2017 NFL Draft Reset: Drama big in AFC South

Texans in quandary at quarterback

The Houston Texans can finally move on from their hope of adding Tony Romo to the roster after weeks of speculation about the quarterback’s future. Romo agreed to become the lead NFL analyst for CBS Sports and was released by Dallas.

“Obviously, Houston was at the top of the list of teams I looked at,” Romo said in a conference call Tuesday. “It was a very difficult decision. I went back and forth many times. It had nothing to do with the Texans. It had everything to do with CBS.”

The Texans will now look for some clarity at the position. They were able to send Brock Osweiler’s $16 million in guaranteed money to the Cleveland Browns as the new league year began, and are now left with Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden on the roster.

Savage has been relatively injury-prone, although head coach Bill O’Brien likes his toughness and arm strength.

The Texans select No. 25 in the first round of the draft. The question is which quarterbacks will be available at that pick. Mitchell Trubisky (North Carolina) has the complete skill-set and Deshaun Watson (Clemson) has the winning resume, but both are expected to be off the board in the first 20 selections.

The Texans have the cap space to sign a free agent castoff like Colin Kaepernick or Jay Cutler, but neither is a fit for O’Brien’s offense, especially Cutler, whose gun for hire can help a more simplified offense.

The Texans are the lone franchise in the NFL to not sign an outside free agent. They have yet to host any free agents on visits, but had one trip scheduled for offensive tackle Mike Remmers before he signed a $30 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Meanwhile, they lost top cornerback A.J. Bouye (Jacksonville Jaguars via a five-year, $67.5 million contract that included $26 million guaranteed) and starting safety Quintin Demps (Chicago Bears on a three-year, $13.5 million contract), starting outside linebacker John Simon joining the Indianapolis Colts on a three-year, $17 million deal, backup offensive guard Oday Aboushi to the Seattle Seahawks on a one-year, $975,000 contract and special-teams contributor Don Jones to the San Francisco 49ers on a two-year, $2.2 million pact.

Here is a closer look at where the Texans are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, No. 25 overall.

THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 1st AFC South (9-7)

STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 314.7 (29th)
RUSHING: 116.2 (8th)
PASSING: 198.5 (29th)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 301.3 (1st)
RUSHING: 99.7 (12th)
PASSING: 201.6 (2nd)

TEAM NEEDS

–1. Quarterback. Remains the top need for a struggling offense that unloaded an ineffective Brock Osweiler and his $72 million contract in a trade to the Browns. The Texans are expected to draft a quarterback and were trying to make a run at Dallas Cowboys veteran Tony Romo, but Romo has retired. For now, their top option under center is Tom Savage.

–2. Defensive back. The Texans lost starters A.J. Bouye and Quintin Demps during free agency to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears, respectively. Bouye emerged as a shutdown corner last season. Demps led all safeties with six interceptions. Replacing them will likely involve cornerbacks Kevin Johnson and Johnathan Joseph getting healthier and likely drafting a few defensive backs.

–3. Tackle.: The offensive line, especially right tackle, is a vulnerable area. It’s dangerously thin with Derek Newton not expected back this season after tearing both patellar tendons last season. Chris Clark was not good as his replacement. The Texans are evaluating several college tackles, including Utah’s Garett Bolles and Alabama’s Cam Robinson and are likely to draft a tackle at some point. They could also use help at guard. Neither Xavier Su’a-Filo or Jeff Allen was particularly stout last season.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 3)

–Retained: TE Ryan Griffin, P Shane Lechler, K Nick Novak.

–Added: None.

–Lost: G Oday Aboushi (Seahawks), CB A.J. Bouye (Jaguars), S Quintin Demps (Bears), S Don Jones (49ers), QB Brock Osweiler (traded Browns), LB John Simon (Colts).

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 25 overall).

Rob Rang (April 3 mock draft):

–Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson. Getting rid of the colossal Osweiler contract was a relief in itself but unless a veteran replacement (Tony Romo?) is found, quarterback is now the top priority again in Houston. Watson’s ability to deliver in the clutch intrigues scouts but he also threw an FBS-worst 30 interceptions over the past two seasons, making him a polarizing player in the scouting community. At this point in the draft, however, general manager Rick Smith might see him as simply too talented to pass up.
Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):

–Garett Bolles, T, Utah. A polarizing prospect in league circles, Bolles has a checkered past and is an older prospect who still needs plenty of strength and technique work. However, he is a fantastic athlete with the mean streak that will endear him to NFL coaches.

