NFL

2008 NFL Draft Needs: AFC South

The AFC South was very well represented in the postseason with three teams in the playoffs. The Colts clinched the division, and the Jags and Titans were the wildcard teams. This is such a tough group of teams, and they beat up on each other all season.

Some have a few draft needs, and some need to make some big moves in this year’s draft.

Houston Texans (8-8 in 2007)

Head coach: Gary Kubiak (1^th year)

It is hard to get better in such a tough division, but the Texans have slowly been doing it. I have been surprised every year when they win games, and this year they are on everyone’s radar. They have had great drafts the last few years, but they have glaring needs in their secondary.Draft Day Needs

2. Cornerback: Dunta Robinson needs a quality corner playing on the other side of the field. This is a good draft for cornerbacks, so this could be a perfect time to make an addition early.

3. Free Safety: Will Demps and C.C. Brown will be fighting for the starting spot, but it wouldn’t hurt to add someone else for depth.

Indianapolis Colts (13-3 in 2007)

Head coach: Tony Dungy (6^th year)

These guys are one year removed from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy over their heads and are not too far away from doing it again. With Peyton Manning, Tony Dungy, and 5 other Pro Bowlers, it is hard to imagine the Colts anywhere but at the top of the league standings. These guys don’t need too much help.

Draft Day Needs

1. Wide Receiver: Marvin Harrison is in the tail end of his career, and taking one of the many talented receivers available would make sure the receiving corps stays strong.
2. Offensive Line: Guard Jake Scott signed with the rival Titans, and taking a guard early should be a priority.
3. Defensive End: Both ends were injured last year and they suffered greatly. A late first-day or early second-day pick would be a good place to address this need.

Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5 in 2007)

Head coach: Jack Del Rio (4^th year)

The Jag’s were a great story last year with a season that most experts would describe as an over-achievement. They lost defensive coordinator Mike Smith when he took the head job in Atlanta, but soon after hired former Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. They have a good core group of guys and could add a few pieces to ensure that they can stay on top.

Draft Day Needs

1. Wide Receiver: They have made a few nice pickups in free agency in Troy Williamson and Jerry Porter, but they still need to pick someone up in the first few rounds.
2. Defensive End: This group is aging, and there are question marks everywhere.
3. Defensive Tackle: They traded away Marcus Stroud to the Bills this month. and will need to find a quality replacement for him.

Tennessee Titans (10-6 in 2007)

Head coach: Jeff Fisher (13^th year)

The unfortunate story of the Titans’ the last few years has been the lack of offensive firepower. Can you name a wide receiver for the Titans? I don’t even think they can. They have gone out in free agency and made some moves to give the offense some help by signing tight end Alge Crumpler, wide receiver Justin McCareins, and offensive lineman Jake Scott.

Draft Day Needs

1. Wide Receiver: Despite picking up Justin McCareins and Justin Gage through free agency, the Titans still need to acquire a young talent with potential early in the draft. McCareins and Gage are good players but are not the future of the franchise by any means.
2. Cornerback: Thank you Pacman Jones
3. Defensive End: I would have liked to see a veteran step in through free agency. They have a decent group, but they need to pick up someone to replace Antwan Odom, after he signed with the Bengals.

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