AFC South: AFC South
AFC South links: MJD not helping himself
Matt Schaub isn't in the elite Tom Brady-Peyton Manning class of NFL quarterbacks, but with the talent Houston has assembled around him on both sides of the ball, he's good enough to take the Texans to a Super Bowl. That, anyway, is the contention of SB Nation's Brian McDonald, taking issue with fans' grumbling about Schaub.
Indianapolis Colts
The NFL Network confirmed a Boston Globe report that former Colts tight end Dallas Clark worked out this week for the New England Patriots. But it looks like the Pats are just doing their due diligence, ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss writes -- noting that the team has signed a tight end since Clark's been on the market.
The team claimed Zane Taylor off waivers from Philadelphia -- the third offensive guard the Colts have so taken from the Eagles, Pro Football Weekly observes. They cut guard Matt Murphy to make room.
Jacksonville Jaguars
New offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski says skipping this week's organized team activities isn't doing Maurice Jones-Drew any favors. "It's certainly not helping him," Bratkowski, who's installing a new scheme, said of the running back, who often skips such OTAs, but this year wants a new contract. "Whether it’s hurting him or not, that remains to be seen."
With Jones-Drew absent, running back Rashad Jennings has been working with the starters, writes John Oehser of the team's web site.
Tennessee Titans
Safety Markelle Martin, a sixth-round draft pick from Oklahoma State, signed with the team, CBSSports.com reports.
AFC South links: No 'Knocks' for Texans
The Texans became at least the fifth team to beg off of being the subject of HBO's "Hard Knocks" series, John McClain reported. The Texans join the Jets, Redskins, 49ers and Falcons as teams that have declined to be on the show.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts signed Justin Anderson, the Georgia guard whom they selected in the draft's seventh round, and David Legree, an undrafted quarterback from Hampton University. Indianapolis also waived tight end Brody Eldridge.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags' offense is primed for a big jump this season, at least from the vantage point of linebacker Clint Session. "I have never seen an offense since I've been here as precise and as accurate as they are now," Session told Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union. "They're looking like the greatest show on turf compared to what it was last year."
The Jaguars remain a candidate to appear on HBO's "Hard Knocks" for the first time. Jacksonville participated in a similar program that aired on NFL Network in 2004, and have said they would be willing to be the subject of the HBO show.
Mike Mularkey says he has learned to stop worrying about what he can't control in his second stint as a head coach, writes Ganguli.
Tennessee Titans
Citing the mad-scientist-like abilities of offensive coordinator Chris Palmer, receiver Nate Washington predicted that the Titans will be more pass-oriented than in the recent past. "Coach Palmer has been in the lab all offseason,” Washington told the Tennessean. “He’s been licking his chops to get back to us, so you can tell on his face that he has some different things up his sleeve. I think this is going to be a pretty explosive offense."
Defensive coordinator Jerry Gray finally gets a full offseason to install his own schemes, writes Teresa M. Walker of the Associated Press.
The Titans want second-year linebacker Akeem Ayers to improve as a pass-rusher, writes John Glennon of the Tennessean.
Ranking the AFC South defenses
1. Houston Texans: Wade Phillips did some great things with this defense a year ago. But he’s not the only member of the Texans’ organization who deserves credit for an incredibly improved defense from 2010 to 2011. Houston’s front office was very aggressive in addressing the defensive side of the ball last offseason. Now, Houston has big-time players at each level of its 3-4 defense.
For those who don’t yet know, J.J. Watt immediately established himself as one of the up-and-coming defensive players in this league. Not only is Watt is a fantastic hustle player, but he has ideal size and length for his 3-4 defensive end position to go with well above-average athletic ability. Watt will be a star. Like Watt, Brian Cushing did everything asked of him really well from his inside linebacker spot last season and has established himself as one of the better second-level defenders in the league.
Before last season, the Texans paid a premium to sign him, but simply put, Johnathan Joseph is one of the very best cornerbacks in the NFL today. He is the total package and probably the best player on this excellent defense -- which is really saying something. The Texans could use one more cover man to step up, though. Overall, Houston is well-equipped in coverage and of course the pass rush helped a lot in that capacity.
Maybe what the Texans’ defense did best in Phillips’ first year was rushing the quarterback -- even without Mario Williams for much of the season. The Texans did add Whitney Mercilus to further enhance their threat off the edge and Connor Barwin could be knocking on the door of stardom.
Besides the first-round selection of Mercilus, who is in an ideal position to learn the outside linebacker position slowly, the Texans mostly stuck to improving their offense in the draft. However, Houston did land an intriguing prospect to play behind Watt and the underrated Antonio Smith in late fourth-round pick Jared Crick, who is an ideal fit for this defensive scheme. Only the Steelers, 49ers and Raves allowed fewer points than Houston last year. Don’t expect much of a drop-off this year.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: The AFC South has a shot to have two top-five defenses in 2012. Mike Malarkey takes over as the Jaguars’ head coach, but his focus will be getting quarterback Blaine Gabbert’s career straightened out and improving a dismal Jacksonville passing game.
The defense will be in Mel Tucker’s hands. Tucker wants a fast-flowing, physical and aggressive defense that doesn’t blitz a lot and gets most of its pressure from the defensive linemen. The Jaguars found a gem in Jeremy Mincey, who’s excelled in all facets of playing defensive end in their 4-3 scheme. But this defense really lacked a complementary end to Mincey, especially as a pass-rusher. Jacksonville used the No. 38 pick in this year’s draft on Andre Branch, who could help immediately on passing downs but offers little against the run.
