Tony Pauline’s AFC South Mock Draft: Heisman-winning Travis Hunter helps Titans in two spots, Will Johnson strengthens Jaguars' defense
Mock Draft: Houston Texans
Despite winning the AFC South, the Texans expected more this season. And once the offseason begins, look for them to target a lot of defensive players and an offensive lineman or two.
Round 1:
Tyleik Williams/DT/Ohio State - Williams had a terrific season and has been sensational during the College Football Playoff. He’s a terrific fit for the Texans four-man line and will quickly break into the starting lineup. Contingency Plan: Cameron Williams/T/Texas
Round 2:
Jonah Savaiinaea/OL/Arizona - Savaiinaea will receive consideration at tackle, yet in the end, guard may be his best next level spot.
Round 3:
Sam Brown Jr./WR/Miami - Brown is an underrated receiver who entered the season with a top-45 grade from scouts. He has the size and speed to be a No. 1 receiver on Sundays.
Round 4:
Princely Umanmielen/Edge/Mississippi
Round 5:
Brandon Adams/CB/Central Florida
Mock Draft: Indianapolis Colts
The Colts made the bold move of selecting Anthony Richardson with the fourth pick of the draft just a few years ago, and to date, it has not worked out. Yet despite not being able to straighten out the quarterback position, general manager Chris Ballard has assembled a decent roster. Expectations are that they’ll go heavy on defense next April.
Round 1:
Malaki Starks/S/Georgia - Starks is the dominant playmaker teams need to cover center field. He’s a terrific run defender with excellent ball skills. Contingency Plan: Benjamin Morrison/CB/Notre Dame
Round 2:
Jahdae Barron/CB/Texas - Barron can play nickel and on the outside and should quickly break into the starting lineup as a rookie.
Round 3:
Ja'Corey Brooks/WR/Louisville - Brooks has the speed to compliment big bodied receivers Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman.
Round 4:
Terrance Ferguson/TE/Oregon
Round 5:
Carson Bruener/LB/Washington
Mock Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars can’t seem to get out of their own way. Just a few years after making the playoffs, the team has gone in reverse and is in the market for a new coach again. The roster is not barren of talent, but an entirely new culture is needed.
Round 1:
Will Johnson/CB/Michigan - Cornerback was a possibility in the first round last April, but they took receiver Brian Thomas, who is a star in the making. Johnson’s game has warts, yet he has the potential to develop into a dominant No. 1 corner. Contingency Plan: Mason Graham/DT/Michigan
Round 2:
Danny Stutsman/LB/Oklahoma - Stutsman would be a great pairing with Devin Lloyd, the team’s 2022 first-round pick. He’s a bit stouter against the run and isn’t a liability in coverage.
Round 3:
Ty Robinson/DL/Nebraska - The high-intensity playmaker Jacksonville has needed on the interior of their defensive line for a while.
Round 3:
Armand Membou/G/Missouri
Round 4:
Billy Bowman Jr./S/Oklahoma
Round 4:
Max Iheanachor/T/Arizona State
Round 5:
Lathan Ransom/S/Ohio State
Mock Draft: Tennessee Titans
Could the Titans take another quarterback at the top of the draft? It’s possible, as they would be taking a big risk rolling the dice with Will Levis moving forward despite claiming he was their guy not too long ago. Expect a lot of offense in their draft.
Round 1:
Travis Hunter/WR-CB/Colorado - They need immediate impact at receiver and depth at cornerback. That would be the perfect scenario for Hunter’s early years in the NFL. Contingency Plan: Cam Ward/QB/Miami
Round 2:
Tyler Warren/TE/Penn State - Warren is a do-it-all tight end; productive as a pass catcher and effective as a blocker; he can even throw the option pass.
Round 3:
Jah Joyner/Edge/Minnesota - Joyner brings an injection of youth to Tennessee’s pass-rushing unit. He has a high upside and struggled with injury for much of this past season.
Round 4:
Andrew Mukuba/S/Texas
Round 5:
Will Howard/QB/Ohio State
Round 5:
Brandon Adams/CB/Central Florida