There was a new king in the AFC South in 2022 as the Jacksonville Jaguars made an epic second-half comeback in the standings and won the division over the Tennessee Titans in the final week of the season. The Titans have issues at quarterback while the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts are the clear front-runners for the biggest overhauls. Both teams have top picks and, in a quarterback heavy draft, it will be intriguing to see who each team comes away with. Here are the 2023 AFC South team needs.
Houston Texans
Team Needs: QB, OL, DL
Sheesh, where to start with the Texans? They really need everything, but they need to start with a franchise quarterback. They blew their shot at the first overall selection by winning their final game of the season. However, with the second overall pick in the NFL Draft, they should still have a chance at a top tier quarterback. If the Texans opt to trade that 2nd pick and stockpile draft choices, they could sign a player like Derek Carr. After that, this team must improve in the trenches – offensively and defensively. A wide receiver wouldn’t hurt either.
Indianapolis Colts
Team Needs: QB, OL, WR
The Colts have needed a reliable quarterback every year since Andrew Luck retired. After going through Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan, it’s likely that they will select one with the 4th overall pick. After getting a developmental gunslinger, they must give him some blocking and weapons, something they didn’t do for Luck. The Colts are in an interesting position where they could attempt to trade up for a quarterback or they’ll let one come to them, but waiting is a dangerous game in the NFL Draft, especially if they think they’ve found their franchise passer.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Team Needs: DL, CB, OT
The Jags surprised everyone in 2022 with great play and an explosive offense under new coach Doug Pederson. It’s clear that Trevor Lawrence is special, and they’ve done a nice job surrounding him with big weapons, including Calvin Ridley who was traded this season during his suspension. Once he’s reinstated, the Jaguars will be even scarier on offense. Focusing on defense, especially establishing a better pass rush and a strong secondary is key. Free agent CB Jamel Dean would be a great acquisition.
Tennessee Titans
Team Needs: LB, WR, OL
So, it turned out that trading receiver A.J. Brown wasn’t the best move after all. The Titans have a massive hole at the wide receiver position as quarterbacks Ryan Tannehill and Malik Willis had limited options to work with which once again stacked a ton on Derrick Henry’s plate. Free agent OT Orlando Brown Jr. could be a fun pickup for a team who didn’t block well and the defense is still prone to giving up massive points. The Titans have already shed a ton of cap space this offseason so they could have some money to spend if they keep going down that route.