Colts on youth movement

With the hiring of Chris Ballard as the Indianapolis Colts’ new general manager, there is a new focus on retooling the team’s overall roster to get younger on both sides of the football.

Eight players 29 years old or older retired, were released or were not re-signed. Seven of those were defensive players.

Ballard opted not to re-sign several of the team’s veteran free agents, preferring to concentrate on signing younger available veteran free agents from other teams while also taking direct aim on the upcoming draft.

Of the Colts’ nine unrestricted free agents, only tight end Jack Doyle, cornerback turned safety Darius Butler and running back Robert Turbin were given new contracts.

Both restricted free agents, offensive lineman Jonotthan Harrison and defensive lineman Zach Kerr, will be back. Exclusive rights free agent tight end Erik Swoope is being counted on to be big part of the Colts’ offensive game plan.

As for roster additions, Ballard has been busy.

The Colts brought in linebackers Jabaal Sheard (New England), John Simon (Houston), Sean Spence and Barkevious Mingo (New England); nose tackle Al Woods (Tennessee); defensive end Margus Hunt (Cincinnati); offensive lineman Brian Schwenke (Tennessee); punter Jeff Locke (Minnesota); wide receiver Kamar Aiken (Baltimore); and tight end Brandon Williams (Seattle).

Additional personnel moves are probable. In fact, don’t be surprised if Indianapolis decides to trade down from the 15th pick in the first round in an attempt to add more draft picks.

Here is a closer look at where the Colts are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, No.15 overall.

THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 3rd AFC South (8-8)

STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 364.4 (10th)
RUSHING: 101.8 (23rd)
PASSING: 262.6 (T5th)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 382.9 (30th)
RUSHING: 120.4 (25th)
PASSING: 262.5 (27th)

TEAM NEEDS

–1. Edge rusher/linebacker: Still the top need for a Colts defense that is currently in remodel mode. Indianapolis lost franchise sack leader Robert Mathis to retirement and did not re-sign UFA Erik Walden. Finding a young outside rush linebacker in the first round would be a plus.

–2. Cornerback: The Colts released 2016 veteran free-agent signee Patrick Robinson, who has since been added to the Philadelphia roster. Veteran Pro Bowl performer Vontae Davis returned, but he has been bothered by injury and inconsistency issues. Adding an athletic, play-making cornerback somewhere in the first three rounds is the plan for now.

–3. Running back: Veterans Frank Gore and Robert Turbin will be back for 2017. Indianapolis would like to find the eventual heir apparent to Gore in this year’s draft. The Colts, though, are not expected to address the running back situation until the middle to later rounds. That plan could change if the right running back drops into their laps earlier in the draft.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 3)

–Retained: CB Darius Butler, TE Jack Doyle, RB Robert Turbin.

–Added: WR Kamar Aiken (Ravens), DE Margus Hunt (Bengals), P Jeff Locke (Vikings), LB Barkevious Mingo (Patriots), C/G Brian Schwenke (Titans), LB/DE Jabaal Sheard (Patriots), LB John Simon (Texans), LB Sean Spence (Titans), TE Brandon Williams (Seahawks), DL Al Woods (Titans).

–Lost: S Mike Adams (Panthers), TE Dwayne Allen (traded Patriots), LB Chris Carter (Redskins), C Jonotthan Harrison (Jets), LB D’Qwell Jackson (released), DT Arthur Jones (released), DT Zach Kerr (Broncos), OLB Robert Mathis (retired), LB Josh McNary (Jaguars), P Pat McAfee (retired), T/G Joe Reitz (retired), CB Patrick Robinson (released/Eagles), G Hugh Thornton (Falcons).

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 15 overall).

Rob Rang (April 3 mock draft):

–Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford. Sure, adding a defender would appear to make the most sense, but injecting the speed and playmaking ability of McCaffrey into a backfield currently built around steady (but slow) veterans Frank Gore and Robert Turbin could be precisely what the Colts need to spark a return to the playoffs.
Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):

–Haason Reddick, LB, Temple. Coming from Kansas City, new Colts general manager Chris Ballard understands the impact of speed on defense and that is exactly what Reddick offers. He can line up inside or outside and give position flexibility to drop in coverage or blitz.

Coughlin overhauling Jaguars roster

As of Monday (April 3), the Jacksonville Jaguars already added 11 new faces since the new league season opened in early March. Count another 7-8 draft picks and a handful of undrafted free agents and there could be as many as 20 new faces on the 53-man roster.

Obviously, new executive vice president of football operations Tom Coughlin is looking to put his stamp on this team. Not a bad idea considering the Jaguars have only 15 wins in the four years since Shad Khan took over ownership of the team.

