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 Draft Day Needs: AFC South
by Chris Brophy
23/4/2008
Houston Texans: The Texans are no strangers to drafting defense and it could well be another draft to boost the defensive side of the ball. With Mario Williams appearing to prove the Texans were smart not to buy Bush two years ago, they could do with a playmaker in the secondary who can take advantage of the pressure he (Williams) applies. With that in mind, cornerback could well be the likely first round choice but don’t rule out a partner to go opposite Williams and drawn some attention away from the double and triple teams that surely wait next season.
The OL as ever could do with some more help, it seems to be a consistent need for this franchise and as always, the chance to add a player who could be a standout at left tackle should not be ignored as an option but behind the OL is a set of running backs that have talent but are either past it or can’t stay healthy enough to get it so an every down, all purpose type back could be a good addition in a draft that has plenty of options at the position.
Lower down, the secondary could do with an addition at safety as well as some depth at linebacker.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts have always used the draft effectively to replace what they lose and this year should be no exception. Linebacker again could do with some help, both with a possible starter and to add depth. The offensive line also lost a starter to free agency so an addition early on is likely here.
Ben Utecht was not a big name in the Colts offensive armoury but he saw a fair amount of playing time in an offense that features a fair amount of two TE sets (given Dallas Clark plays more like a slot receiver) so an addition here is likely too.
Lower down, a back to battle for playing time behind Joseph Addai and maybe a long term QB prospect are possible, other than that, it will be the usual stockpiling of depth all over.
Jacksonville Jaguars: With the long time deadly duo at defensive tackle of Stroud and Henderson finally broken up (Stroud was traded to the Bills in case you missed it) as well as Bobby McCray jumping ship in free agency, defensive line help is the Jags’ number one need out of this draft. Either end or tackle could get the nod at #26 and whichever one does, the other spot will surely get addressed soon afterwards.
The Jags have had trouble addressing wide receiver in the past but free agency seen help there so I believe a draft pick at the position is highly unlikely. Sammy Knight, who stepped in and played solid ball at safety has moved on so a pick to boost the competition for starting spots could well be on the cards reasonably early too.
Lower down, depth for cornerback and the offensive line could well be in the reckoning.
Tennessee Titans: Vince Young needs some help. The Titans have plenty of big, physical types at all the skill positions but could use some explosion to help stretch the field and stop opposing defenses from compressing the field in front of them so a speedy wide out who can eat up a coverage cushion is a real high profile need.
Assuming that gets addressed early on, the other need is to get some bodies in along the defensive line. Albert Haynesworth is a difference maker but the return of Jevon Kearse is no sure thing and with the losses of Randy Starks, Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy from the D-line in free agency, the Titans need to boost the numbers back up with players who can contribute – at least in the rotation – from the word go. Two picks in the first four rounds should come here.
After that, the lower rounds might well see some depth for the secondary and at linebacker.
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