NFL draft assessments for the AFC South: Colts elevate Anthony Richardson; Jaguars and Texans acquire promising talent.

Why offer immediate evaluations of prospects who haven’t yet played in the NFL? Well, you’re here, aren’t you? Considering the composition of each roster and the circumstances surrounding each selection, Gennaro Filice and Nick Shook aim to provide a division-by-division assessment of the 2024 NFL Draft. It’s important to note that these assessments are based solely on draft picks, without taking into account picks traded for veteran players. Below is Nick’s report card for the AFC South.

Grade: A-
Indianapolis Colts
Draft picks: 9
Round 1: Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA (No. 15 overall)
Round 2: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas (52)
Round 3: Matt Goncalves, OT, Pitt (79)
Round 4: Tanor Bortolini, C, Wisconsin (117)
Round 5: Anthony Gould, WR, Oregon State (142) | Jaylon Carlies, LB, Missouri (151) | Jaylin Simpson, DB, Auburn (164)
Round 6: Micah Abraham, DB, Marshall (201)
Round 7: Jonah Laulu, DT, Oklahoma (234)

I was somewhat surprised to see Indianapolis address the defensive side at No. 15 with Laiatu Latu, not because he wasn’t deserving, but because I anticipated a different direction. Nonetheless, the Colts selected an edge rusher who ranks among the best in the class, enhancing a group now more formidable than the mere “DeForest Buckner and Friends” moniker. General Manager Chris Ballard promptly dismissed character concerns surrounding Adonai Mitchell after his selection, a move I support given Mitchell’s talent and potential, outweighing any perceived risk in picking him midway through the second round. Additionally, the Colts provided Michael Pittman Jr. with another receiving option for the second consecutive year, followed by another in Anthony Gould, effectively stocking up for Year 2 of the Anthony Richardson experience. Matt Goncalves and Tanor Bortolini were astute choices for a team in need of reinforcement along the offensive line, particularly with several starters on expiring contracts in 2024. Bortolini, especially, caught my eye at the NFL Scouting Combine and represents a great value pick in the fourth round, especially if he’s needed to replace Ryan Kelly down the line. Ballard approached his nine picks like a well-prepared grocery shopper, adding a wealth of supplies to a cupboard not necessarily in need of fully prepared meals. However, I would have liked to see a backup running back for Jonathan Taylor. Only time will tell how these choices pan out in the future.

Grade: A-
Jacksonville Jaguars
Draft picks: 9
Round 1: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU (No. 23 overall)
Round 2: Maason Smith, DT, LSU (48)
Round 3: Jarrian Jones, DB, Florida State (96)
Round 4: Javon Foster, OT, Missouri (114) | Jordan Jefferson, NT, LSU (116)
Round 5: Deantre Prince, DB, Mississippi (153) | Keilan Robinson, RB, Texas (167)
Round 6: Cam Little, K, Arkansas (212)
Round 7: Myles Cole, DE, Texas Tech (236)

The Jaguars made an excellent first-round selection, addressing the departure of Calvin Ridley after trading down. It’s a testament to their luxury and positional savvy to secure their ideal starter while accumulating future picks. They also bolstered their defensive line after investing heavily in Josh Allen, adding Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson, both from LSU. Jarrian Jones will provide depth in the secondary, while Javon Foster can acclimate before potentially assuming a starting role. Keilan Robinson might challenge for a roster spot, providing good value as a fifth-round pick. GM Trent Baalke set up an intriguing kicker battle for training camp, pitting Cam Little against veteran Riley Patterson, who rejoined Jacksonville this offseason after spells with Cleveland and Detroit.

Grade: B+
Houston Texans
Draft picks: 9
Round 2: Kamari Lassiter, DB, Georgia (No. 42 overall) | Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame (59)
Round 3: Calen Bullock, DB, USC (78)
Round 4: Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State (123)
Round 6: Jamal Hill, LB, Oregon (188) | Jawhar Jordan, RB, Louisville (205)
Round 7: Solomon Byrd, DE, USC (238) | Marcus Harris, DT, Auburn (247) | LaDarius Henderson, OG, Michigan (249)

The Texans traded out of the first round, a move that may appear unfavorable, but it was beneficial for them, acquiring a future second-round pick in their deal with Minnesota before selecting Kamari Lassiter to fortify their secondary. Blake Fisher could complement Laremy Tunsil on the offensive line, with Cade Stover standing out as the gem of the class. Stover should integrate smoothly with former Ohio State teammate C.J. Stroud in an offense featuring two capable tight ends. Calen Bullock is expected to contribute as a rotational defensive back, while late-round picks will compete for roster spots. Houston’s rapid transformation into a genuine contender allowed them the luxury to trade away a first-round pick.

Grade: B+
Tennessee Titans
Draft picks: 7
Round 1: JC Latham, OT, Alabama (No. 7 overall)
Round 2: T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas (38)
Round 4: Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina (106)
Round 5: Jarvis Brownlee Jr., DB, Louisville (146)
Round 6: Jha’Quan Jackson, WR, Tulane (182)
Round 7: James Williams, LB, Miami (242) | Jaylen Harrell, LB, Michigan (252)

Tennessee addressed their need for a left tackle with JC Latham as their top pick, solidifying a unit that welcomed two first-round linemen in consecutive years. They continued to focus on the trenches with T’Vondre Sweat, adding depth alongside Jeffery Simmons. Cedric Gray should compete for a role in the revamped linebacking corps, alongside newcomer Kenneth Murray. While the Titans failed to add a tight end, Jha’Quan Jackson provides a long-term option at receiver, potentially contributing immediately as a returner. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. could bolster the secondary, strengthening a unit that improved with the acquisition of L’Jarius