But at least 14 players will be starting either their first or second year for the Jaguars come this fall. It’s an indication that a lot of new faces will be in the lineup in 2017. For sure there are six openings, players who started the season or were considered regulars in 2016, but since who have departed for other teams.

Going into the draft, Coughlin made it clear at the league meeting that he wouldn’t rule out a quarterback.

“If the quarterback is there at the right time and we agree that we love him, then it could possibly happen.” Coughlin said. So Coughlin has not exactly endorsed incumbent Blake Bortles as the answer to the Jaguars’ dilemma at quarterback.

Here is a closer look at where the Jaguars are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, No.4 overall.

THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 4th AFC south (3-13)

STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 334.9 (23rd)
RUSHING: 101.9 (22nd)
PASSING: 233.0 (20th)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 321.7 (6th)
RUSHING: 106.4 (19th)
PASSING: 215.3 (5th)

TEAM NEEDS

–1. Defensive end: The team’s top two players at strong-side end last season, Jared Odrick and Tyson Alualu, have both departed, Odrick was released and the Jaguars chose not to re-sign Alualu, who later signed on with Pittsburgh. Likely to get the starting call for the 2017 opener is newly signed free agent Calais Campbell who the Jaguars beat out Denver for the former Arizona Cardinals veteran. But that’s not to say Campbell will solve all the team needs at this spot. The 31-year-old, 10-year veteran only has a couple good years at most left in his tank. The Jaguars would like to have someone that can learn under Campbell, will provide adequate depth and will be ready to replace Campbell in time. If Alabama’s Jonathan Allen is still available with the fourth overall pick, look for the Jaguars to jump on him despite Allen’s woeful showing at the Combine and the growing concern over his surgically-repaired shoulders. If the latter is too much of a concern, the Jaguars might opt instead for Stanford defensive end Solomon Thomas.

–2. Running back: If Allen is gone when the Jaguars make their pick, they very well may opt for LSU running back Leonard Fournette. The Jaguars have two talented running backs on the roster in Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon. But neither player had a good year in 2016 as injuries limited their playing time with neither player able to reach the 500-yard rushing mark for the season. Both could bounce back with solid showings this year, but Fournette looks like he could be a standout in the league for the next decade. Dalvin Cook of Florida State is the next best option, but he may not be worthy of the fourth overall pick. He would be an ideal choice if the Jaguars traded down in the first round, received several other draft picks and were able to land Cook.

–3. Right guard: The Jaguars had five different starters at this position a year ago and never grew comfortable with any. All five players suffered some type of injury, some of which were season-enders, and by midway of the final game of the year against Indianapolis, they were using their sixth different player at that spot. Most of the six players used at that position last year will return in 2017, but none have shown the capability of becoming a solid, full-time starter there. It’s a need that must be addressed. It was a mild surprise that the Jaguars did not address this need in free agency as there were several players available who would have provided an immediate upgrade. That being the case, look for the Jaguars to pick a lineman within the first two days of the draft.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 3)

–Retained: WR Arrelious Benn, QB Chad Henne, DT Abry Jones, G Patrick Omameh, Potential UFA, WR Bryan Walters.

–Added: T Branden Albert (trade Dolphins), CB A.J. Bouye (Texans), DT Calais Campbell (Cardinals), DT Stefan Charles (Lions), S Barry Church (Cowboys), LB Audie Cole (Vikings), DE Malliciah Goodman, LB Lerentee McCray (Bills), LB Josh McNary (Colts), TE Mychal Rivera (Raiders), G Earl Watford (Cardinals).

–Lost: DL Tyson Alualu (Steelers), CB Prince Amukamara (Bears), T Kelvin Beachum (Jets), S Johnathan Cyprien (Titans), DT Jordan Hill (Lions), CB Davon House (released/Packers), G/T Luke Joeckel (Seahawks), DT Sen’Derrick Marks (released), DT Roy Miller (released), DE Jared Odrick (released), TE Julius Thomas (traded Dolphins).

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 4 overall).

Rob Rang (April 3 mock draft):

–Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU. Splashy signings in free agency suggest that the Jaguars are looking for an immediate difference-maker with this pick. The Cowboys went from last to first in the NFC during the regular season a year ago in large part because of the stellar play of 2016 No. 4 overall pick Ezekiel Elliott and the Jaguars could see a similar bounce with Fournette taking the pressure off young Blake Bortles and the passing game. Fournette was not as impressive at the Combine as expected, but he is a freakish talent, boasting the most exciting combination of size, speed and power since Adrian Peterson.
Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):

–Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama. The Jaguars have invested heavily into the defensive line, but that shouldn’t persuade them from drafting Allen, who can play multiple roles for Todd Wash’s defense.

