The NFL Draft is almost here, so here are my BOLD draft predictions for the AFC South:
Houston Texans: The trenches get priority:
The Houston Texans’ offseason has very much been a turbulent one, which involved trading away starting offensive linemen and trading for offensive skill players. Their run defense has been exploited two years in a row in the playoffs in losses to Baltimore and Kansas City. I am calling my shot now that every pick on day one and day two of this draft for Houston involves players on the offensive or defensive lines. Derrick Harmon from Oregon would be an ideal day one target on the defensive front.
Savion Williams completes the offensive puzzle:
The Texans’ offensive coordinator, Bobby Slowik, comes from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree. What made the 49ers offenses great for so many years? Position-versatile players who can all run, block, and catch. Savion Williams would be a guy who can likely be drafted on day 3 this year that could allow Slowik’s offense to look more like San Fran because of his abilities as a wide receiver and a ball carrier out of the backfield. Williams is one of the best overall athletes in this class and can have a great career if he goes to a team who knows how to utilize him.
Indianapolis Colts: No more tight end roulette:
The Indianapolis Colts have become notorious in recent years for employing a devious and unpredictable rotation at the tight end position. I think that ends this year, as this is an elite class for tight ends. If the Colts were to pass on Colston Loveland in round 1, they should still be able to snag Harold Fannin or Elijah Arroyo on day two.
A Linebacker gets added on day one or day two:
The Colts are a team with very clear needs, and linebacker is one of them. While they do have Zaire Franklin, they have very little depth around him. If they opt for a tight end in round one, Carson Schwesinger would be a prime day-two target.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Defense, Defense, Defense:
With Trevor Lawrence coming back from injury, and the development of Gabe Davis and Brian Thomas Jr at outside receiver, I thoroughly expect the Jaguars to address the defensive side of the ball in this draft. Expect them to have a “best defensive player available” mindset through days one and two as they must address the defensive tackle and cornerback positions specifically.
Playing the Slot machine:
I do think that the Jaguars will find their slot receiver in this draft, after trading away Christian Kirk and letting Evan Engram walk in free agency. If they want to do so on day two, Jaylin Noel makes a perfect fit, and Tez Johnson or Xavier Restrepo makes a lot of sense on day three.
Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward is the future:
Simply put, Cam Ward to the Titans as the first overall pick is the selection in this draft that I feel the most confident about. Head Coach Brian Callahan has made it very clear that Will Levis is not his guy, and drafting Cam Ward allows for a future without Levis.
Get Cam Ward some help:
The Tennessee Titans have objectively one of the worst skill position units in the league, and addressing that need can greatly help the development of their new franchise QB. There should be a plethora of options available at the 33rd overall pick, and even trading into the first round to snag a Matthew Golden or Emeka Egbuka would be on the table.