One guy who let this defense down last season is Tyson Alualu, who really had a down 2011 season in all regards. Still, only three teams bettered Jacksonville in rushing yards allowed per attempt in 2011. A vastly underrated positional group in the NFL is the Jaguars’ linebacker corps, especially Daryl Smith, who does everything well on the second level. Paul Posluszny isn’t much behind Smith and was a fine addition to Jacksonville’s defense in free agency a year ago. The Jags’ secondary lacks star power but it is pretty solid at each position. The Jaguars were 10th in the league in points allowed last year. They could improve upon that in 2012.
3. Tennessee Titans: There isn’t a lot of star power here, but the Titans are very young on defense and could be poised to improve. Youngsters Jurrell Casey, Karl Klug, Alterraun Verner, Jason McCourty and others are much better players than many casual NFL fans know. Third-round pick Mike Martin should be the perfect complement to the run-stuffing Casey and the lighter pass-rushing Klug in the Titans’ defensive tackle rotation.
The Titans’ pass rush was a huge problem last season, as only Tampa Bay recorded fewer sacks than Tennessee, but it should be much better this year, especially with the addition of Kamerion Wimbley. Former first-round pick Derrick Morgan also should finally be healthy. This is a key season for Morgan -- and the Titans need more from him.
On the second level, the Titans are now very young and active. Colin McCarthy is a tackling machine and should quickly establish himself as a leader of this defense. Tennessee lost Cortland Finnegan to the Rams in free agency, but overall, their coverage people were above average last season -- despite that suspect pass rush. Finnegan had an excellent season, though, and will be difficult to replace.
The Titans look to be improved up front in their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, but not as strong on the back end in coverage. Only seven teams allowed fewer points than Tennessee during the 2011 season. Maintaining that standard could be difficult, but overall, this is a pretty solid group in just about all areas.
4. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts might have the worst defense in the NFL this season. Their run defense was abysmal last season. Indianapolis has nowhere to go but up in this department and additions such as Cory Redding, Brandon McKinney and Josh Chapman should help shore up the run defense at the line of scrimmage. Still, such a drastic scheme change really leaves Indianapolis in a bind on this side of the ball for 2012.
Although the Colts surely will not be playing with the lead as much as they did when Peyton Manning was behind center, the edge pass-rush presence of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis should still rank among the best in the NFL. Mathis was probably the Colts’ best defensive player last season. He can still get it done. I believe the same is true with Freeney. As good as Freeney and Mathis still are, just the Titans and Buccaneers sacked opposing quarterbacks less than Indianapolis.
Besides Freeney and Mathis, Pat Angerer and especially Antoine Bethea are above-average starters for their respective positions. But outside of these four, the remaining prevalent members of the Colts’ defense are littered with flaws. One player I am very high on is Drake Nevis, but Nevis was drafted to be an upfield disruptive three-technique. The problem here is that if Indianapolis goes with a predominantly 3-4 alignment, Nevis’ great penetrating abilities could be wasted. That is the problem with switching schemes -- players from the former philosophy aren’t well-suited for what the new coaching staff has in mind. This applies to many members of the Colts’ defense, which up until now was a fast-flowing undersized unit built on speed. Now this unit will be building to be much like what Chuck Pagano coached in Baltimore -- and Nevis is one of many examples of the problems with making such a change.
The Colts were not strong at all in coverage last year -- and it doesn’t look as though they will be much improved in 2012. They are particularly weak at cornerback. Indianapolis also had the fewest interceptions in the league last year. Pagano and his defensive staff will be more creative with their looks and pressures, which he hopes will leads to more turnovers created. Getting more Ravens-type of defensive players will be a massive priority for Indianapolis next offseason.
AFC South links: Expectations for Posey
The Texans are no longer in the market for a veteran quarterback after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with John Beck.
Chris Burke of SI.com analyzes what kind of contribution the Texans can expect from rookie receiver DeVier Posey.
Indianapolis Colts
Last weekend the Colts welcomed about 40 rookies, including the team’s 10 draft picks, for a three-day orientation that pleased GM Ryan Grigson.
Florida International product T.Y. Hilton, an explosive 5-foot-9, 183-pound receiver, hopes to bring a spark to the offense and special teams, writes Craig Kelley of the team's website.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tania Ganguli offers insight on the Jaguars' decision to release defensive back Drew Coleman last week.
Alfie Crow of Big Cat Country takes a look at undrafted college quarterback Mike Brown, who is trying to make the Jaguars as a wide receiver.
John Oehser of the team's website has the story of safety Jeremiah Brown, who made an impression at the team's three-day rookie tryout camp.
Tennessee Titans
Receiver Kenny Britt says he has matured, and he's been all smiles this offseason, writes Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean.
The Titans welcomed their seven draft picks and several undrafted signees for a rookie minicamp that begins Friday.
A punter? Jaguars reached in third round
Cal Sport Media/AP ImagesUsing the 70th pick on Cal punter Bryan Anger hurts the Jaguars more than it helps them.The Jacksonville Jaguars have been accused (occasionally by me) of not doing well enough in assessing how the rest of the league's teams value some players the Jags draft.
Some personnel people around the league say the Jaguars simply don’t care about that. In a way, I admire them for it. Don’t be overly concerned and influenced by the forces around you, by the competition. Do your own thing. Bank on your convictions.
But when it comes to taking Cal punter Bryan Anger in the third round, the Jaguars absolutely should care about league context.
I know at least one other team had him rated as a fifth-rounder.
Anger is the first punter to go in the top 100 picks since 1995, when Todd Sauerbrun went in the second round to Chicago, 56th overall.
There is a reason for that.
It’s important that you don’t punt terribly. But it’s not so important that you punt fantastically, certainly not important enough that you sacrifice the chance to improve at a position that could be on the field for three downs a game.
