2023 AFC South NFL Draft Team Needs | Key Losses, Key Gains, List of Draft Picks, and More!

Houston Texans

Draft Picks: 2, 12, 33, 65, 73, 104, 161, 179, 188, 201, 203, 259
Team Needs: QB, EDGE, DL, OL, CB, WR, RB
Key Players Gained: Demeco Ryans (HC), Robert Woods (WR), Jimmie Ward (FS), Sheldon Rankins (DT), Dalton Schultz (TE), Andrew Beck (FB), Case Keenum (QB), Hassan Ridgeway (DT), Mike Boone (RB), Devin Singleton (RB), Denzel Perryman (ILB), Noah Brown (WR), Cory Littleton (ILB), Chase Winovich (DE), Shaq Mason (OG)-trade
Key Players Lost: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (DE), Tremon Smith (CB), Jordan Akins (TE), Rasheem Green (DE), Brandin Cooks (WR)-trade, AJ Cann (OG), Mario Addison (DE)

It’s time that the Texans select their next franchise QB. I have a feeling it will be CJ Stroud. After taking care of that, they have a slew of draft picks that they’ll use to rebuild the entire roster. With 12 picks total, every player on the team should be on notice because nearly every position could be upgraded. Aside from Jerry Hughes, the Edge rusher position is completely up in the air. Along with Hughes, Maliek Collins and Sheldon Rankins are all in the last year of their contracts, and are most likely out the door next season. The Texans have to draft players to groom to compete and hopefully become starters on the DL. There’s a big need to add depth along all of the OL but especially at OG. They’ll be at least a couple OL drafted for sure. It should be a best-player-available mentality if the team wants to move forward.

Indianapolis Colts

Draft Picks: 4, 35, 79, 106, 138, 162, 176, 221, 236
Team Needs: LT, QB, DB, RG, WR
Key Players Gained: Shane Steichen (HC), Samson Ebukam (DE), Matt Gay (K), Taven Bryan (DT), Gardner Minshew (QB)
Key Players Lost: Bobby Okereke (LB), Brandon Facyson (CB), Parris Campbell (WR), Stephon Gilmore (CB)-trade, Matt Ryan (QB), Yannick Ngakoue (DE), Matt Pryor (OG)

Shane Steichen has his first head coaching gig this upcoming season for the Colts. He was instrumental in the development of Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts. He’s expected to help another year QB blossom into the star they’ve been longing for ever since Andrew Luck retired unexpectedly. In addition to the signal caller, the Colts will need to bring in some help on the OL to keep their QB upright. They struggled last year, giving up 60 total sacks. They’ll need a reliable target to throw to as well. It hasn’t been the same since not having TY Hilton; let’s be honest. After trading away Stephon Gilmore, the Colts have big shoes to fill at CB, and quite frankly that secondary could improve, having below-average NFL quality overall.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Draft Picks: 24, 56, 88, 121, 127, 185, 202, 208, 226
Team Needs: TE, DL, OT, NB
Key Players Lost: Jawaan Taylor (RT), Arden Key (OLB), Chris Manhertz (TE), Marvin Jones (WR), Shaquill Griffin (CB), Dawuane Smoot (DE)
Franchise Tag: Evan Engram (TE)- *unsigned*

Last year, the Jaguars had their best season in 5 years under new head coach Doug Pederson, and he’s looking to continue that upward trend this season. They placed the franchise tag on Evan Engram although he’s yet to sign that deal. Both sides have until July 15th, yet the draft is nearly here. The Jags might be forced to draft a TE early. Aside from that, the biggest need is along the DL. They really need to add a couple more pieces, a starter and a rotational body in their 3-man front. The team hasn’t added another OT in the offseason after letting Jawaan Taylor walk in free agency. So, it seems they feel confident with the players they have. Yet, I can see them adding an OT in the mix. Additionally, it would be very sensible to add a nickelback given that Tre Herndon is in the final year of his contract. Of course, you need a quality backup and someone who can contribute on special teams.

Tennessee Titans

Draft Picks: 11, 41, 72, 147, 186, 228
Team Needs: Edge, TE, OT, CB, QB
Key Players Gained: Andre Dillard (OT), Arden Key (OLB), Daniel Brunskill (OT), Azeez Al-Shaair (LB), Luke Gifford (LB), Sean Bunting (CB)
Key Players Lost: Nate Davis (OG), DeMarcus Walker (DE), Robert Woods (WR), David Long (LB), Dennis Daley (OT), Austin Hooper (TE), Bud Dupree (OLB), Taylor Lewan (LT), Zach Cunningham (LB), Ben Jones (OC)

The Titans had the worst pass defense in the league last season, allowing the most yards. The team brought in Sean Bunting to add to their secondary, but he is by no means going to fix the issue, so look for a CB somewhere in the draft. They need to create more of a pass rush and draft an Edge rusher who can compete for the starting role. Denico Autry is among other star players who are in the last year of their contracts.

The Titans are going to have some big decisions to make very soon. Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill are due a very big pay out next season, being in the last year of their contracts. Most likely, Tannehill will be out the door given that Malik Willis is waiting in the wings. Best to make them happy for now by selecting a quality OT to compete for some playing time. A big TE would also benefit the team, being utilized as a blocker and a security blanket in the passing game. Perhaps late on the 3rd day, I can see the team adding a QB because there are only 2 on the roster right now. It’s either that or add a veteran free agent.