potential draft targets: With two first-rounders in their pocket (No. 5 and No. 18 overall), the Titans could come out of Day 1 with a pair of impact starters who will also fill their main needs. Marshon Lattimore is the consensus top corner in the draft, and if he can prove his hamstring issues are behind him, he's worthy of a top-five pick.
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One of Corey Davis, John Ross, or Mike Williams will likely be available at No. 18. While those receivers have varying skill sets, each would be a potential longtime No. 1 target for Mariota. However, if linebackers Reuben Foster or Hasson Reddick fall, Tennessee might be best off snagging one of them and then taking advantage of the depth of the receiving class in later rounds.