It is the second installment of my draft grades and it is time to head to the AFC South. This could be the toughest division in all of football as 3 out of 4 teams made the playoffs. All of these teams have had success building through the draft so it should be tight race for who gets the best grade.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars needed to address the defensive line heading into the draft and they did a good job focusing on it during day one. The Jaguars traded up to number 8 and selected Derrick Harvey. Harvey is a good player who will really help out the Jags but they gave up a lot to take him. This could end up being one of the riskiest moves in the draft. Quentin Groves was a good pick in the second round as he has great pass rushing ability. Groves is a first round talent but teams were scared off by his reported heart problems. Thomas Williams was a good pick in the 5th round as he should bring depth at linebacker and will make an impact on special teams. Trae Williams was a good value in the 5th round as he brings depth at corner which you can't get enough of when you play against the AFC's elite in the Patriots and the Colts twice. Chauncey Washington was a value in the 7th round as he could become a good kick returner and maybe become a key player in a few years as Fred Taylor is almost done. Overall the Jaguars had a good draft but it will all depend on how Harvey does to see if he was worth trading up 18 spots in the draft.
Grade: B-
Tennessee Titans: The Titans had a very interesting draft as many people thought that they would address wide receiver needs in the first round. Instead they drafted Chris Johnson in the first round. Johnson brings lots of speed to the offense and should make a great 1-2 punch with LenDale White. Johnson will also use his 4.24 speed to help in the return game. Jason Jones is a project at defensive end but could become a good player if he has time to develop. The Titans best pick though was receiver Lavelle Hawkins in the 4th round. Hawkins doesn't have great timed speed but plays faster then he is timed. The Titans got some solid players in the draft but where they picked them is the problem.
Grade: C
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts didn't have a pick in the first round but they did a good job of taking players who fit the teams system. Mike Pollak was the first center off the board in round two but he is very athletic and will be the eventual replacement of Jeff Saturday. Philip Wheeler was a good pick in the 3rd round as he gives the Colts a blitzing linebacker that they need. Jacob Tamme was a great pick in the 4th round as he gives the Colts another threat at tight end and will eventually replace Dallas Clark. Marcus Howard was also a solid pick in the 5 round as he should contribute on special teams and add depth at the linebacker position. Mike Hart was a good sleeper pick in the 6th round as he could become a decent 3rd down back and with the issues involving Kenton Keith, Hart could make an impact right away. The Colts didn't have many picks but for the few they had they made the most of them.
Grade:B
Houston Texans: The Texans got caught in a middle of a run on offensive tackles and some would consider that they reached to address a need. Duane Brown is a very athletic tackle who has experience on the left and right side but where the Texans took him was the issue. With the right coaching Brown could be one of the better offensive tackles in this draft class. Antwuan Moldin was a good pick in the 3rd round. He is a bit raw and if the Texans give him a few years the pick will really pay off for them. Steve Slaton was a value pick in the 3rd round. Slaton could end up playing a big part in the Texans backfield this season considering that both Chris Brown and Ahman Green are injury prone. Xavier Adibi was a very good pick in the 4th round as he and DeMeco Ryans should be forces at the linebacker position for years to come. The real wildcard of the draft for the Texans is 5th round pick Frank Okam. Okam is a first round talent but he isn't always focusing on the game. So overall the Texans did a very good job of addressing team needs. If Okam pans out, this draft could be a very good one for the Texans.
Grade:B
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