“I think it will be evident when you get a chance to see him punt: He’s got a strong history which I feel will transfer to this level in helping us defensively with the yardage we can gain in field position,” general manager Gene Smith said.
“… He’s the player in that round at your pick that you feel can upgrade your football team. I think that’s an easy decision for me, to get a starter in the third round.”
Calling a punter a starter is beyond a stretch.
The Jaguars' defense played 970 plays in 2011. The Jaguars' offense played 958 plays. The Jaguars punted 99 times.
“I think it’s first downs that you gain,” Smith said in a further defense of the pick. “And I feel like in the third round it’s not a round that you always get proven starters.”
Really?
In Smith’s three previous drafts, he picked four times in the third round. Guard Will Rackley, defensive tackle Terrance Knighton and cornerback Derek Cox are starters. The only nonstarter, defensive tackle D’Anthony Smith, has missed his first two seasons with injuries.
2012 NFL Draft: Rounds 2-3
• Clayton: Day 2 winners, losers
• Sando: St. Louis' defining day
• Kuharsky: Jags reach, and poorly
• Seifert: How the Lions operate
• Graziano: Philly's confident draft
• Hensley: Pitt protecting Big Ben
• Yasinskas: Konz bolsters Atlanta line
• Williamson: Elway gets his QB again
• Walker: Jets hoping for home runs
• First round photo gallery
• Players react on Twitter | On radio
• NFL Nation | Draft home | Tracker 
The Jaguars cut Turk after five games, going with Nick Harris the rest of the way. Harris was 3 yards (and 5.1 net yards) better per punt than Turk had been.
A longer punt is easier to cover, so this is too simple.
Nevertheless, here is my counterproposal to drafting Anger 70th:
Jacksonville uses an average punter and boosts its net average to what was the midpoint for 2011. By my calculations, that would give the Jaguars an extra 15.5 net yards a game. Then use the 70th pick on an offensive lineman who, as part of a better scheme, could help cut the Jaguars’ sack yardage in half. That would give the team an extra 10.3 yards a game, and also help young quarterback Blaine Gabbert not worry so much about getting crunched.
The overall gain from my plan -- not just estimating the average that will come with a big leg, but actually factoring in context -- would be better.
The goal is not to punt, and you drafted a punter. That was the first thing a reporter in Jacksonville said to coach Mike Mularkey after the pick.
“And hold, hold for extra points,” Mularkey said. “If you want to write about him, he’s a really good holder for extra points and field goals, and he just so happens to be a difference-maker when it comes to punting.”
Oh, he holds, too? Well, that changes everything.
No, actually, any guy on offense with good hands, starting with your backup quarterback, should be able to function as a holder.
Maybe Anger is the league’s best punter and holder for 15 years.
Even if he is, it says here there will be at least three dozen players among the picks after Anger who have more impactful careers than he will. And that’s a modest 20 percent of the 183 guys we’re talking about. If the Jaguars missed on him by two rounds, maybe it’s 64 players. It could be more.
Are the Jaguars, coming off a 5-11 season, good enough that they can pass on such potential people? They are not. Perhaps they are expecting Gabbert to be terrible again, knowing they’ll be punting a ton and being proactive?
They need more guys who can score touchdowns or stop touchdowns. Get more guys who can get you first downs and you’ll punt less, kicking more field goals and scoring more touchdowns. Get more guys who can stop a third-down run or break up a third-down pass and you’ll be fielding punts, not covering them.
Do those things, and getting a few additional yards when you have to kick the ball away doesn’t mean so much.
Know where you have a chance to add guys who fit that bill?
With the third-round pick you just used on a punter.
Too often the Jaguars are a punching bag or a punch line.
This time, they deserve it.
Video: Taking Luck a mistake by Colts?
Jemele Hill and Skip Bayless discuss the report saying Andrew Luck has been told he will be the No. 1 pick in the draft.
Todd McShay on what it would take for the Indianapolis Colts to draft Robert Griffin III instead of Andrew Luck.
The NFL's transformation into a pass-happy league has sent teams scrambling for ways to keep up defensively.
2012 NFL Draft
Rd. 1: April 26, 8 p.m. ET
Rd. 2-3: April 27, 7 p.m. ET
Rd. 4-7: April 28, Noon ET
Radio City Music Hall
New York City
Draft order | Draft home
• Mel Kiper's latest mock 
• Todd McShay's latest mock
• Mel Kiper's Big Board
• Todd McShay's Top 32
• Blog Network mock draft 2.0
• Draft Machine
AFC West blogger Bill Williamson snapped up three of them for the division he covers. Six other defensive linemen and 3-4 outside linebackers found homes elsewhere in the first round.
Offensive linemen (seven), defensive backs (five) and wide receivers (five) accounted for most of the remaining first-round selections.
In keeping with the pass-oriented theme, Alabama's Trent Richardson was the lone running back selected, landing in Cleveland with the fourth overall choice.
And, of course, we kicked off the mock with a couple of quarterbacks.
