Offseason Preview: AFC SOUTH

Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck needs help, but he doesn't need much. He's already taken this team to back-to-back playoffs despite having one of the worst playoff rosters we've ever seen. The Colts need to pay attention to how the Broncos and Dolphins managed their legendary QBs and how the Patriots are managing theirs. If the Colts can give Luck a solid o-line and just one dynamic outside receiver (I'd trade two 2nd round picks and next year's 3rd to the Browns for Josh Gordon) then the Colts would be my pick for AFC champion for the next five years. The defense needs to be improved along the front, but that's not as urgent as their offensive needs. The Colts know what they're doing and hopefully won't depend too much on their star QB to the detriment of signing other offensive talent. Andrew Luck is better than what I thought he'd be and if the Colts manage well fans will mention his name before they mention Peyton. Yup, I said it!

Houston Texans

It's all about the head coach. Rumor has it current Penn State coach, Bill O'Brien, is the top candidate at the moment. If that's the case then I think the Texans will be set at the coaching position. Next, the Texans need a QB and if O'Brien is their head coach they'll get a good one in 2014. The rest is gravy as far as I'm concerned. This roster is loaded, and will only need minor tweaking to be competitive. Andre Johnson is still dominant and DeAndre Hopkins is one of the best young receivers in the game. I doesn't look like Ben Tate will be back (oh well) and Arian Foster is aging though he's special when healthy. Depth along the offensive line and linebacker would be my focus after getting the right coach and QB. This team is going to struggle to compete with Luck and the Colts and probably won't make headway in 2014. Their focus needs to be making sure they're young and dynamic on defense and can grind out games when necessary. With the right leadership Texans vs. Colts could be Steelers vs. Ravens of the AFC South.

Tennessee Titans

I think they've got the right coach in Nashville. This team plays hard every week and is a tough out. Jake Locker isn't the guy, but I'm not sure they can get a franchise QB in this year's draft at the 11th pick. Giving Locker another year to develop won't be the worst thing in the world and if the Titans get some dynamic playmakers on the outside (Marquise Lee from USC maybe) it'll be that much easier to move on if Locker struggles again in 2014. Resigning Kenny Britt would be a mistake if he's still not buying in. Kendall Wright and Nate Washington are great number 2 receivers, but this team needs that dynamic outside playmaker. The defense is solid though they could use a rangy MLB a la Patrick Willis or Navarro Bowman. Chris Johnson seems to be regaining his MVP form, but I doubt he makes another pro bowl in his career. The Titans are in a tough spot. They're like that family who's trying to send their kid to college, but earn too much to qualify for lots of financial aid. This team is okay and in a division where they need to make a lot a big moves to compete they're kind of hamstrung by the current make-up of their team.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The only team in worse shape in the NFL than the Oakland Raiders is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Like the Titans I think the Jags have the right coach, an okay defense, and a capable backup QB, but that's about it. This team needs a QB, but it absolutely cannot afford to miss after taking Blaine Gabbert. Luckily there are a lot of teams that need a franchise QB this year, which offers an opportunity for the Jags to trade out of the number 3 slot and stock pile picks. I think Teddy Bridgewater, if he comes out, is the only franchise QB worth taking in the first round this coming May. He'll be gone by pick 3 so if I were the Jags I'd trade with whatever sucker team gets desperate for a QB early. Chad Henne isn't taking this team to a division title, and neither would any rookie QB outside of Andrew Luck with this roster. The Jags would do well to have boring drafts for the next two to three years, build their offensive and defensive fronts, find some dynamic receivers, and look for a replacement for MJD. Chances are Jones-Drew is going to ask for money north of what Steven Jackson got from the Falcons. MJD is a great pro and a dynamic and stabilizing force for the franchise. I'd probably resign him to a two or three year deal if the numbers were right. I wouldn't want his contract to prevent me from signing a top free agent if the opportunity arose. As for Justin Blackmon I'd seriously consider trading him if the right offer came along. This team is dying in Jacksonville and hopefully will find a better fit in a city that can support the franchise. Otherwise it's going to be hell trying to get free agents to come and this coaching staff can't compete with Houston and Indy through the draft alone.