AFC South most improved division after NFL Draft

The AFC South, commonly known as the NFL’s perennial consensus ‘worst division in football’ took a step away from that unwanted narrative going into the new season following promising draft hauls for all four teams.

The top 15 picks for each franchise helped start the barrel rolling, then some savvy late steals and all-round solid drafting could help a couple of these teams take a step forward in 2017.

The big name additions were made by the Jaguars and Texans. They selected Leonard Fournette and Deshaun Watson at numbers 4 and 12 respectively. But the Colts and Titans also filled holes with day one starters in what was an excellent first day for the entire division.

Tennessee taking Western Michigan wideout Corey Davis fifth overall was a surprise. However, his pedigree is undeniable and he gives Marcus Mariota a much needed perimeter target to compliment pro-bowl tight end Delanie Walker.

Meanwhile, Indy’s new GM Chris Ballard may have gotten the steal of the first round in former Buckeye safety Malik Hooker. The ball hawking, rangy prospect is a dynamic playmaker who will instantly upgrade a shaky secondary and add valuable takeaways in Ted Monachino’s defense.

Here’s a look at how some new additions will make an impact in the division next season and help boost their respective teams.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Leonard Fournette is an obvious upgrade at running back over both TJ Yeldon and Chris Ivory. The LSU product will take some strain off the struggling Blake Bortles, allowing the Jags to control game tempo and operate a run first offense when required.

Bortles completed under 59% of his passes in 2016, whilst tossing 16 picks to just 23 touchdowns. The former UCF standout desperately needed this pick to give him any chance of retaining his job past this season.

Cam Robinson should win a starting job and Dede Westbrook brings further dynamism to an already loaded receiving group. Meanwhile, pass rush specialist Dawuane Smoot brings more fire to an exciting front seven.

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The offense should be more reliable in 2017 which will give their young, improving defense a chance to close out more wins. Tom Coughlin’s presence will continue to be a positive influence and this loaded, up and coming team should be on the rise.

However, it depends if Bortles can rediscover his early career promise in a less pass centric offense.

Tennessee Titans

Jon Robinson had an excellent draft, giving Marcus Mariota a couple of exciting weapons in Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor who will both certainly help reduce the Titans reliance on the run.

Adoree Jackson will immediately contribute on special teams and his ball skills will allow him to produce flash plays on defense despite his obvious rawness. The former Trojan is an athletic freak and though he has much to develop technically. His speed and natural ability make him an asset in Dick LeBeau’s defense.

According to NFL draft analyst Chad Reuter the mid round selections of tight end Jonnu Smith and linebacker Jayon Brown, who can both contribute in their rookie years, were also shrewd investments by Robinson.

The Titans played excellent defense last year and that won’t change in 2017. But, their offense will certainly be better as will Marcus Mariota, giving them a real chance at a first division title since 2008.

Houston Texans

Rick Smith gave up a lot to go get Deshaun Watson at number 12 overall. But, the Clemson product could well be the missing piece on a roster that is in win now mode. Quarterback has been the Texans’ downfall for the duration of Bill O’Brien’s tenure.

Finding a capable one to work with their embarrassment of defensive riches, and ever increasing multitude of offensive weapons, is the only thing separating them from being Super Bowl challengers.

Watson will have to battle Tom Savage for the starting spot in camp. But, his alpha dog personality and big game mentality should see the former Tiger taking the field as QB1 sooner rather than later.

Second round pick Zach Cunningham is another useful addition in the middle of the defense and D’Onta Foreman will compliment Lamar Miller well in the backfield.

If Watson is able to take the offense by the scruff of the neck early, watch out for this loaded squad come playoff time.

Indianapolis Colts

Free from the Ryan Grigson era, new Colts GM Chris Ballard started bolstering his defensive ranks in free agency. The former Chiefs front office man continued that in the draft, snagging some elite talent for Ted Monachino to work with.

Malik Hooker at number 15 was possibly the steal of the first round. The former Ohio State safety will add range and much needed play making ability to a leaky secondary. Second round pick Quincy Wilson brings size and competitiveness opposite pro bowl veteran Vontae Davis. The pair should make up one of the better corner duo’s in the league a year or two down the line.

After adding Jabaal Sheard and Barkevius Mingo in free agency, Ballard grabbed Ohio pass rusher Tarell Basham in the third round. Basham will be a situational player who can contribute to an improved pass rushing unit in 2017.

Fourth round pick Marlon Mack will add youth and speed to Frank Gore’s steadiness in the backfield. This gives Andrew Luck yet another weapon to torment defenses with. All in all, the Colts went out to improve a weak defense and that will allow the offense to play with more control and poise this year.

A division title is firmly achievable with Luck under center and what should be a solid defense backing him up.

This will be a highly competitive division in 2017 with at least 3 AFC South teams finishing at or above .500. Two teams, the Colts and Texans, might just have the ability to get to the Super Bowl if they can improve on their respective weaknesses.

In the Colts’ case it’s the defense. They must play solid, competitive football in the trenches and hold teams to under 20 points.

And for Houston it all comes down to how fast Deshaun Watson is able to adapt to a new offense. If he plays in a Dak-like manner in year one, limiting mistakes and relying on the running game, JJ Watt and the defense can carry them to a title.

All of these positive additions signal change and a toughening up in a once weak division. Gone are the days of the AFC South being the lowly, ‘worst division in football’.

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Post draft, the AFC South is football’s most improved division

By Luke Drage | May 8, 2017