Analysis: They look at Luck and see a young guy who reminds them of the quarterback the franchise selected first overall in 1998. (Paul Kuharsky)
Analysis: Not much mystery here. The Redskins traded three first-round picks and a second-round pick to get to this spot, from which they believe they're taking their next franchise quarterback. The only way they don't take Griffin here is if the Colts take him, in which case the Redskins will happily take Luck. (Dan Graziano)
Analysis: The Vikings would love to trade down a few spots, presumably with a team that wants to draft Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. But barring a deal, Kalil is the best player remaining on the board and the Vikings just so happen to need a long-term starter at left tackle. We're not buying (yet) any of general manager Rick Spielman's posturing about LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne. (Kevin Seifert)
Analysis: Not buying the speculation that the Browns will take Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill here. The Browns tipped their hand when coach Pat Shurmur and general manager Tom Heckert skipped Tannehill's pro day to watch Richardson, the draft's only elite running back who can be the centerpiece of Cleveland's offense. (Jamison Hensley)
Analysis: The Bucs could be considering Richardson and he's a possibility if he stays on the board. But Claiborne is the top cornerback in this draft. The Bucs need a long-term replacement for veteran Ronde Barber and could need a short-term replacement for Aqib Talib, who could face prison time or a league suspension. (Pat Yasinskas)
Analysis: The Rams are eager to find weapons for quarterback Sam Bradford. They had a tough time addressing that area during free agency despite an aggressive approach that led to deals with Cortland Finnegan, Scott Wells and others. The last time the Rams drafted a WR sixth overall, they landed Torry Holt. (Mike Sando)
Analysis: If he catches on quickly and can have an impact as a pass-rusher, Ingram can be the final piece for a very good defense. (Paul Kuharsky)
Analysis: Tannehill shot up the draft boards fast and may be a tad overrated at No. 8. But Miami needs a quarterback of the future in the worst way, and this is the best of what's left. Both Matt Moore and David Garrard have one year left on their contracts, leaving it open for Tannehill to take over in 2013. (James Walker)
Analysis: There's a common assumption the Panthers are locked in on getting a defensive tackle. That could end up happening. But they're open to all options and Kuechly might be the best player available. This team needs help anywhere it can add it on defense. (Pat Yasinskas)
Analysis: Going receiver here is the sexy pick. But getting an offensive tackle to protect QB Ryan Fitzpatrick's blind side is the smart pick. Reiff received great coaching at Iowa, which has become Offensive Tackle U. He closes Buffalo's revolving door at left tackle for the foreseeable future. (James Walker)
Analysis: The Chiefs would be thrilled to see Poe on the board at 11. He is the best player available who fits their biggest need. Poe has a chance to be a dynamic player on a defense full of young talent. (Bill Williamson)
Analysis: The Seahawks ranked fifth in takeaways, seventh in points allowed and ninth in yards allowed last season, but their pass rush was lacking. Coples would give them a badly needed pass-rusher opposite Chris Clemons, who had 11 of the team's 33 sacks during the 2011 season. Linebacker is another need position. (Mike Sando)
Analysis: The Cardinals could also use an offensive tackle and possibly another receiver. Michael Floyd was a consideration here. But in Upshaw, the team would be targeting a potential No. 1 pass-rusher, providing welcome support for promising youngsters Sam Acho and O'Brien Schofield. The Cardinals have no second-round pick, and pass-rush help is at a premium. (Mike Sando)
Analysis: They were hoping Upshaw would fall to them, as he'd upgrade the pass rush instantly and could make Anthony Spencer expendable before long. But with Upshaw gone one pick before, the Cowboys stick with the national champs and take a safety to upgrade their biggest 2011 weakness: the secondary. (Dan Graziano)
Analysis: Michael Brockers was tempting, but the pick here is Cox because he provides a pass rush from the interior of the defensive line right away and could be more NFL-ready than Brockers at this point. The Eagles are a win-now team that relies on its defensive line to pressure the passer, and Cox fits nicely into their interior line rotation. (Dan Graziano)
Analysis: The Jets would like to go defense here under head coach Rex Ryan. But with Alabama DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw and safety Mark Barron both off the board, drafting Floyd is a good fallback option. Floyd has a chance to start from Day 1 opposite Santonio Holmes and gives quarterback Mark Sanchez a much-needed weapon. (James Walker)
Analysis: The Bengals need a starting right guard, and DeCastro is the best guard in the draft. Smart and fundamentally sound, DeCastro is one of the safest picks this year and would extend the Bengals' recent good fortune in the draft. (Jamison Hensley)
Analysis: Mercilus is the best pass-rusher on the board at No. 18 and the Chargers would be happy to take him. He could be a slight over-draft, but he has big league potential. (Bill Williamson)
Analysis: Coach Lovie Smith expressed confidence last week in left tackle J'Marcus Webb, but rarely will you hear a coach say otherwise until he has an upgraded replacement. Webb was penalized 15 times last season and gave up 12 sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. Martin would provide an upgrade at a key position. (Kevin Seifert)
Analysis: They can go many different directions, but Kamerion Wimbley doesn't solve their pass-rush issues by himself, and Perry can help. (Paul Kuharsky)
Analysis: Cincinnati has done a great job in bolstering the depth at cornerback in free agency, signing Jason Allen and Adam Jones. But the Bengals, who eventually need to replace veteran Nate Clements, can't pass on the second-best cornerback falling into their laps. (Jamison Hensley)
Analysis: The Browns need speed and a deep threat. Look no further than Hill, who averaged 29.3 yards per catch last season (albeit 28 receptions) and ran faster than Baylor's Kendall Wright at the NFL combine. (Jamison Hensley)
Analysis: ESPN.com colleagues chose Gilmore in my absence based on an obvious need the Lions have at cornerback. Starter Eric Wright departed via free agency, and the Lions' pass defense collapsed in the second half of 2011. General manager Martin Mayhew doesn't draft for need, but Gilmore would address a big one. (Kevin Seifert)
