2010 NFL Team Needs: AFC South

Houston Texans: CB, DT, RB, FS, OG, WR

Dunta Robinson had a very disappointing season after the holdout, but even so, he was the Texan’s best corner last year, which says something about the state of their secondary this year. They have some young prospects that they like, but none that can be legitimately expected to turn into a top flight guy. The Texans found an outstanding player in Bernard Pollard, but Eugene Wilson could be replaced with a ballhawk to improve the defense. After years of trying to build the team through the defensive line, they still fall a tackle short. On offense, the Texans need to ask themselves if they still believe Steve Slaton is their guy. I would think not, which means they should probably spend a decent investment in another back that could bring consistency to the offense. Their guards aren’t overwhelming either, compounding on the run game’s struggles. Another weapon alongside Andre Johnson could allow Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones to slide into more fitting duties as slot/reserve players.

Indianapolis Colts: OT, DE, OG, DT, LB, CB

To keep that elite offense intact and make Peyton’s job doable, Bill Polian will need to work his magic to find at least one starter on the offensive line for next year and a couple other for the near future. In a talented class, they may be able to find a left tackle fall to them at the end of the 1st round. Beyond that, the RG position is open for the taking and Jeff Saturday’s long-occupied center gig soon may be as well. Defensively, the Colts could use players at every level. Freeney and Mathis are hardly durable and considering their style of play, they tire out quickly. Another specialist off the bench will help keep the key to the defense alive. I’m always surprised how the Colts manage to field a decent defense every year without a good defensive tackle, but you can always classify the position a “need” every April. At inside linebacker, Gary Brackett is aging and Clint Session and Phillip Wheeler can both be upgraded. Even though they found a pair of impressive rookies last year, the depth at cornerback is still very thin.

Jacksonville Jaguars: S, C, DE, OLB, OG, CB

The Jaguars were 2nd only to the Lions in completion percentage allowed which speaks volumes about their secondary and pass rush. They addressed the rush by adding former-Packer Aaron Kampman, but shouldn’t stop there for a unit that has been dormant for several years now. At corner, they found a good one in corner Derek Cox last year, but could use depth behind their starters. However, the most pressing concern comes at safety where Reggie Nelson seemingly regresses year after year and will be fighting just for a roster spot this season. Justin Durant and Daryl Smith are both solid starters, but Clint Ingram isn’t a natural fit at WILL. On offense, the Jaguars began construction on their offensive line by drafting a pair of tackles with their first two selections in last year’s draft. Now they should focus on getting younger inside as Brad Meester approaches the end and Vince Manuwai continues loses a step in pass protection. They could also use another true starting wideout; meanwhile, they have a couple prospects they may want to see develop for another year first.

Tennessee Titans: DE, CB, OLB, QB depth, OG depth, S depth

After making a nice recovery in the second half of the season, the Titans need to continue improving the defense to field a team that can win consistently with Vince Young at quarterback. They’ve added enough weapons on offense and have a sturdy offensive line where their only real needs on that side of the ball are finding depth on the interior line and at quarterback. Defensively though, they need to add an edge rusher. Tony Brown and Jason Jones are two of the league’s best tackles at applying pressure up the middle, so if they can add a constant threat outside, their rush could be truly dangerous. The Titans will be without their great linebacker for the first time in years. He’s a free agent and coming off a torn ACL that will probably keep him sidelined until after the season begins. OLB David Thornton also ended the year on the IR and is entering a contract year, bringing a larger void to the position. They added Will Witherspoon this offseason, but he’s only a stopgap for the time being. Their holes in the secondary have existed since Pacman Jones originally became a problem player. Finding a starting corner should be a priority this season while they should also search for depth at safety later on.

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