AFC South Team Grades
By: Alex Khvatov
Houston Texans
The Texans needed to address their O-line in this draft. I felt like once Andre Dillard was selected the pick before the Texans, the team panicked. OT Tytus Howard (Alabama State) was a reach in the first round. He is a top 50 player, but not a first rounder. Second rounder CB Lonnie Johnson from Kentucky has good physical tools, but he needs to improve his instincts, has average COD and lacks ball skills. OT Max Scharping (Northern Illinois) might have been the Texans best selection in the second round. He should solidify the RT spot. Third rounder TE Kahale Warring (San Diego State) is a developmental player with some intriguing physical tools.
Overall Grade C-
Indianapolis Colts
They filled their biggest need by adding CB Rock Ya-Sin (Temple) with the 34th selection in the second round. He is a tough, physical corner who mirrors the receiver well. He is also very good in run support. Ben Banogu (TCU) projects as an OLB for the Colts. He is an athletic pass rusher with a quick first step. I didn’t see him as a top 50 player in this draft. Second rounder WR Parris Campbell (Ohio State) was going to get drafted higher than he should. He is a good athlete with great speed. He is a threat after the catch. He will also help as a returner. Michigan State S Khari Willis was a solid pickup in the fourth round. He is a good run defender. He takes good angles to the ball and is an excellent tackler.
Overall Grade C+
Jacksonville Jaguars
LB Josh Allen from Kentucky just fell into their laps in the first round. They took him because he was the best available player on the board. He has ideal size, long arms, athleticism, terrific speed and a very quick first step. I thought that his best fit would have been as an OLB in a 3-4 scheme. We will see how he will fit in a 4-3 defense. OT Jawaan Taylor (Florida) was an absolute steal at the top of the second round. He has good size with long arms. He is a very good run blocker. He is very strong and has good feet. He has major potential. San Jose State TE Josh Oliver and S Quincy Williams from Murray State were arguably the biggest reaches of the third round. RB Ryquell Armstead (Temple) was a good selection at the top of the fifth round. He has a punishing, decisive running style. He is a physical inside runner with a good burst through the hole. He is tough to bring down and breaks a lot of tackles.
Overall Grade B-
Tennessee Titans
The Titans had a great draft. First round pick DT Jeffery Simmons (Mississippi State) was a top five player in this draft before he tore his ACL during training. He will most likely miss the entire rookie season, but he should turn out to be a steal once he gets on the field. WR A.J. Brown (Ole Miss) is a solid pick in the second round. He is a bigger slot receiver who should develop into a reliable target especially on third downs. Third rounder OG Nate Davis (Charlotte) is a great run defender. He displays good power and quickness. Georgia OLB D’Andre Walker is a steal in the fifth round. He is jack of all trades. Sixth round ILB David Long Jr. (West Virginia) was my favorite linebacker in this draft. He is an all-around backer with great instincts.
Overall Grade A-