Analysis: Inside linebacker is a big need for the Steelers after they released James Farrior. Hightower excelled in Alabama's 3-4 defense and was the unquestioned leader on the nation's top defense. Seems like a perfect fit. (Jamison Hensley)
Analysis: The Broncos would gladly snag Brockers. Defensive tackle is, by far, their most pressing need, and the versatile Brockers is a good value at No. 25. (Bill Williamson)
Analysis: Randle's size will make him a nice target for Matt Schaub and the Texans, and he brings a lot of upside to an offense that's already quite good. (Paul Kuharsky)
Analysis: The Patriots need athleticism on defense and the ability to rush the passer from the outside. Branch can help replace the combined 20 sacks New England lost this offseason with the departures of DEs Mark Anderson and Andre Carter. (James Walker)
Analysis: In my absence, ESPN.com colleagues chose Konz, the draft's top center, knowing that veteran Jeff Saturday is likely a one-year bridge from departed starter Scott Wells. General manager Ted Thompson will almost certainly draft a center, but he might wait until a later round knowing he has 2012 insurance in Saturday. (Kevin Seifert)
Analysis: The Ravens have a history of top prospects falling to them in the first round. Their luck would continue with Glenn, an athletic and versatile blocker who would start immediately at left guard. (Jamison Hensley)
Analysis: Receiver was the team's obvious top need heading into free agency. Adding Randy Moss and Mario Manningham bought some flexibility, but Moss represents a short-term investment. The 49ers could use another young receiver to grow with Alex Smith and, eventually, Colin Kaepernick. (Mike Sando)
Analysis: The Patriots were surprised such a top-end talent is available at No. 31. Sure, Jenkins comes with some character concerns. But New England's strong locker-room leadership will make sure it gets the best out of Jenkins, who has the physical ability to develop into a legit No. 1 corner. (James Walker)
Analysis: This was a tough call, because Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones just looks so much like a Giants pick. He's a super-athletic, high-upside pass-rusher from Tom Coughlin's alma mater. I mean, if Adams weren't on the board, this would have been a slam dunk. And the Giants still could go this way, or with Nebraska LB Lavonte David or Stanford TE Coby Fleener. But there's nothing wrong with Adams' upside potential, either. He becomes the Giants' starting right tackle right away, and if Will Beatty doesn't pan out, Adams has the ability to someday play on the left side. (Dan Graziano)
As he leaves, Ryans reviews the division
Paul Kuharsky/ESPN.comDeMeco Ryans gets some work in at the D1 workout facility in Franklin, Tenn.Ryans is in great spirits, and excited about the opportunity to man the middle and lead for the Eagles.
He’s not sad, but he was reflective about the idea of leaving, just one year into what the Texans intend to be a long stretch of playoff-caliber seasons.
Two key players that helped the team break through are gone, with Ryans traded and right tackle Eric Winston released to help alleviate salary-cap issues.
“We've been building a team so long, and we finally got there,” Ryans said. “We made it to the playoffs because the backups were good, the seconds and thirds were good enough to go in, and it wasn't a drop-off. So, that's sort of the hardship of being so good, when you have so many good players you can't pay everybody.”
I was in a super multi-media mood.
So I offer two other features:
- The picture above, where Ryans is focused on a guy at a podium who is calling out signals and dropping a tennis ball to simulate a snap, so players can work on their get-offs.
- This short audio clip. As he heads out of the AFC South, I asked him five questions about the division. You’ll hear shoutouts to the Jaguars' backfield (but not the city they play in), as well as Titans right tackle David Stewart.
Houston Texans
Key additions: None.
Key losses: OLB Mario Williams, RG Mike Brisiel, CB Jason Allen, TE Joel Dreessen, RT Eric Winston (cut), ILB DeMeco Ryans (traded), FB Lawrence Vickers (cut), QB Matt Leinart (cut).
Keepers and finance: Not everyone got away. The Texans managed to keep two very important players. They re-signed running back Arian Foster before he reached restricted free agency. And after he'd explored the market some, they struck a deal with unrestricted-free-agent center Chris Myers, a vital piece to a line that lost the two starters on the right side when Winston was cut and Brisiel bolted to Oakland.
Ryans was not a full-time player in the 3-4 defense, and his price tag was high. While Houston takes a $750,000 hit this season, he’s cleared from the books in the future. That will help the team as it tries to make sure players like outside linebacker Connor Barwin and left tackle Duane Brown don’t get away like Williams did.
What’s next: Depth paid off in a big way in 2011 as the Texans managed to win the division and a playoff game despite major personnel losses. At several spots, like on the offensive line and at corner, the draft will serve to replenish the roster with the same kind of insurance.
But the Texans are not without need.
While they are likely to stick with Jacoby Jones as part of the team and like Kevin Walter, a more reliable and dynamic weapon to go with Andre Johnson at receiver is something they acknowledge wanting. A third outside linebacker can reduce the high-snap strain on Barwin and Brooks Reed. While they hope Rashad Butler will replace Winston and Antoine Caldwell will take Brisiel’s spot, adding a guy who can compete for one or both of those spots would be healthy.
Indianapolis Colts
Key additions: DE Cory Redding, WR Donnie Avery, C Samson Satele, S Tom Zbikowski, G Mike McGlynn, RT Winston Justice (trade), QB Drew Stanton (trade).
Key losses: QB Peyton Manning (cut), WR Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme, C Jeff Saturday, TE Dallas Clark (cut), LB Gary Brackett (cut), S Melvin Bullitt (cut), RT Ryan Diem (retired), WR Anthony Gonzalez, QB Dan Orlovsky, CB Jacob Lacey (not tendered), QB Curtis Painter (cut), DE Jamaal Anderson, G Mike Pollak.
So much we don’t know: We know background on coach Chuck Pagano and his coordinators and we know what Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson have said. But there will be a degree of mystery well into the season about what they intend to run and with whom. It’s unlikely to be a sweeping transition to a 3-4 defense, as it takes time to overhaul the personnel. But as they play a hybrid defense and move toward a conversion, they’ll need more than they’ve got -- starting with a nose tackle.
