AFC South Draft Review

This might be the toughest divison in the NFL, but let's see how much the draft is going to affect the AFC South this year.

Houston Texans (2007 record: 8-8)
Number of picks: 7
Best Pick: RB Steve Slaton (89th overall)
Sleeper Watch: LB Xavier Adibi (118th overall)
Analysis: The Texans traded down in the first round, which allowed the Baltimore Ravens select QB Joe Flacco. So, at pick 26, they were all set to select CB Mike Jenkins, when he was snatched up by Dallas, who traded up to number 25. So, the Texans drafted OT Duane Brown. An interesting pick, because they have been attempting to buil an offensive line since day one, and Brown could be a great pick. They could also regret not trading down further. In the second round they drafted the speedy CB Antwaun Molden. Moldin needs some work on his skills, but his 4.39 40 tim can't be ignored. In Slaton, the Texans get a speedy, slasher-type RB to use with Ahman Green. Many had Slaton down on their draft boards because he was featured in an option offence at West Virginia, but he has all the skills to develop into a great NFL back. Adibi was considered by some as a first round pick, but his off-the-field troubles pushed his stock way down. He was considered one of the best coverage LBs in this draft. Though the rest of the draft, they filled depth needs with a defensive tackle, a safety and a quarterback.
Grade: C-

Indianapolis Colts (2007 record: 13-3)
Number of picks: 9
Best Pick: LB Phillip Wheeler (93rd overall)
Sleeper Watch: RB Mike Hart (202nd overall)
Analysis: Without a first round pick, the Colts went solely for the best player available for much of the draft. They select versatile OL Mike Pollak late in the second round. Wheeler had a very productive college career at Georgia Tech. They also drafted LB Marcus Howard, who they believe has the same skill set as Robert Mathis. Hart was an incredible option at RB in Michigan, and some people are shocked he fell so far. The major knock on Hart is his size (5'9, 185) but that can be worked on. He should excel as a back up to Joseph Addai. Along the way they also drafted three more offensive lineman, two tight ends, and a wide receiver.
Grade: C

Jacksonville Jaguars (2007 record 11-5)
Number of picks: 5
Best Pick: LB Quentin Groves (52nd overall)
Sleeper Watch: CB Trae Williams (159th overall)
Analysis: They used a bunch of their picks to trade up to the eigth pick and select DE Derrick Harvey. They stated right away that this draft was about getting to the quarterback. Harvey has great skills, but may have been a reach at number 8. With their second round pick, they drafted Groves, who many thought had first round value. Groves should fill in nicely as a back up and future starter in the Jag's LB corps. From there they had no picks until the fifth round. The Jag's went for a pair of Williams in the fifth. The first was LB Thomas Williams. Thomas has the versatility to play all of the LB positions and has some experience at FB. Trae Williams has nice potential at CB. He played opposite to first rounder Mike Jenkins in college, and you would think some of those skills transferred over. With their final pick, they drafted solely for depth, with RB/KR Chauncey Washington coming to them in the seventh round.
Grade: C

Tennessee Titans (2007 record 10-6)
Number of picks: 7
Best Pick: DE Jason Jones (54th overall)
Sleeper Watch: LB Stanford Keglar (126th overall)
Analysis: The Titans shocked the world in the first round by selecting speedy RB Chris Johnson with the 24th overall selection. While speed will not be a concern, Johnson is smallish and comes from a low-calibre school. This was a bit risky at that point of the draft. Johnson joins an already crowded backfield, and may struggle to get carries. In round two they selected Jones, who they believe will be a great replacement for the departed Antwan Odom. With great size and strength, Jones should be a great addition to this line. In round three, the Titans selected one of the best blocking TEs in this draft in Craig Stevens. This should help the ailing running game, as would settling on one RB. Than along comes Keglar. He has great size (6'2, 239) and could be groomed as an immediate starter, or as an eventual replacement for Keith Bulluck. They also drafted a defensive lineman, a wide receiver and a cornerback.
Grade: C

So, this division was kind of boring. Just kidding of course, as the NFL is never boring. AFC West on deck next.