Inside the War Room: AFC South
by Luke Paul Chandler
In their bi-weekly column, writers Luke Paul Chandler and Dave Gardner will be describing each team’s last draft class, top needs and draft strategies all the way up until the NFL Draft. Today, Luke takes a look at the AFC South.
Houston Texans
Draft Strategy
The Texans need to continue to build overall talent. They lack a true force on the offensive line, and may be targeting Kansas left tackle Anthony Collins. He is quick and agile, and fits the mold of an Alex Gibbs tackle. At cornerback, the team was thin before the devastating knee/hamstring injury to Dunta Robinson. The team needs a smart zone-style corner, like Southern California’s Terrell Thomas who will be available in the third round. At running back, the team is lacking a true full-time back, and has a roster of mostly injury-riddled veterans. Kubiak and Gibbs don’t need a fast back, but one that was amazing patience. The team is high on third-year veteran Chris Taylor, but he also can’t stay healthy. One sleeper to watch is Jalen Parmele of Toledo, who the Texans are interested in as a late round pickup.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round picked in parenthesis): Amobi Okoye (DT-1), Jacoby Jones (WR-3), Brandon Harrison (S-4), Brandon Frye (OT-5), Kasey Studdard (OG-6), Zach Diles (MLB-7). Grade: C+
- Comments: The team’s top two picks, Okoye and Jones, both had flashes in their rookie year, but were making less impact later in the year. Okoye physically didn’t hold up as well later in the year, but was promising. Jones has a good deal of technique and route running work, but was a good punt returner in his rookie year. Studdard and Frye were bounced between the Practice Squad and active roster, and Harrison was on injured reserve all year. Diles showed promise as a special teams player and backup linebacker with run stuffing ability.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: OLB Danny Clark (New York), WR Jerome Mathis (Washington), TE Jeb Putzier (Seattle)
- Key Additions: OLB Kevin Bentley (Seattle), RB Chris Brown (Tennessee), S Nick Ferguson (Denver), QB Quinn Gray (Jacksonville), CB Jacques Reeves (Dallas)
- Top Remaining Needs: Offensive Tackle, Cornerback, Running Back, Free Safety
Indianapolis Colts
Draft Strategy
The Colts usually look to go offense early, and then build their defense with later round picks, but that strategy might not work this year. The team has a strong need for a speed rusher who can compliment and spell starters Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. The best fit for their needs is Georgia’s Marcus Howard, whose speed off the edge is a must for Tony Dungy’s defense. At middle linebacker, Gary Brackett is steady, but adding a player who can cover the deep middle, like Curtis Lofton, is a must. Look for the Colts to add depth on the offensive line late in the draft, targeting quicker zone-style blockers like Toledo’s John Greco.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round picked in parenthesis): Anthony Gonzalez (WR-1), Tony Ugoh (OT-2), Daymeion Hughes (CB-3), Quinn Pitcock (DT-3), Brannon Condren (S-4), Clint Session (OLB-4), Roy Hall (WR-5), Michael Coe (CB-5), Keyunta Dawson (DL-7). Grade: B
- Comments: Often, the Colts drafts don’t make sense till a few years down the road, when the later-round picks have worked their way into starting jobs, replacing the veterans in front of them who left in free agency. Gonzalez took well to the Colts complicated offense, and has eased the team’s concern over possibly losing Marvin Harrison to retirement. Ugoh took time to adapt to the Colts pass protections, and needed help from a tight end, but his recognition skills were improving by year’s end. Condren and Session are playing special teams currently, and both are valued backups at their respective positions. Session has the kind of quickness and reaction skills needed to be an outside linebacker in the Tampa-2, but he is not quite ready yet. Dawson is a player who the team is high on as a sub who can play inside or outside on the defensive line, especially on passing downs.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: OLB Rocky Boiman (Philadelphia), DT Dan Klecko (Philadelphia), OG Jake Scott (Tennessee), TE Ben Utecht (Cincinnati)
