AFC South
  

                2008 Offseason Preview

                       By: Khaled Abdallah

 

2008 AFC South Offseason Preview


Houston Texans (8-8, 4th)

Defense: The Texans held their own defensively in what seemed to be the NFL's toughest division (three teams from the AFC South made it to the postseason). Of course, there is still room for improvement. The Texans boast one of the best young DL tandems in Amobi Okoye and Mario Williams (19.5 sacks combined) and they have a special young LB in Demeco Ryans. Their front seven seems set for the future. The defensive backs are quite underwhelming, especially with the possibility of Dunta Robinson missing the 2008 season. They definitely need some help there. That help could come with the selection of either Oklahoma safety Reggie Smith or Miami FS Kenny Phillips.

Offense: The signing of QB Matt Schaub turned out to be a smart decision. But Schaub needs to stay healthy for an entire season for the Texans to even have a shot at contention. The offensive line finally came together and only gave up 22 sacks on the season (which was good for sixth in the league). The Texans should look for a RB of the future in the second or third round of the draft. The Ron Dayne/Ahman Green combo is more washed up (and brittle) than Thunder & Lightning.

 

Tennessee Titans (10-6, 3rd)

Defense: With DT Albert Haynesworth playing like a man possessed and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch recording 12 sacks, the Titans' defense finished in the Top 5 in the league. Haynesworth is a free agent though and the Titans need to sign him as soon as possible. It's the same with DE Antwan Odom. With CB Pacman Jones still hitting the strip clubs like Lil' Wayne (putting his reinstatement in question), depth at defensive back should be a priority in the late rounds of the draft.

Offense: Tennesee's offense finished 21st overall in the NFL in offense and 27th in passing. That's not exactly a positive sign for QB Vince Young's development. Young finished the season with 9 TDs and 17 INTs but that's not entirely his fault. When the best receiver is Roydell Williams (719 yds, 4 TDs), there's a good reason the offense isn't clicking. Tennessee seems to have a never-ending supply of running backs but they're lacking everywhere else. An ideal pick for the Titans would be Texas WR Limas Sweed but it's unlikely he will still be available at the 24th slot. A more realistic option is LSU WR Early Doucet. Either way, a playmaker on offense should be the number one priority on their list for at least the first three rounds.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5, 2nd)

Defense: This defense was surprisingly average, finishing 12th in total defense despite their obvious talent. A big reason for that may have been the absences of MLB Mike Peterson and DT Marcus Stroud. With their returns next season, there is no reason for the Jaguars not to rejoin the elite defenses in the league. Jacksonville is in need of another cornerback to complement Rashean Mathis to form an intimidating secondary alongside Bob Sanders-clone Reggie Nelson.

Offense: Despite a lack of playmaking wide receivers, the Jaguars' offense finished Top 10 in the NFL. Much of that success is due to the intelligence of QB David Garrard and the Pro Bowl season from RB Fred Taylor (1,202 yds, 5 TDs). Since the lack of WR hurt them in 2007-08 (particularly against New England in the postseason), the Jaguars may reach for one with the 26th pick. But it's unlikely that they'll reach too far, based on their terrible luck with first round receivers. A question that has been popping into my head recently, why isn't WR Matt Jones more of a deep threat in this offense? Jones is 6'6" and ran close to a 4.25 40 at the draft combine but he hasn't made many strides in his development. He is only 24 years old though, so at this point I think I can give him the benefit of a doubt.

 

Indianapolis Colts (13-3, 1st)

Defense: After years of being called a "finesse team" with an iffy defense, the Colts finally shed that reputation by finishing third in the league in total defense despite missing DE Dwight Freeney for the last seven weeks of the season. The Colts now boast a Defensive MVP on their roster in SS Bob Sanders, so all seems well. But there is still the issue of linebackers. MLB Gary Brackett is an instinctive player, but OLB Freddy Keiaho is short on talent and Rocky Boiman may leave for free agency. With no 1st round pick, the Colts can still find a good LB in the second round (someone like LSU's Ali Highsmith or Virginia Tech's Xaxier Adibi.

Offense: Peyton Manning proved he can have a Pro Bowl season even with the likes of journeyman WR Craphonso Thorpe and former CFL "star" RB Kenton Keith on the field with him. The most pressing need for this offense is to lock up their two starting guards, Jake Scott and Ryan Lilja, to long-term deals. Both are free agents in a market that suddenly overpays guards.

 

[Editor's Note: Khaled's analysis of the AFC South continues his preview of the AFC offseason. For a breakdown of the AFC West and AFC North, click here and here. You can also find these fine features in our Archives].