The AFC South had as many teams in the 2007 Playoffs as the other 3 conferences combined. That left just the Texans out of the playoffs, but they finished a respectable 8-8. That made them the only division in the NFL without a team under .500. The Texans and Titans play the Colts extremely tough and the South is very much up for grabs in 2008. Injuries and off-season strength will play an enormous role in determining the division crown and who gets into the playoffs. The South could easily get 3 into the post-season once again in 2008 and don't be surprised if the 4th team is right there as well.
Houston Texans 8-8 Needs: DB,OL,WR,RB,LB
Offense: Gary Kubiak deserves a tremendous amount of credit for giving Texan fans reason to believe their team can be viable, and soon. Matt Schaub is the QB they thought he'd be when he's healthy, and Andre Johnson is becoming an elite wide receiver. To keep improving the Texans will need to find a way to keep pending UFA WR Andre Davis and G Fred Weary . WR Jerome Mathis will also be an UFA and that will negatively effect the offense and return game. Finding more weapons for Matt Schaub will certainly be on the Texans mind come draft day, even running back in the first round would not be surprising, particularly if Stewart or Mendenhall or still on the board. Offensive line will also certainly be a factor in April as the Texans seem interested in getting an offensive tackle in the draft.
Defensive: Mario Williams has proven worthy of the #1 overall, while Demeco Ryans and Amobi Okoye are Pro Bowl caliber players as well. That makes the front office's job much easier because they can be a lot more focused evaluating talent in the off-season. OLB Gary Clark is a free agents, and while he is relatively unknown, he was a key contributors to this team. Defensively, the front 7 played extremely well last season, but the defensive backfield was spotty. They need to improve at safety and corner in order to consistently compete, particularly when you consider they have to see Peyton Manning and Co. twice a year.
Projected 1st Round Draft Pick: Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
Indianapolis Colts 13-3 Needs: DT,LB,OL,S,WR
Offense: For the Colts to remain at the top of the AFC next season resigning UFA's guards Jake Scott and Ryan Lilja must be made the team's top priority. The Colts offense works so efficiently because of the teamwork upfront, whether its pass-protecting or running blocking, or even getting the blocking assignments on Peyton's audibles. Indy simply does not have the bodies to just plug in someone new and expect not to miss a beat. Unfortunately for the Colts, Scott and Lilja aren't the team's only major potential losses in free agency, the team also faces the prospect of loses star TE Dallas Clark.
Defense: The Colts' defense played significantly better this past season, but still could use an upgrade at defensive tackle and linebacker. Dwight Freeney's loss really magnified the weaknesses on defense down the stretch as the Colts weren't able to generate the same pressure, other players had to make plays and couldn't do it. In Tony Dungy's final season, expect the front office to bolster the front 7 to give the Colts D the kind of players Dungy can really help succeed. The Colts don't have a first round pick, having sent it to San Francisco, so the the Colts will narrow in on a few players in key areas to upgrade this defense.
Projected 2nd Round Pick: Tracy Porter CB Iowa
Jacksonville Jaguars 11-5
Needs: WR,LB,S,DE,CB
Offense: On offense, Jacksonville has two Pro-Bowl caliber running backs and an emerging quarterback. In order to make they work effectively, the Jaguars have been looking at offensive tackles in the draft, particularly Gosder Cherilus from Boston College. The offense also needs to add a game changer at wide receiver. The current group is solid, but unspectacular and a deep threat could really give the Jagaurs offense balance and improved potency. Also, losing Quinn Gray in free agency could mean the Jaguars look at a QB in mid-rounds to groom. People forget David Garrard is already 29 and has had problems with injuries.
Defense: In typical Jaguars style, the team has spent the off-season evaluating talent and will be looking to improve upfront on both sides of the ball. The oonly starter who could be lost to free agency would be DE Paul Spicer, however the Jags were looking to upgrade at that position anyway. The loss of defensive coordinator Mike Smith may not be felt as strongly as it would be elsewhere because head coach Jack Del Rio is a former linebacker and has always worked closely with the defense. Upgrades at linebacker and depth in the defensive backfield will likely be important in the Jags off-season plans. Greg Williams will want to continue to add explosion in the front 7 to fit his aggressive style of play.
Projected 1st Round Pick: James Hardy WR Indiana
Tennessee Titans
Needs: WR,CB,LB,DT,OL
Offense: Vince Young made up for the statistic deficiency of the Titans offense his rookie season. in 2007, Young would go 9-22 and the defense would put the Titans in a position to win games. With new offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, the Titans will be looking to add explosion to this offense. LenDale white emerged as a legitimate number 1 back, but Tennesse could lose RB Chris Brown, WR Justin Gage, and TE Ben Troupe from an offense that was built around a solid running game. Losing Brown will not hurt as much because of White's strong play and Chris Henry in the backfield as well. However, the Titans absolutely must find a receiver who can be a game changer. K Rob Bironas is also a free agent, and with the kind of money top-flight kickers are demanding, the Titans may decide the money would better spent elsewhere.
Defense: The Titans defense carried a team that won 10 games often in spite of its offense. DT Albert Haynesworth was one of the most dominant forces in the NFL on either side of the ball when he was healthy. However, Haynesworth is an unrestricted free agent and it will take serious cash to keep him. Either way, the Titans will look to add a defensive tackle this off-season to either pair with or replace Haynesworth. Cornerback and depth at linebacker would also upgrade an already stellar unit.
Projected 1st Round Pick: Mario Manningham WR Michigan
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