2024 NFL Draft: What does each team in the AFC South division need? Projected picks

With the NFL Draft season approaching, teams are discussing the value of their star players and the worth of their contracts. Some contracts seem pretty substantial, especially for key positions such as wide receiver and defensive line. However, there is still debate about whether they are worth the investment.

Titans

Some NFL player contracts have been discussed regarding their financial impact. One example is Calvin Ridley’s contract, which some people believe is on the higher side. However, compared to other players, it is not as financially burdensome as it seems. For instance, Jeffrey Simmons, who signed an extension, has a lower cap hit this year. Simmons is considered the Titans’ best player, and his contract is viewed as a worthy investment for the team’s future success.

Another player whose contract has drawn attention is DeAndre Hopkins. Despite his importance to the offense, his cap hit provides flexibility for the team. Similarly, this year, Ridley’s $10 million cap hit is manageable, although it may become more significant.

The Titans have made a positive impact on managing their salary cap. With players like Simmons and newly acquired Chandler Jones, they’ve balanced high-dollar contracts with quality signings. Even with potential salary increases, the Titans are well-positioned financially and roster-wise.

Meanwhile, the team knows the importance of addressing the tight end position for the Tennessee Titans. While the offensive line is often cited as a need, the left tackle position is the most glaring weakness that needs improvement.

As teams prepare to make their draft selections, the Titans’ priority may lie in bolstering their offensive line, particularly the left tackle position. With the 15th overall pick, the Titans can address this necessity with a quality signing.

Colts

The Indianapolis Colts are facing a challenging task as they assess their needs before the NFL Draft. They have a roster full of promising but unproven talent, which makes it difficult to pinpoint areas of improvement. The Colts have managed to fill their starting spots admirably. However, several positions still need improvement and could be considered potential solutions. One of the most critical positions is cornerback, where the Colts’ young players are still trying to find their footing in the league.

Despite having promising talent, the Colts still require a solid cornerback. Another area of concern is the wide receiver position, where the Colts lack established depth beyond Michael Pittman Jr. and the emerging slot receiver Josh DS. Alec Pierce, who is currently the number two receiver, needs to improve.

This is where Brian Thomas Jr. comes into the picture. He is a dynamic playmaker from LSU who offers a vertical threat and has the potential to complement Pittman’s possession style effectively. With Thomas on board, the Colts could create a dynamic receiving corps that includes Pittman as the primary target, DS in the slot, and Thomas as the deep threat. While some may consider this to be a safe, straightforward choice, others recognize the value of adding a player like Thomas who fits the Colts’ desired athletic profile.

As the draft approaches, the Colts face the challenge of balancing immediate needs with long-term potential. With Thomas on board, they aim to address their wide receiver depth while continuing to build a roster capable of competing at the highest level.

Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars are challenged to identify their immediate needs for the upcoming season. Despite the team’s efforts to address certain positions, such as cornerback and offensive line, there is still a sense of uncertainty regarding their overall depth and quality in those areas.

The offensive line, in particular, has been scrutinized due to concerns about the potential decline of veterans and the development of younger talents. This could be particularly problematic as the protection of quarterback Trevor Lawrence is of the utmost importance.

Although there is a temptation to focus on long-term planning, the Jaguars are reminded that the priority of this draft should be on addressing their acute needs. Discussions have been centered on areas where the team could benefit from adding depth and talent, with the defensive line being a particular focus. While the team has starters in place, there is a notable lack of depth at the defensive tackle position, making improvement a priority.

Byron Murphy II is coming out as the top defensive tackle prospect, offering the Jaguars a promising option to bolster their defensive front.

Texans

The Houston Texans are preparing for their first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is at number 42. The team traded away their first-round pick to the Vikings in exchange for Stefon Diggs, which has raised questions about their draft strategy and the players they may target in the second round.

One position that the Texans are looking to strengthen is cornerback, with TJ Tampa from Iowa State and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. from the University of Missouri being highlighted as potential targets. Both players have the length and athleticism that could improve the Texans’ secondary, which needs more depth.

Another cornerback that the Texans are considering is Mike Sainristil from the University of Michigan. Although he is more of a slot cornerback, his impressive performance in college, including six interceptions, makes him an attractive option for the Texans even if they already have Desmond King on the roster.

When it comes to the defensive line, the Texans have shown significant interest in Javon Bullard from Texas A&M. Bullard’s versatility and ball-hawking abilities could make him a potential steal at pick 42.

Another pair of defensive linemen that the Texans are considering are Chris Jenkins from Michigan and Mason Smith from LSU. Both players offer size and athleticism that could strengthen the Texans’ defensive front. Adrian Cooper from Texas A&M is also highlighted as a player with Micah Parsons-like qualities. His versatility and playmaking ability could provide a boost to the Texans’ linebacker corps.