On offense, they’ve said they’ll use a fullback. That’s a major departure from the previous regime. And we don’t know if a Donald Brown-Delone Carter duo at fullback will be sufficient to run behind. They need help virtually everywhere after the cap purge and free-agency turnover. Not everything will get addressed as much as they’d like in their first offseason.
What’s next: I expect more role players like Zbikowski and McGlynn, more castoffs like Justice and Stanton and more guys who are presumed finished by a lot of teams, like Avery.
They are all guys who didn’t cost much but who have upside and can help, at least as role players. And if they don’t pan out, it’s hardly a death blow to Indianapolis' major, long-term plans. Money is limited with big dead-money charges and a $19 million cap hit for defensive end Dwight Freeney the team has indicated it's willing to carry.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Key additions: WR Laurent Robinson, CB Aaron Ross, QB Chad Henne.
Key losses: DT Leger Douzable (did not tender).
Keeping their own: The Jaguars did well to hold on to players who have been valuable to them. The top of that list belongs to safety Dwight Lowery. They traded with the Jets for him before last season, shifted him full time to safety and got good work from him before he was hurt. It was crucial for the team to stay fixed at the position where it was horrific in 2010 before signing Dawan Landry and adding Lowery.
They also re-signed defensive end Jeremy Mincey, a great effort defensive end who was overextended in terms of playing time last year. He’s no sack-master, but he’s going to bust it on every play, break through sometimes and make the opponent work hard to stay in his way. And with the lack of quality defensive ends who hit the market, the Jaguars did well to keep him from jumping to Chicago.
What’s next: Receiver has to be addressed beyond a change in position coach and the addition of Robinson. If it’s not in the first round, it needs to be early. The franchise is trying to maximize Blaine Gabbert’s chances to be a franchise quarterback, and few would be able to establish themselves with the current cast of wideouts.
The Jaguars are a top pass-rushing end away from being a top-flight defense. Can they find him seventh overall in the draft? They could tab someone like South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram, though it’s hard to say he or any rookie would be an immediate solution. Most ends need some time to become impact guys in the league.
The Jaguars could certainly look to add in the secondary free-agent market and when players are set free late in training camp.
Tennessee Titans
Key additions: DE Kamerion Wimbley, RG Steve Hutchinson.
Key losses: CB Cortland Finnegan, DL Jason Jones, WR Donnie Avery.
Sidetracked: Did the Titans miss out on real chances to sign either Scott Wells, who went to St. Louis, or Chris Myers, who stayed in Houston, as their new center because they were focused on chasing quarterback Peyton Manning? Perhaps. But when the owner declares that his executives and coaches need to put the hard sell on an all-time great QB with roots in the team’s state, that’s what you do.
Ideally, the team will still find an alternative to Eugene Amano. If the Titans find a new center to go with Hutchinson, who replaces free agent Jake Scott in the starting lineup, the interior offensive line could see a big improvement. That could have a big bearing on running back Chris Johnson, provided he takes care of his own business.
What’s next: The Titans think Wimbley will excel as a full-time defensive end, but they can’t afford for him to be too full time. He’s a smaller guy who’s played mostly as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and shouldn’t be asked to play every down of every game. That means they still need more help at end, where the only other guys they have right now are Derrick Morgan and Malcolm Sheppard.
Look for them to address depth at corner -- where they feel fine about Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner as the starters, if that’s how it falls -- as well as at receiver. One wild-card spot could be running back. Are they content with Javon Ringer and Jamie Harper as changeups to Johnson, or would they like to add a big back?
“Peyton Manning will meet w Dolphins coach Joe Philbin & Titans coach Mike Munchak during next 3 days, scheduled away from team facilities.”
We’ve arrived, then, at Munchak’s biggest moment in his little over a year as coach of the Titans.
In 2010, he won over Matt Hasselbeck with relative ease.
Little did we know that he would be building off of that sales pitch to one less than a year later for an all-time great.
Munchak is a Hall of Fame player, an up-and-coming coach and an intelligent businessman. He can sell.
Can he outsell John Elway?
Munchak doesn’t have Elway’s personality or Super Bowls, but I think he’s got a shot.
He’s got an offensive coordinator in Chris Palmer who worked with Manning’s brother, Eli, as quarterback coach for the Giants when they beat the Patriots the first time for a Lombardi Trophy.
He’s got a line that might be the best pass protection line Manning’s ever played behind.
He’s got Kenny Britt getting healthy. He’s got a No. 2 receiver in Nate Washington, who got way better when they upgraded to Hasselbeck.
He’s got a dynamic tight end in Jared Cook who finished strong.
He’s got Chris Johnson looking to rebound, who could really benefit from a leap from the passing game.
So long as Munchak can explain how GM Ruston Webster, who was disinclined to chase Manning, has come to terms with Bud Adams’ mandate to go get him, he’s got enough to make a compelling case.
Free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET
Houston Texans
Key free agents: OLB Mario Williams, C Chris Myers, G Mike Brisiel, TE Joel Dreessen, K Neil Rackers, CB Jason Allen.
Where they stand: The Texans did well to lock up running back Arian Foster with a long-term deal, which meant they didn’t need to franchise him. But it’s going to be next to impossible to retain Williams. The defense did well without him for 11 games in 2011. But it would still be far better with him than not. He’s in position to demand huge dollars on the open market, where plenty of teams are desperate for a premium pass-rusher. He is the line guy who fits the bill. Myers is a big priority, and while he’s a super system fit who’d like to stay, he can be effective in a lot of places and will be courted. Brisiel is a solid starter, and the backup center, so they’d certainly like to keep him as well.
