We are approaching the end of our NFL Early Analysis & Predictions series, and this time we will analyze a division that for me, it will be the most competitive in the AFC, please join me in my
AFC South Analysis to take a closer look at each team.
HOUSTON TEXANS
Key Departures
CB Kevin Johnson, S Tyrann Mathieu, CB Kareem Jackson, DL Christian Covington
Key Arrivals
S Tashaun Gipson, CB Bradley Roby, CB Briean Bobby-Calhoun, QB AJ McCarron
Best Draft Picks
OT Tytus Howard, Alabama State (Rd 1)
CB Lonnie Johnson, Kentucky (Rd 2)
OL Max Scharping, Northern Illinois (Rd 2)
TE Kahale Warring, San Diego State (Rd 3)
DL Charles Omenihu, Texas (Rd 5)
Analysis
Let’s begin this AFC South Analysis with the Texans, last year after a very weak start, they recovered and managed to win their division. This season they expect great things again with their QB Deshaun Watson fully recovered from his knee and an Offensive line reinforced via Draft. Watson and company will be even more dangerous meanwhile in the defense they managed to retain Jadeveon Clowney, who along with JJ Watt is one of the best pairs of defensive Ends in the league. Also, comes Tashaun Gipson to cover the gap that left the departure of Honey Badger and bring in CB Bradley Roby to further strengthen a defense that was very solid last year. Under the command of the great veteran Defensive Coordinator, Romeo Crennel will again be a very powerful defense. I think the Texans will fight again for the AFC South title, although they will have more competition this season.
*2019 Projection: 10-6
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Key Departures
WR Ryan Grant, WR Dontrelle Inman, OL Matt Slauson, S Mike Mitchell
Key Arrivals
WR Devin Funchess, EDGE Justin Houston, RB Spencer Ware
Best Draft Picks
CB Rock Ya-Sin, Temple (Rd 2)
EDGE Ben Banogu, TCU (Rd 2)
WR Parris Campbell, Ohio State (Rd 2)
LB Bobby Okereke, Stanford (Rd 3)
S Khari Willis, Michigan State (Rd 4)
DB Marvell Tell, USC (Rd 5)
LB EJ Speed, Miami (Rd 5)
Analysis
The best thing that could happen to the Colts was that Josh McDaniels rejected them last season, thanks to this Frank Reich who arrived and it turned out to be a great HC. Of course, the return of Andrew Luck who is in great shape helped him a lot, but I think they helped each other because to have reached as his HC, helped Luck to return the way he did after two seasons. For this coming season, the Colts have strengthened their WR corps with the arrival of Devin Funchess a very big strong WR and with rookie Parris Campbel from Ohio State, who along with RBs Mack, Hines, and the newcomer Spencer Ware, will surely make this offense one of the best in the league.
On the defensive side they brought in Justin Houston, who comes to bring his leadership and his great ability to put pressure on the QB to a defense that pleasantly surprised everyone last year and without big names has managed to become a very solid unit. I think the Colts will be fighting with the Texans for the AFC South crown this year.
*2019 Projection: 10-6
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Key Departures
DT Malik Jackson, RB Carlos Hyde, RT Jermey Parnell, S Tashaun Gipson, LS Carson Tinker, K Kai Forbath, QB Blake Bortles, WR Donte Moncrief
Key Arrivals
QB Nick Foles, WR Chris Conley, LB Jake Ryan
Best Draft Picks
EDGE Josh Allen, Kentucky (Rd 1)
OT Jawaan Taylor, Florida (Rd 2)
TE Josh Oliver, San Jose State (Rd 3)
LB Quincy Williams, Murray State (Rd 3)
RB Ryquell Armstead, Temple (Rd 5)
Analysis
After a great season in 2017 where they reached the Conference finals. In 2018 they fell out very badly, which caused the departure of QB Blake Bortles and the arrival of the QB Nick Foles and along with Foles arrived Coach John DeFilippo as Offensive Coordinator. Who was Foles QB Coach during his SB season with this they hope that Foles can give the Jaguars what he gave to the Eagles. I really do not think that he’s going to have the same success with the Jaguars, since Foles has shown throughout his career that he does not play at the same level when he starts from the beginning of the season, but with a defense as solid as the Jaguars is can help Foles and his offense a lot.
Much of his success will depend on keeping his key players healthy and avoiding off-field issues, such as his RB Leonard Fournette who has been between injured and suspended much of his career, but when he has played he has shown great things. For this season I see the Jaguars as a total question mark, they have the talent to win the AFC South, but I’m not sure if they can reach their full potential.
*2019 Projection: 9-7
TENNESSEE TITANS
Key Departures
S Johnathan Cyprien, OG Josh Kline, QB Blaine Gabbert
Key Arrivals
WR Adam Humphries, OG Rodger Saffold, EDGE Cameron Wake, QB Ryan Tannehill
Best Draft Picks
DT Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State (Rd 1)
WR A.J. Brown, Ole Miss (Rd 2)
OL Nate Davis, Charlotte (Rd 3)
S Amani Hooker, Iowa (Rd 4)
EDGE D’Andre Walker, Georgia (Rd 5)
LB David Long, West Virginia (Rd 6)
Analysis
If you go back in time to make an AFC South Analysis you would realize that year after year the Titans had been expecting that their QB Marcus Mariota exploits its full potential, but year after year he disappoints, he’s been very injured throughout his career and that has made it very difficult for him to be consistent. For this season the Titans have reinforced the WR unit with the arrival of Adam Humpries and rookie AJ Brown. Also, they have reinforced their OL, which will help Mariota to stay healthy for a longer time. This time they have brought QB Ryan Tannehill as insurance in case Mariota gets injured again, which I consider a great move since Tannehill is a luxury substitute and surely if he comes in he will be eager to show that he can be a starter again in the NFL.
On the defensive side, his HC Mike Vrabel has formed a strong and solid defense, which makes his team stay competitive even when the offensive looks inoperative at times and this season Cameron Wake arrives to reinforce the line, along with rookie Jeffery Simmons. I see the Titans a lot more solid than last season and I think they will surprisingly be fighting with Colts and Texans for the AFC South.
*2019 Projection: 10-6
It’s all for this week stay tune in BellyUPSports.com for our last divisional analysis next week!!
