For years, the AFC South has been derided by fans and observers from outside the division as the weakest division in the NFL. But let me say, after the first two days of this draft, those days are over. I think two teams-Tennessee and Jacksonville-used this draft to effectively create and galvanize definite team identities. Houston did to a lesser extent. Here's why:
1. Tennessee used the windfall from the trade with the Rams to become a physical, run the ball and stop the run type of team. I think Conklin is a big, physical guy who should fit in nicely at RT. Though I think he'll eventually have to lose some weight and take time to adjust, Dodd should be able to hold up nicely at the point of attack against TEs and tackles as well as proviide upgraded pass rush ability over Morgan. I have not been a fan of Penn State linemen over the years, especially DTs, but Johnson seems to be cut from a different cloth. At 325 or so, he should give the tacks the NT they need to effectively run that scheme. Finally, the tacks added RB Derrick Henry to the acquisition of RB Demarco Murray to give the tacks an impressive 1-2 punch in the backfield. The combo of their O-Line and those RBs should mke Tennessee a tough offense to stop. Even if you don't think Mariota will be special, the running game should be good enough to augment his amazing mobility and take pressure off of him.
2. Jacksonville, on the other hand, is establishing itself as a flashy, explosive and speed based team on both sides of the ball. The offense has already established itself as having explosive potential and with an additional year in the system, they should only build upon that. But the defense has gotten a dramatic infusion of speed and ability. Jalen Ramsey has world class speed, good size and strength, and was considered by most observers to be one of the top 3 defenders in this draft. He was considered by most to be a steal at 5, if that's possible. Pre knee scare, another guy battling Ramsey for consideration as the best defender in this draft was Myles Jack. He is perhaps the prototype of the modern LB/SS hybrid. He has successfully covered slot receivers from his LB position, can go sideline to sideline, and is even strong enough to take on guards. The 3rd round pick is another speed rusher. Added with last year's first round pick, Dante Fowler, the defense has received a significant infusion of speed and athleticism on each level of the defense.
3. I am less impressed with the draft hauls of the other two AFC South teams, Indy and Houston. I think both got outstanding centers, Kelly with the Colts and Martin with Houston-guys I wanted. But Houston continues to chase a viable WR opposite Hopkins by drafting Fuller in the 1st and Miller in the 3rd, putting Cecil Shots and Jaelen Strong on notice. If Houston hits on those two guys, they should be able to implement that spread type, New England style of passing attack Bill O'Brien brought with him from New England, but I have my doubts about them. At a basic level, it usually takes rookie receivers a while to adjust to the pro game. But with Miller, he newly switched to receiver. He has extra refinement needed to his game
4. Finally, I'm not sold on Indy's picks outside of Kelly. I know they needed linemen to protect Luck, but I don't think Clark is the answer. I also don't care for the TJ Green pick. They could have gotten him later. However, with a healthy Luck, the Colts are a better team than they were last year.
By the end of yesterday, this division-especially the bottom of the division-got much stronger, more athletic, and more physical than it was last year.
Your thoughts?
Worst to 1st. Curse Reversed!