What to expect: Not much. The team ventured into free agency last year to round out the secondary with cornerback Johnathan Joseph and safety Danieal Manning. But this time around there is little money and their focus will be on trying to lock up guys who are in line to come free in 2012. So that receiver they’ll add could come in the draft instead of in the form of Colts free agent Reggie Wayne or another veteran. They could make some money moves. Receiver/returner Jacoby Jones and inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans currently rate as too pricey.
Indianapolis Colts
Key free agents: WR Pierre Garcon, WR Reggie Wayne, C Jeff Saturday, TE Jacob Tamme, OT Ryan Diem, WR Anthony Gonzalez, G Mike Pollak, LB Philip Wheeler.
Where they stand: They did well to lock up defensive end Robert Mathis, who is sure to do some outside linebacker work as Indy transitions to a 3-4. Beyond that, it may be tough. They’re letting Peyton Manning go to avoid a big bonus and because of health concerns, so Andrew Luck from Stanford will be on his way in. Will they be aggressive in trying to keep Garcon and Saturday to be a help to Luck? If all the receivers go, they are quite thin. And the interior line needs to be rebuilt, so keeping Saturday for another year could help ease the process. New GM Ryan Grigson is an unknown quantity, and he could be more active in free agency than Bill Polian and Chris Polian were.
What to expect: Again, with Grigson in control and Chuck Pagano a first-time head coach, it’s hard to predict. With the holes on the roster, it’s hard to imagine the Colts won’t do at least a bit of shopping in the mid-priced market. If they do, a cornerback, interior offensive lineman, receiver and cornerback rank as top needs. Pagano is connected to a few guys from Baltimore coming free. Linebacker Jarret Johnson and safety/special-teamer Haruki Nakamura could be targets from the Ravens.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Key free agents: S Dwight Lowery, DE Jeremy Mincey, CB Rashean Mathis, DE Matt Roth, OT Guy Whimper, QB Luke McCown.
Where they stand: Lowery has to be priority one. They did good work to fix the safety position last year, so they don’t need to be in position to fix it again. Mincey’s value is up with all the ends who were tagged. Mathis is coming off a torn ACL. They should be able to wait with him and get him back late if they want to see if he can mentor a youngster for one year. They should seek a major upgrade on McCown as a fallback behind Blaine Gabbert.
What to expect: They’ve got a new owner with money and plenty of cap room, but have sent out a strong signal they won’t be super-active. Hopefully that still leaves room for big moves with veteran outsiders. Two ideal candidates who would show a real urgency -- Houston’s outside linebacker/ defensive end Mario Williams and San Diego receiver Vincent Jackson. They have to have veteran receiver help. And don’t sleep on cornerback, where they don’t have a clear No. 1 guy and need depth.
Tennessee Titans
Key free agents: CB Cortland Finnegan, DE Jason Jones, G Jake Scott, FB Ahmard Hall, DE William Hayes, LB Barrett Ruud, S Jordan Babineaux.
Where they stand: They franchised safety Michael Griffin and are expected to sign Babineaux as soon as free agency hits. But they’ve told Finnegan they are letting him go and he could land in Dallas, Detroit or even St. Louis. They have enough at corner to go forward. They made a mistake moving Jones to end and should put him back at tackle if they can retain him, but an outsider may value him more. Hayes and Ruud are goners. A guy like Hall is good in the locker room and should rebound from an off year, but as he’s situational he can’t be any sort of priority.
What to expect: They need a pass-rusher above all else. So while I don’t think they will overpay as much as other candidates for Mario Williams, they should at least dip their toe into the water. They are going to move on from Scott and at least tinker with the interior offensive line. Look for them to sign a second-tier guard or center they think can blossom with them. They do not view receiver as the sort of need many outsiders do, but certainly need depth.
Indianapolis Colts fans react to news that the team will release Peyton Manning.
Where will Manning land?
The Colts declined to pay Peyton Manning his $28 million bonus and are set to part ways with their franchise quarterback. Manning is now the most intriguing free agent in NFL history, but he'll hit the market with one big question hovering over him: How's he throwing? It could be some time before a prospective employer has any sure sense of how the nerve regeneration that affects Manning's arm is going and will turn out. Will teams wait? Will they pounce? It'll be incredibly compelling. For now, here's a team-by-team rundown from our NFL bloggers and Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson on the interest level we expect from the rest of the league.