Titans have ammo to target draft needs

The Tennessee Titans head into the draft with plenty of ammunition to fill the remaining holes on their roster.

The Titans used free agency mostly to address depth and special teams, with the exception of cornerback Logan Ryan, who was their big prize and should help to shore up the secondary.

Tennessee also added safety Johnathan Cyprien, who will compete to start at safety, and nose tackle Sylvester Williams will take the departed Al Woods’ spot in the rotation.

But beyond that, most of the players brought on board for 2017 are either for depth or special teams help. Players like safety Brynden Trawick, linebacker Daren Bates, guard Tim Lelito and wide receiver Eric Weems will certainly have roles on the roster, but none of them are break-the-bank type guys, but instead fit into the culture the Titans are building of filling the locker room with team-first guys.

That is also within keeping of Jon Robinson’s philosophy of not to overspend in free agency, which explains why the Titans passed on going after high-priced linebacker Dont’a Hightower and instead offered a two-year extension to their current starting inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard at a more reasonable number.

Now, armed with picks No. 5 (courtesy of last year’s fleecing of the Rams) and No. 18 in the first round, Tennessee still needs help at cornerback and could use another receiver and a young tight end. But beyond that, the Titans will be spending this draft building depth and for the future rather than making desperate moves to fortify deficiencies.

Here is a closer look at where the Titans are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, No.5 overall (with another first-round pick at No. 18).

THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 2nd AFC South (9-7)

STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 358.0 (11th)
RUSHING: 136.7 (3rd)
PASSING: 221.3 (25th)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 357.5 (20th)
RUSHING: 88.3 (2nd)
PASSING: 269.2 (30th)

TEAM NEEDS

–1. Wide receiver: It’s not like the Titans are devoid of playmakers at the position as they have been in many years past. Rishard Matthews was a solid acquisition as a free agent, and Tajae Sharpe had his moments as a rookie. It’s just that from a numbers standpoint the Titans could use help after shedding Kendall Wright and Marc Mariani in free agency, and need at least one more threat, perhaps one with the ability to either take the top off the defense or a big body type to win 50/50 balls.

–2. Cornerback: The Titans added Logan Ryan as their big get in free agency, and his presence certainly helps to shore up a beleaguered bunch. The Titans still don’t know who will start opposite Ryan, as it could be veteran Jason McCourty, or youngster LeShaun Sims or quite possibly someone they find on draft day.

–3. Tight end: The Titans have a star here in Delanie Walker, and they re-signed Phillip Supernaw, who could have a bigger role as the blocking tight end with Anthony Fasano having left in free agency for Miami. The Titans need to add at least one more tight end with strong blocking skills, because the only other holdover from 2016 at tight end, Jace Amaro, struggled with blocking last season.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 3)

–Retained: QB Matt Cassel, DE Karl Klug, LB Nate Palmer.

–Added: LB Daren Bates (Raiders), S Johnathan Cyprien (Jaguars), G Tim Lelito (Saints), CB Logan Ryan (Patriots), S Brynden Trawick (Raiders), WR Eric Weems (Falcons), NT Sylvester Williams (Broncos).

–Lost: T/G Byron Bell (Cowboys), CB Valentino Blake (Giants), TE Anthony Fasano (Dolphins), C/G Brian Schwenke (Colts), LB Sean Spence (Colts), G Chance Warmack (Eagles), DT Al Woods (released/Colts), WR Kendall Wright (Bears).

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 5 overall).

Rob Rang (April 3 mock draft):

–Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State. The addition of veterans Logan Ryan and Johnathan Cyprien help, but only the most optimistic of Titans fans believe that they can turn a secondary that ranked 31st a year ago against the pass into an elite unit. Now if a talent like Lattimore was added to the mix, on the other hand, optimism would be much higher. Lattimore struggled with hamstring injuries early in his career at Ohio State, but he was dominant last season, showing the easy agility, acceleration and instincts to project as a future Pro Bowler.
Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):

–Jamal Adams, SS, LSU. Tennessee added free agent Johnathan Cyprien to the mix, but there isn’t a body on the safety depth chart that should keep the Titans from drafting Adams if he is available.

Agree? Disagree? Still shopping?

Based on the team’s current status, those are our suggestions for that first pick. To double check or find another candidate see NFLDraftScout.com’s full mocks and ratings.

–Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. TSX team insiders contributed to this article.