The NFL Draft is quickly approaching and we at InhaleSports want to provide the best coverage of your favorite NFL team, so we will be doing NFL Draft Previews through each Division. Today we start with the AFC South. We will be predicting each teams first round picks while also identifying each teams needs.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Pick #5
On the Offensive side of the ball, the Jags are set. The Allens (Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns) are establishing themselves as quality receivers. Blake Bortles looked good last year, building off of his rookie campaign. And T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory can combine for a quality 1-2 punch at the running back position. The focus of their draft should be defense. I see their top two needs as cornerback and linebacker. Lucky for them, at #5 they have the opportunity to draft an amazing prospect in Myles Jack of UCLA. Jack not only played linebacker for the Bruins, but also got reps at running back. His type of speed at the linebacker position is almost unmatched, and that allows him to contain in coverage, while also being fast enough to stop a scat back on a stretch play. If Jack is there, the Jags have to take him. If he’s not, I can see the Jaguars trading back to someone who wants a pass rusher, or offensive tackle, but they should try to tackle the cornerback position if they cannot get Jack. At #5, it’s unlikely that Jalen Ramsey will still be available, but strangers things have happened. Jalen Mills of LSU might be there in the second round, filling both needs.
Pick: Myles Jack, LB/RB, UCLA
Tennessee Titans: Pick #15
The former holders of the #1 overall pick need to find a tackle to protect their golden boy Marcus Mariota. That could’ve been Laremy Tunsil, but it’s seemingly impossible, he will be there at #15. If Ronnie Staley of Notre Dame is still around, watch for the Titans to take him. But if Staley and Tunsil are off the board by the time the Titans pick, watch for Tennessee to take either Jack Conklin of Michigan State or Jason Spriggs of Indiana. On the other side of the ball, the Titans should look to bolster their secondary. There is a reason they had the #1 overall pick, and the reason is because they were statistically the worst team in football last year. One way to help improve there is by drafting a cornerback in the second round. Eli Apple of OSU, and Jalen Mills of LSU are once again choices for the #1 pick of the second round.
Pick: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State.
Indianapolis Colts: Pick #18
The Colts could use some help on the offensive line, finding someone to be like Jeff Saturday was to Peyton Manning for Andrew Luck. Tackle is stacked in this draft as is center, so either position could be picked here. I think Taylor Decker of Ohio State could fulfill the need here, and wouldn’t be too much of a reach here. Defensively, the Colts could go with a pass rusher in the first round, by taking small school standout in Noah Spence from Eastern Kentucky. The kid is legit and could help replace the magic Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis and Trent Cole have helped provide over the years. I think they should prioritize Luck’s health over defensive dominance, but who knows how they will pick.
Pick: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State.
Houston Texans: Pick #22
The Houston Texans desperately need help on offense, and while they addressed this need in the offseason, (Brock Osweiler getting way too much money, Lamar Miller being signed) they have not addressed any playmakers. DeAndre Hopkins, while he’s a monster WR, could use some help opposite of him. Maybe someone like Corey Coleman of Baylor or Will Fuller from Notre Dame. Both of these wide receivers would help take pressure off of Hopkins, and provide another weapon for Brock Osweiler to play with. Defensively, the Texans could use some help in the secondary, specifically safety, but that doesn’t seem to be the best position at #22. They could potentially trade back, still get Coleman and pick up Karl Joseph in the second round. They might also look at pass rusher. Putting a solid DT next to J.J Watt would help elevate their pass rush even more. Maybe they draft problem child Robert Nkemdiche from Ole Miss in the second round, or maybe they look towards drafting Chris Jones of Mississippi State. Either way, adding another body to help JJ Watt could bring this defense to heights no one thought possible.
Pick: Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