- Key Additions: None
- Top Remaining Needs: Defensive Tackle, Middle Linebacker, Defensive End, Kick Returner, Guard, Center
Jacksonville Jaguars
Draft Strategy
The Jaguars biggest need is to add versatile defensive linemen who can drop back into zone coverage in new defensive coordinator Gregg Wiliams’ defense. At end, one of the smarter fits is Georgia Tech’s Darrell Robertson, who played in the same scheme in college, and is used to to nuances. Chase Ortiz of Texas Christian would make a good fit also. At tackle, adding athleticism without sacrificing run defense is a must. Auburn’s Pat Sims or Florida Stat’s duo of Letroy Guion and Andre Fluellen all fit the mold.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round picked in parenthesis): Reggie Nelson (S-1), Justin Durant (OLB-2), Mike Walker (WR-3), Adam Podlesh (P-4), Brian Smith (DE-4), Uche Nwaneri (OG-5), Josh Gattis (S-5), Derek Landri (DT-5), John Broussard (WR-7), Chad Nkang (OLB/S -7), Andrew Carnahan (OT-7). Grade: B
- Comments: Nelson stepped in from day one and was an impact player in coverage. His ball skills, reactions, and big play ability were evident. Adam Podlesh had a decent rookie season, showing good directional punting skills. In a few years, Nwaneri and Durant could step up and start. Nwaneri is a physical run blocker. The presence of Landri also gave the team confidence to trade Marcus Stroud to Buffalo, and elevate Landri to a key backup role. An interesting battle to watch in camp will be is if Gerald Sensabaugh can hold back Chad Nkang from taking the strong safety job away from him.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: CB Aaron Glenn (New Orleans), SS Sammy Knight (New York Giants), WR Ernest Wilford (Miami)
- Key Additions: CB Drayton Florence (San Diego), DT Jimmy Kennedy (Chicago), QB Cleo Lemon (Miami), WR Jerry Porter (Oakland)
- Top Remaining Needs: Defensive End, Defensive Tackle, Strong Safety, Quarterback
Tennessee Titans
Draft Strategy
A Look Back
The Titans offense lacks firepower all around. Their wide receivers are lack luster, and given quarterback Vince Young’s troubles in the passing game, adding his former college teammate Limas Sweed is a smart idea. At defensive end, the team added back up some depth by resigning Jevon Kearse, but he’s not a starter at this point in his career. Adding a right end to compliment Kyle Van Den Bosch who can get after the quarterback is necessary. One option is Southern California’s Lawrence Jackson, or Auburn’s Philip Merling.
- Picks (Round picked in parenthesis): Michael Griffin (DB-1), Chris Henry (RB-2), Paul Williams (WR-3), Leroy Harris (C-4), Chris Davis (WR/RS-4), Antonio Johnson (DT-5), Joel Filani (WR-6), Jacob Ford (DE-6), Ryan Smith (CB-6), Mike Otto (OT-7). Grade: C
- Comments: Griffin was strangely moved to cornerback, a position he never played in college, in mini camp, but was eventually moved back to free safety when the position became thin. He looked more natural there. Henry was a project player, but he missed time because of suspension due to violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Rumors persist that the team is not pleased with him, and are still looking to deepen the position this year. Look for Harris to become the starting left guard this year, taking over for the departed Jacob Bell. Johnson and Ford both lost their season due to injuries, Smith was cut in training camp, and Otto was a practice squad player.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: OG Jacob Bell (St. Louis), DE Travis LaBoy (Arizona), DE Antwan Odom (Cincinnati), DT Randy Starks (Miami), TE Ben Troupe (Tampa Bay)
- Key Additions: CB/RS Chris Carr (Oakland), TE Alge Crumpler (Atlanta), DE Jevon Kearse (Philadelphia), WR Justin McCareins (New York Giants), OG Jake Scott (Indianapolis)
- Top Remaining Needs: Defensive End, Tight End, Wide Receiver, Guard, Middle Linebacker