Re-grading every NFL team's 2020 rookie class: AFC South
With the 2020 NFL season officially complete, theScore's NFL editors re-evaluate the performance of each team's rookie class.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Houston Texans
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 2 | DT Ross Blacklock |
| 3 | LB Jonathan Greenard |
| 4 | OT Charlie Heck |
| 4 | CB John Reid |
| 5 | WR Isaiah Coulter |
Grade: D-
The Texans' five-man rookie class played an NFL-low 847 snaps. Houston didn't own a first-round pick after trading for Laremy Tunsil, putting pressure on Blacklock to make an immediate impact. The defensive tackle did just that, but not in a positive way. Blacklock was kicked out of his second career game for throwing a punch - which drew the ire of J.J. Watt - and ended the year with just one sack and five pressures. Greenard and Reid were nonfactors in limited play, with the former earning just one sack and the latter allowing completions on 80% of his targets.
Indianapolis Colts
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 2 | WR Michael Pittman Jr. |
| 2 | RB Jonathan Taylor |
| 3 | S Julian Blackmon |
| 4 | QB Jacob Eason |
| 5 | OL Danny Pinter |
| 6 | DT Robert Windsor |
| 6 | CB Isaiah Rodgers |
| 6 | WR Dezmon Patmon |
| 6 | LB Jordan Glasgow |
Notable UDFAs: K Rodrigo Blankenship
Grade: A-
The Colts didn't own a first-round pick after using it to acquire DeForest Buckner, but the franchise still put together one of the year's top rookie classes. Taylor is the jewel of the group after contending for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors with a 1,169-yard, 11-touchdown campaign. The running back struggled to make a consistent impact early on but caught fire over the final six weeks, averaging 123.5 yards per game. Meanwhile, Pittman racked up 40 catches for 503 yards despite missing three contests due to injury, and he flashed his potential with a 90-yard performance in the club's wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills. On defense, Blackmon starred after taking over for Malik Hooker. The free safety ended the year with two interceptions, six pass defenses, and 42 total tackles.
Jacksonville Jaguars
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | CB C.J. Henderson |
| 1 | DE K'Lavon Chaisson |
| 2 | WR Laviska Shenault |
| 3 | DT DaVon Hamilton |
| 4 | OL Ben Bartch |
| 4 | CB Josiah Scott |
| 4 | LB Shaquille Quarterman |
| 5 | S Daniel Thomas |
| 5 | WR Collin Johnson |
| 6 | QB Jake Luton |
| 6 | TE Tyler Davis |
| 7 | CB Chris Claybrooks |
Notable UDFAs: RB James Robinson
Grade: B
Two first-rounders headlined the Jaguars' 12-man class, but the first player that has to be mentioned is Robinson. The 22-year-old racked up 1,070 rushing yards, coming just 35 yards short of breaking the undrafted rookie record for most rushing yards. Robinson also finished ninth in scrimmage yards with 1,414 and racked up 10 total touchdowns despite missing two tilts. Second-rounder Shenault, who had 600 yards and five touchdowns, helped elevate the grade to above-average amid middling initial returns from the top two picks. Henderson had a strong first game, snagging an interception, but he was limited to just eight matchups. Meanwhile, the leap to the pros appeared to overwhelm Chaisson, who finished with just one sack.
Tennessee Titans
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | OT Isaiah Wilson |
| 2 | CB Kristian Fulton |
| 3 | RB Darrynton Evans |
| 5 | DT Larrell Murchison |
| 7 | QB Cole McDonald |
| 7 | CB Chris Jackson |
Grade: F
The Titans had one of the least impactful classes, with no single rookie playing more than 300 snaps. Tennessee entered the year expecting Wilson to start at right tackle from Day 1, but the offensive lineman's first year in the NFL was an unmitigated disaster. Wilson played just four snaps all year, was arrested and charged with DUI days before the season opener, and got suspended in December for violating team rules. The No. 29 overall pick is likely facing an uphill battle to secure his place on the roster for next season. Fulton, Tennessee's second-rounder, only appeared in six games due to injury, and Jackson had the biggest role among Titans rookies but gave up 80% of his targets and three touchdowns.