The AFC South might have been the laughing stock of the NFL the past couple of years, but it is definitely a division on the rise going into the 2017 season. Each of the teams made splashes in the Draft that could push their squads over the top in the upcoming season.
Houston Texans
Round 1
Deshaun Watson | QB, Clemson
Height: 6-3 Weight: 218
That’s a lot to give up to go get him, but they had to do something.
Round 2
Zach Cunningham | OLB, Vanderbilt
Height: 6-4 Weight: 230
He made a lot of tackles in a big-time conference. Their linebackers were an issue last year — especially in coverage.
Round 3
D’Onta Foreman | RB, Texas
Height: 6-1 Weight: 249
If he can keep his weight in check, he will help as a power runner.
Round 4
Julie’n Davenport | OT, Bucknell
Height: 6-7 Weight: 315
A tackle prospect with the longest arms in the draft. Though he needs to get stronger, he has the potential to develop into a starter. Good value in Round 4.
Round 4
Carlos Watkins | DT, Clemson
Height: 6-4 Weight: 312
An athletic three-technique DT prospect with good production his senior season with 13.5 tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks. A good defense adds a solid interior defensive lineman in Round 4.
Round 5
Treston Decoud | CB, Oregon State
Height: 6-3 Weight: 208
A tall, competitive press CB prospect who has overcome every obstacle to this point, spending time at four different programs the last four years. Raw and will need time.
Round 7
Kyle Fuller | C, Baylor
Height: 6-5 Weight: 315
A three-year starter at center for the Bears, Fuller has the size and length. Provides depth for the Texans.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Round 1
Leonard Fournette | RB, LSU
Height: 6-1 Weight: 235
Round 2
Cam Robinson | OT, Alabama
Height: 6-6 Weight: 326
They needed to get help up front, so this makes sense — if he’s focused. He can play left tackle, guard or right tackle.
Round 3
Dawuane Smoot | DE, Illinois
Height: 6-3 Weight: 255
He was on my list of Better-Than players because I think he has good pass-rush ability. Was much better in 2015 than last year.
Round 4
Dede Westbrook | WR, Oklahoma
Height: 6-0 Weight: 178
An explosive player with tremendous production scoring 17 TDs in 2016. Good addition for Blake Bortles to help stretch defenses downfield.
Round 5
Blair Brown | ILB, Ohio
Height: 6-0 Weight: 240
An explosive linebacker prospect with less-than-ideal height and length at 5-foot-11, but flies all over the field and lays the wood on contact. Very good value this late in the draft.
Round 7
Jalen Myrick | CB, Minnesota
Height: 5-10 Weight: 200
Shorter than ideal, Myrick can fly with a recorded 4.28 40 time at the combine, keeping up with receivers downfield and loves to compete. Great value in the seventh round.
Round 7
Marquez Williams | FB, Miami (Fla.)
Height: 6-1 Weight: 280
A redshirt senior and big boy for a FB at 280 pounds.
Tennessee Titans
Round 1
Corey Davis | WR, Western Michigan
Height: 6-3 Weight: 213
He’s the best receiver in this draft. I like this pick. Solid. But what about defensive backs?
Round 1
Adoree’ Jackson | CB, Southern California
Height: 5-11 Weight: 185
They needed a corner, and this is a game-changing player at the position. I also like this kid’s ability as a return man.
Round 3
Taywan Taylor | WR, Western Kentucky
Height: 5-11 Weight: 198
He was productive in an offense that throws the ball around. I like the pick here to get Marcus Mariota more help.
Round 3
Jonnu Smith | TE, Florida International
Height: 6-3 Weight: 245
Pass-catching tight end who will add another weapon to the passing game. They have really helped Marcus Mariota.
Round 5
Jayon Brown | OLB, UCLA
Height: 6-0 Weight: 231
A slightly undersized LB prospect with good athleticism, tackling ability and coverage ability. Good value in Round 5 for Titans.
Round 6
Corey Levin | OG, Chattanooga
Height: 6-4 Weight: 307
A three-time All-American and Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner, Levin is interchangeable at tackle and guard. Provides quality depth at both spots.
Round 7
Josh Carraway | DE, TCU
Height: 6-3 Weight: 241
Developmental pass rusher who produced 17 sacks in the last two years with poor run-defense skills. Will need to contribute on special teams.
Round 7
Brad Seaton | OT, Villanova
Height: 6-7 Weight: 310
A tall offensive tackle prospect with good athleticism. Another depth pick for the Titans.
Round 7
Khalfani Muhammad | RB, California
Height: 5-9 Weight: 175
A fast, undersized RB prospect with return ability and some receiving ability out of the backfield as well.
Indianapolis Colts
Round 1
Malik Hooker | FS, Ohio State
Height: 6-2 Weight: 205
Chuck Pagano just might have gotten his next Ed Reed. The kid has great range in the middle of the field.
Round 2
Quincy Wilson | CB, Florida
Height: 6-1 Weight: 213
This is a need pick and they land a heck of a corner. He had first-round talent in the eyes of some personnel men.
Round 3
Tarell Basham | DE, Ohio
Height: 6-4 Weight: 249
He’s got the ability to stand up as a pass rusher in their scheme, but he can also play down. They do need a young rusher to help.
Round 4
Zach Banner | OG, Southern California
Height: 6-8 Weight: 353
A decent selection this late in Round 4, Banner may slide inside to guard utilizing his big base and mauling style, but a good fit for the Colts who need to do a better job of protecting Luck.
Round 4
Marlon Mack | RB, South Florida
Height: 5-11 Weight: 213
A productive runner from South Florida who will spell Frank Gore as a change-of-pace back with good elusiveness and receiving skills.
Round 4
Grover Stewart | DT, Albany State
Height: 6-4 Weight: 347
A defensive line prospect and four-year starter at Division II school with above-average size, good strength and all-around ability. Helps add depth at Colts defensive line.
Round 5
Nate Hairston | CB, Temple
Height: 6-0 Weight: 196
A former wide receiver with only one year of starting CB experience and it shows. Will need time to develop mentally and technically before he sees action.
Round 5
Anthony Walker Jr. | ILB, Northwestern
Height: 6-1 Weight: 238
A three-year starter and son of a coach with a high football I.Q. Nice grab this late to add quality depth for Colts.