A division-by-division tour of NFL Draft needs with stops in the AFC East and AFC North before heading to the AFC South.
In the South, the needs of all four teams can probably be summed up in just one word.
depth.
from houston texans to jacksonville jaguarssimilarly indianapolis colts, adding depth in critical locations can be the biggest challenge.of tennessee titans While the most pressing needs may be early in the draft, even Ran Carson could take a few different approaches in the first round.
What do teams in the South need this spring? Let’s dive in.
houston texans
The Houston Texans are one of the few teams whose draft priorities can be summed up in one word.
depth.
In the view of many, the Texans nailed it this offseason. Houston provided perhaps the latest example that the NFL’s biggest cheat code is a talented quarterback on a rookie contract. After CJ Stroud’s stellar rookie season helped the Texans win a division title and win the playoffs, Houston was able to add a ton of talent around him in free agency. Click here to learn more about the Texans’ amazing spring.
Adding depth at the above positions remains on general manager Nick Caserio’s to-do list heading into the draft, along with a linebacker who can contribute early. He should be able to do that given his second-day pick and third-day selection.
Houston Texans draft pick
- Round 2, Selection 10 (42nd overall pick)
- Round 2, Selection 27 (picked 59th overall)
- Round 3, Selection 22 (86th overall pick)
- Round 4, Selection 23 (123rd overall pick)
- Round 4, Selection 27 (127th overall pick)
- Round 6, Selection 12 (188th overall selection)
- Round 6, Selection 13 (189th overall selection)
- Round 7, Selection 18 (238th overall)
- Round 7, Selection 27 (247th overall selection)
jacksonville jaguars
Like the Texans, the Jaguars will likely focus on depth above all else. Jacksonville made additions at both cornerback and defensive tackle in the offseason, but the signing of pass rusher Josh Allen to a new contract means they will have to wait another draft cycle to find a replacement.
Jacksonville may want to focus on offensive line or wide receiver early in the draft. Both Cam Robinson and Walker Littler could become free agents after the 2024 campaign, and a transition plan could be a smart and positive move for the organization. The addition of Gabe Davis helps the wide receiver room, while the departure of Calvin Ridley to the Tennessee Titans makes WR an early option and necessity.
Jacksonville Jaguars draft pick
- Round 1, Selection 17 (17th overall pick)
- Round 2, Selection 16 (48th overall selection)
- Round 3, Selection 32 (96th overall selection)
- Round 4, Selection 14 (114th overall pick)
- Round 4, Selection 16 (116th overall selection)
- Round 5, Selection 18 (153rd overall pick)
- Round 6, Selection 36 (212th overall pick)
- Round 7, Selection 16 (236th overall)
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images
indianapolis colts
Continuing what seems to be a theme in the AFC South, depth is probably the biggest need Chris Ballard will have to address in the coming weeks. Indianapolis has needs at these positions with Anthony Richardson returning from a shoulder injury and players like Michael Pittman Jr., Julian Blackmon and Kenny Moore II returning. has been reduced, and a major problem has been solved.
Indianapolis could add depth not only at wide receiver but also in the secondary, and could look to do so on Days 2 and 3 of the draft. The Colts could also add running back depth behind Jonathan Taylor or add a depth option inside the offensive line. Ryan Kelly and Will Freese are free agents after this season, so a transition plan makes some sense for the Colts.
What are Indianapolis’ popular positions in recent mock drafts? corner. That may be what Ballard targets in the first round.
Indianapolis Colts draft pick
- Round 1, Selection 15 (15th overall)
- Round 2, Selection 14 (46th overall pick)
- Round 3, Selection 18 (82nd overall selection)
- Round 4, Selection 17 (117th overall pick)
- Round 5, Selection 16 (151st overall selection)
- Round 6, Selection 15 (191st overall selection)
- Round 7, Selection 14 (234th overall pick)
tennessee titans
Lan Carson’s biggest topic this spring was rebuilding his cornerback group.
That was resolved by signing free agent Chidobe Awuzie and trading for L’Arziarius Sneed.
Now Carson can turn to the draft, which will likely have the most pressing need: an offensive tackle.Joe Alto notre dame cathedral overwhelmingly popular in Tennessee In mock drafts, and given the number of teams in need of a quarterback ahead of the Titans, Carson will likely be the tackle selection in the draft.
In addition to tackle, safety and wide receiver could be key pieces for Tennessee’s second-round selection. The Titans signed Calvin Ridley in free agency, but with DeAndre Hopkins set to become a free agent in 2025, another option in the WR room makes sense for Tennessee. Adding depth at safety can also be beneficial.
Tennessee Titans draft pick
- Round 1, Selection 7 (choose 7th place overall)
- Round 2, Selection 6 (38th overall pick)
- Round 4, Selection 6 (106th overall selection)
- Round 5, Selection 11 (146th overall selection)
- Round 6, Selection 6 (182nd overall pick)
- Round 7, Selection 7 (227th overall pick)
- Round 7, Selection 22 (242nd overall selection)
- Round 7, Selection 32 (252nd overall pick)
