2018 NFL Draft Team Needs: AFC South

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AFC South Team Needs

Colts ( OL-DB-LB-RB)
Indianapolis is coming off their second-worst season in 20 years, the team needed a change of direction, and the hiring of Frank Reich will be just that. The defensive backs need help with the loss of Rashaan Melvin in free agency. The Colts ranked dead last vs. the pass in DVOA, and they will be looking to band-aid a torn up defensive backfield. It’s clear that the Colts aren’t going to get better just with one marvelous pick. But, we do know one thing, when their Star quarterback comes back, in what’s become the most anticipated return, keeping Andrew Luck healthy is the task at hand. When playing under pressure Luck wasn’t nearly as good as his potential.

The goal for the Colts offense in 2017 is simple: keep pressure away from Andrew Luck pic.twitter.com/lo376oYz5c

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) June 10, 2017

9 Total Picks
Round 1: 6
Round 2: 36 / 37 / 49
Round 3: 67
Round 4: 104
Round 5: 140
Round 6: 178
Round 7: 221

Prediction
The current campaign in Indianapolis: Bring Luck Back. The person to remain in office will be the one to keep him upright. The Colts go out and get the best offensive lineman prospect in years, giving the quarterback much-needed protection when he returns. Colts Select Quenton Nelson OG/Notre Dame

Jaguars (CB-QB-OL)

Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles is coming off arguably the best season of his four-year career. He was 14th in completions, 16th in touchdowns, and 20th in passer rating. While these stats may look mild for one’s liking, for Bortles, it was considered a win as his ferocious defense needed a game manager, not one that would go out and lose it. One also could disagree it wasn’t his best year regarding passing touchdowns or yards, but more in the sense that he only had 13 interceptions, a career low. Don’t turn the ball over, give the defense a chance, and see how far the advanced?

7 Total Picks
Round 1: 29
Round 2: 61
Round 3: 93
Round 4: 129
Round 6: 203
Round 7: 230 / 247

Prediction
I have a feeling the Jaguars still don’t trust Bortles as much as the extension might indicate. If a Lamar Jackson type talent was to fall in their lap at this stage of the first round, I think they jump at the opportunity. Some say the Patriots are looking at Jackson as well as a few other teams so him being there might not be an option, but if he is there, look for his name to be called. Jaguars select Lamar Jackson if available. If not, the loss of Aaron Colvin could be something to choose to address early, and Jaire Alexander of Lousiville fits the scheme as a lockdown corner, that can play with anyone. He has drawn comparisons to Richard Sherman and Chris Harris regarding style, look for him to shine on this level for years to come.

Titans  (EDGE-OL-TE)

Tennesee has been riddled by injuries in the linebacker group with Derrick Morgan being unreliable with his list of injuries. New Head coach Mick Vrabel takes over a team that needs to find a way to bring out the best in Quarterback Marcus Mariota, something the past coaching staff failed to do. The quarterback has regressed as a pro in 3 years, and much has to do with the scheme of the offense. An absolute makeover to the coaching staff and Tennesse might have found the man to bring out the best qualities in the former Oregon standout. Matt LaFleur brings his talents to Nashville after leading the Rams to the league most dynamic offense all while the most improved. The jump was incredible and the progression he made with Jared Goff has us wondering if he knows magic, or was it the black cloud that follows Jeff Fisher that was holding things back.
6 Total picks
Round 1: 25
Round 2: 57
Round 3: 89
Round 4: 125
Round 5: 162
Round 6: 199

Predictions
The Titans need help with the edge rushers and linebackers as Brian Orakpo will be 32 this season and Tennesse ranked in the bottom third in run stuffing and as a defensive front. Ohio State alumni Mike Vrabel has much familiarity with the Buckeyes Sam Hubbard and drafting someone who played his position makes sense to a team in need of a game changer from the edge.

Texans (OT-TE)
Houston made a few moves in the offseason to tighten up a secondary that ranked 23rd in DVOA vs. the pass. Tyrann Mathieu and Aaron Colvin arrive in the dirty south with the tough attitude and mentality this defense thrives on. This defense if healthy will be filthy this season. This draft the Texans don’t have a pick until the 3rd round, so they had to make their moves somehow, free agency was their friend. Now, with having to wait until the 3rd unless you package future picks, look for them to take advantage of whatever offensive lineman are on the board. The Texans ranked the lowest in grade as a line last year, and they definitely will be looking to find some talent in the later rounds of this draft.

8 total Picks
Round 1:
Round 2:
Round 3: 68/ 80 / 98
Round 4: 103
Round 6: 177 / 211 / 214
Round 7: 222

Prediction
Impossible to predict a player for them in the 3rd round, but they will definitely be looking for an offensive lineman and tight end.