Kyle Dvorchak breaks down the positional needs of every AFC South team and some of the best prospects they could look to target in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Houston Texans
Needs: Quarterback, Wide Receiver, and Defensive End
Top Picks: 2, 12, and 33
The Texans are getting a true reset this off-season with a new head coach and a new quarterback via the second overall pick. They needed help at receiver before trading Brandin Cooks and are now desperate at wideout. Houston also struggled to generate pressure last year, putting defensive end at the top of their list of needs.
The Texans were the favorite to land Bryce Young as soon as Carolina traded up with the Bears. All signs have pointed to that being fine with Houston as Young was their guy. The odds have now shifted, so it’s harder to say if they will be led by Young or C.J. Stroud in the fall. With their next pick, he’ll need some help at receiver. Pick No. 12 isn’t too early to take Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who posted a mind-bending sophomore campaign before declaring after a lost junior season. If they opt for a pass-rusher, Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness has been rising up boards since the combine and would fit well in DeMeco Ryans’ scheme. If they end up going receiver at 12, Day Two has plenty of pass-rushers who can make an impact this year. Kansas State’s Felix Anudike-Uzomah has the size to play as a 4-3 defensive end and the production (19.5 sacks in the past two years) to merit a look at the top of the second round.
Indianapolis Colts
Needs: Quarterback, Cornerback, and Wide Receiver
Top Picks: 4, 35, and 79
Colts owner Jim Irsay has all but said the team will be adding a quarterback via the draft, so that is almost a foregone conclusion. Michael Pittman has the size of an X receiver and the early-career production of a true No. 1 wideout. However, they have no option in the slot and Alec Pierce is only a field stretcher right now. At corner, the Colts traded Stephon Gilmore and let Brandon Facyson walk in free agency, leaving them dangerously low at this position.
If things play out as expected during the first two picks and no one jumps the Colts, Irsay and GM Chris Ballard will be choosing between Will Levis and Anthony Richardson. Both quarterbacks are raw players who need to develop, but Richardson is the most athletic quarterback to enter the NFL possibly ever. That’s hard to pass on. Assuming Richardson is the choice, the Colts will need a deep threat at every receiver position. Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt is a burner out of the slot who does his best work on nine routes, making him the perfect pairing with Florida’s gunslinger. At cornerback, the Colts will likely be waiting until the third round at the earliest. Kansas State’s Julius Brents has the size and length of a typical Ballard pick and could make it to them at 79th overall.
Tennessee Titans
Needs: Wide Receiver, Offensive Tackle, and Quarterback
Top Picks: 11, 41, and 72
The Titans gave up on Malik Willis when they started Josh Dobbs over him in a must-win game and Ryan Tannehill‘s numbers have dropped every year he has been with the Titans. Quarterback might not be addressed until 2024 for Tennessee, but it has to be on GM Ran Carthon‘s mind. They also need improved weaponry for a young quarterback to throw to. Treylon Burks showed some promise as a rookie but their options behind him are incredibly weak. Tennesee attempted to address their need at tackle by signing Andre Dillard. However, he is a career backup and the jury is still out on right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere.
Unless they move up the board, Tennessee’s only choice at quarterback in the first round will be Will Levis, and even that is far from a guarantee. I have them pulling the trigger on Levis in my latest mock, but they could just as easily take Hendon Hooker in the second round or what until next year entirely. Offensive tackle is most commonly mocked to them with the No. 11 pick. Paris Johnson profiles as a cornerstone left tackle while Peter Skoronski has size concerns but shows off elite abilities on tape. With Treylon Burks able to play outside or inside, the Titans are in a good spot in this slot-heavy draft. North Carolina’s Josh Downs could be an instant playmaker they look to add in the second round.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Needs: Cornerback, Safety, and Offensive Tackle
Top Picks: 24, 56, and 88
Shaquill Griffin was cut this offseason, leaving an opening opposite Tyson Campbell and in the slot. They are more secure at safety, but Rayshawn Jenkins could be a cut candidate next year and Pro Football Focus has charted a decline in his play over the past two seasons. At tackle, Walker Little has seven starts over the past four years and has almost no experience at right tackle. Despite this, he is currently penciled in as the team’s starter at that position.
The Jags may not get their first choice at No. 24, but they are in a great position to grab a falling player there. Skoronski will likely come off the board well before the Jags pick, but his lack of length could cause him to tumble with some teams not keen on playing him at tackle. Jacksonville, on the other hand, could start him at left guard and keep Little at right tackle. Brian Branch is another player who may not make it to 24, but the Jags will be keeping a close eye on him. He is typically listed as a safety but will likely see much of his playing time as a rookie in the slot, where he spent most of his reps as a member of the Crimson Tide. Then, down the road, he could hone his craft and earn a full-time role as a free safety. The Jaguars have a strong foundation as a franchise, so I can see them taking some big swings at cornerback on Day Two. Georgia’s Eli Ricks is raw but has the size (6'2/207) and speed (4.38 Forty) of a No. 1 corner.
