This AFC South Preview sees a division that’s had its fair share of struggles historically, with every team picking in the top five in the draft at some point in the past five years. This past season, however, each team in the division had reasons to be excited about the future of their franchise.
The Jacksonville Jaguars went 13-4, resulting in a division title, and saw promising play from former first-overall pick quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The Clemson product threw for over 4000 yards and 29 touchdowns, placing 5th in MVP voting and cementing himself as Jacksonville’s franchise guy.
The Houston Texans won 12 games to secure a Wild Card berth, fielding an elite defensive unit that ranked near the top of the league in several key metrics and produced five Pro Bowlers and three All Pros. The team started 3-5, then won 10 straight games, including their Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, before falling to the eventual AFC Champion New England Patriots in the Divisional Round.
The Indianapolis Colts failed to make the playoffs but were 8-2 and the top seed in the AFC. After a three-game losing streak, they lost starting quarterback Daniel Jones to injury, and then the final four games of the season, to finish 8-9. With Jones back and wide receiver Alec Pierce signed to a new contract, which some view as a potential mistake, the team hopes it can return to contention.
The Tennessee Titans won only three games, but saw promising play from quarterback Cam Ward, the first overall pick in last year’s draft. Another year of development for Ward, a brand new coaching staff, and an influx of talent from free agency and the draft should help Tennessee compete for a playoff spot.
The Jaguars and Colts do not have a first-round pick due to trades made last year, and the Titans and Texans are picking at opposite ends of each round. This division projects to be highly competitive next season, and each team will need to make the most of its draft to maximize its chances of winning.
