Wednesday, April 18, 2012

AFC South Team Needs

Houston Texans
1. Offensive Line
Starters Eric Winston (RT) and Mike Brisiel (RG) both left in free agency and now there is a huge hole along the right side of their offensive line. They didn't have the best depth (especially at OT) so they'll have to reload during the draft. Being a Zone Blocking Scheme they'll be looking for athletic lineman. Zebrie Sanders or Nate Potter could be Day 2 options.

2. Wide Receiver
Andre Johnson is one of the best WRs in the league. However besides them their is nothing. And if a team is able to slow Johnson it really makes it hard for their passing game to be successful. Luckily for them there should be an abundant amount of WRs for them to take in the 1st or 2nd round. But they'd love for Texas native Kendall Wright to be available at #26.

3. Nose Tackle
For Wade Phillips 3-4 defense to be successful, you don't need a huge space eating NT. However you do need somebody who can control the middle of the offensive line. Right now the Texans have Earl Mitchell playing that spot, but he would be better served at a DE spot. Behind him their isn't much depth either. So don't' be surprised for them to target somebody early to fill those shoes. Maybe somebody like Brandon Thompson in the 2nd round, or Mike Martin in the middle rounds.

Indianapolis Colts
1. Quarterback
After not having to worry about the QB spot for years, the Colts cut Peyton Manning. Mainly because they have the luxury of having the #1 pick with Andrew Luck coming out. It's no secret who the Colts are going to take with this pick. The talk of Robert Griffin going here is completely false.

2. Nose Tackle
Part of all the rebuilding job the Colts are doing involves them switching from a 4-3 Tampa 2 defense to a 3-4 scheme that wants giant run staffers up front. Right now the Colts don't have anybody that fits that. Especially in the middle. They have to draft somebody to fill this spot. Guys like Alemeda Ta'amu, Josh Chapman, or Akiem Hicks could be options.

3. Cornerback
Indianapolis hasn't had a good secondary since they won the Super Bowl. To make matter worse, one of their better corners Jacob Lacey signed with the Lions. New HC Chuck Pagano scheme requires corners who are good man to man cover guys. A guy like Jayron Hosley or Josh Robinson would be a good fit on Day 2 or maybe somebody like Conroy Black in the middle rounds.

Jacksonville Jaguars
1. Wide Receiver
Gabbert struggled last year and a big part of that was a lack of weapons to throw the ball to. Mike Thomas was their so called #1 WR, but on most teams he'd be a #3. Jacksonville signed Laurant Robinson, but he is probably a #2 WR at best. They Jags need a different making WR badly. Picking at #7 puts them in a bad position to get a WR. They'll miss out on Justin Blackmon and it's probably too early for Michael Floyd. They could just take Floyd or move back. But if they pass they'll have to hope for somebody like Rueben Randle or Alshon Jeffery be there in the 2nd round.

2. Defensive End
For years the Jags have been looking for help rushing the passer. This year is no different. Sure they resigned Jeremy Mincey, but they need help opposite of him. Aaron Kampman hasn't been healthy since they signed him and Matt Roth isn't a good fit in a 4-3. Jacksonville is very interested in Melvin Ingram and if they don't go WR at #7 they very well could take him. If not they'll have to wait till the 2nd round to get somebody like Nick Perry, Vinny Curry, or Andre Branch.

3. Cornerback
Even though they resigned Mathies and Middleton and even brought in Aaron Ross, the CB spot could use some more need blood. They would take Morris Claiborne if he somehow falls to them. But more realistically they'll get somebody in the middle rounds to hopefully push their current corners.

Tennessee Titans
1. Interior Offensive Line
Despite being a running team, the Titans offensive line isn't that great. Especially inside. Center Eugene Amano has really struggled and could move moved over to guard. The Titans did sign Steve Hutchinson, but he isn't considered a long term solution. The Titans would love to draft Peter Konz, but #20 could be too early for him. Cordy Glenn is an option too, but probably will be gone by then. Look for the Titans to find somebody on Day 2. Maybe somebody like Kevin Zeitler, Amini Silatolu, or Brandon Washington.

2. Cornerback
The Titans best corner Cortlon Finnegan has left and now is a Ram. That leaves them with only Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner. However they will need to get a new starter to replace Finnegan because McCourty is no more than a backup. The Titans should be in a good position to grab a CB in the first round. Stephon Gilmore or Dre Kirkpatrick should be available at pick #20.

3. Defensive Tackle
Tennessee found a gem in Jurrell Casey, but don't have much help next to him. They look to target somebody who can penetrate at the 3 technique spot. If they don't go CB in the 1st they very well could go after the top DT in Jerel Worthy, Devon Still, or even Michael Brockers. If not there is still talent in the 2nd round with the likes of Derek Wolfe or Kendall Reyes.

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