| Team | Analysis | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| NFC EAST by Matt Williamson | ||
 | The Cowboys might love to make a splash like signing the future Hall of Fame quarterback -- and the Dallas fan base might be all for this move. But I contend that Tony Romo is a top-10 quarterback in this league and the Cowboys have much bigger needs than quarterback. | Low |
 | This would be a cute and cuddly story: the brothers could alternate every other series while also cutting down on their parents' travel costs. But I think we all know that the Super Bowl champs are pretty well set at quarterback. Big bro might end up in New York, but not with the Giants. | No chance |
 | For better or worse, the Eagles are married to Michael Vick. Manning will not be playing for Philadelphia this season. It just isn't going to happen. | No chance |
 | While Manning isn't a very good fit physically for Mike Shanahan's system and Robert Griffin III and Ryan Tannehill may be better options overall, Washington is certainly an aggressive team that could land Manning. Stranger things have happened. | High |
| NFC WEST by Mike Sando | ||
 | Kevin Kolb's $7 million bonus is due March 17. Arizona will probably pay it. | Medium |
 | Alex Smith remains unsigned, so anything is possible. But the plan is to bring back Smith and continue developing Colin Kaepernick. | Low |
 | Jeff Fisher is committed to Sam Bradford and has much rebuilding to do. | No chance |
 | All options are on the table for Seattle. Tarvaris Jackson is the starter for now. | Medium |
| NFC NORTH by Matt Williamson | ||
 | Much like the Lions, the Bears are set at quarterback, but have a few other major needs that need addressing. In fact, Jay Cutler somewhat quietly had a fantastic season in 2011 and the change of offensive systems could take him to a new level going forward. | No chance |
 | Led by Matthew Stafford, the Lions are an up-and-coming team. But they have some clear needs to get over that hump and also have a few of their own prominent free agents that they need to deal with. | No chance |
 | If I were to rank all the NFL teams from 1 to 32 in likelihood of acquiring Manning, Green Bay would be 32nd on that list. The Packers have the best quarterback in the league in Aaron Rodgers and, like Detroit and Chicago, obviously have other needs. | No chance |
 | Christian Ponder might benefit a great deal from sitting a year and learning behind Manning, but the chances of that happening seem very low. Ponder is rightfully the Vikings' guy. | Low |
| NFC SOUTH by Pat Yasinskas | ||
 | The Falcons are committed to Matt Ryan as their franchise quarterback. He has produced a winning record in each of his first four seasons. He hasn't won a playoff game, but the Falcons aren't about to scrap him for a short-term fix. | No chance |
 | The Panthers found the first true franchise quarterback in franchise history last year when they took Cam Newton with the first pick in the draft. The Panthers expect Newton to be their quarterback for the next dozen or so years. | No chance |
 | Before the Saints placed the franchise tag on Drew Brees, it was kind of fun to speculate about the possibility of Manning returning to his hometown. But the Saints made sure there's no chance of getting away, so Manning's only chance of returning to New Orleans is to visit his parents and friends. | No chance |
 | Manning could give a shot in the arm to a franchise that needs all the help it can get at the box office. But this team isn't looking for a quick fix. In the eyes of ownership, the front office and the coaching staff, Josh Freeman is the franchise quarterback and the Bucs are intent on building their team around him. | No chance |
| AFC EAST by James Walker | ||
 | The Bills already gave QB Ryan Fitzpatrick $59 million. They can't afford to invest that type of money with a second quarterback. | No chance |
 | The Dolphins have the interest, money and surrounding talent to make Manning-to-Miami a reality. Miami is one of the favorites and eagerly awaits Manning's potential release. | High |
 | Peyton Manning as Tom Brady's backup? That's laughable. | No chance |
 | In a perfect world, the Jets would like to add a healthy Manning. But they don't have cap room and have already invested in QB Mark Sanchez for at least one more year. | Medium |
| AFC WEST by Bill Williamson | ||
 | I think John Elway would love to work with Peyton Manning. Legends tend to hang with other legends. Manning could be the perfect short-term answer and allow Tim Tebow to get practice polish. | Medium |
 | Romeo Crennel has already said the Chiefs would have interest in Manning if he becomes available. This could be Joe Montana all over again. | High |
 | The Raiders are married to Carson Palmer. They have more pressing needs and they don't have the means. | No chance |
 | This is Philip Rivers' team. End of story. | No chance |
| AFC NORTH by Jamison Hensley | ||
 | The Ravens are currently talking to Joe Flacco about a long-term contract extension. When someone asked general manager Ozzie Newsome about his interest in Manning, he laughed like it was the best joke he had heard at the NFL combine. | No chance |
 | The Bengals are building for the future with quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receiver A.J. Green. Plus, Cincinnati's track record shows owner Mike Brown doesn't go after big-name free agents. | No chance |
 | There's little question that the Browns need a starting quarterback, but the problem is convincing Manning this is a team that's a quarterback away from going to the Super Bowl. The more likely scenario is signing Matt Flynn in free agency or trading up to draft Robert Griffin III. | Very low |
 | The Steelers have a starting quarterback who has more Super Bowl rings than Manning. Even if the Steelers wanted Manning, they don't have the cap room to do anything about it. | No chance |
| AFC SOUTH by Paul Kuharsky | ||
 | They don't have the money and Manning doesn't move the way the Texans need a quarterback to move in their bootleg-heavy system. | Very low |
 | The end is the end. The Colts are ready to move ahead with a change, and it'll be Andrew Luck, not Manning, under center when they next take the field. | No chance |
 | New owner Shad Khan will make a big splash, but I don't think it'll be with this move. Like it or not, they're moving forward with Blaine Gabbert. | Very low |
 | Yes, a healthy Manning in Tennessee could spur a Super Bowl charge in Bud Adams' final years. But he's not pushing for it and team brass isn't interested. | Very low |
Should the Texans consider Mike Wallace?
- Their level of need for a dominant vertical wide receiver
- Their salary-cap situation
- The level of first-round pick they would have to give up
- Their incentive level for making life tougher for the Steelers (from a salary-cap and/or personnel perspective)
Two teams in the AFC South are receiver-needy and would at least have to discuss Wallace.
Jacksonville has the money, but holds the seventh pick, which would be a steep price to pay. Maybe Wallace is worth it. But the Jaguars can add a high-quality free-agent or two at no draft-pick cost, then add another very good player at No. 7.
Houston doesn’t have the money, but the 26th pick is a far more reasonable price. A dominant vertical receiver would really help the offense, and making life tough on the Steelers would be a bonus in a fight for playoff spots and positioning over the next several years.
Said Joyner when I asked him about Wallace and Houston: "Texans + Wallace = AFC Super Bowl favorites. Wallace & Johnson would be hands down best 1-2 WR tandem in NFL."
It will take a big contract to get Wallace, however. Mario Williams is probably gone, because they can't afford him, and they are attempting to lock up Arian Foster, Chris Myers and probably Mike Brisiel.
I don’t expect Houston will go for Wallace.
But they don’t have a ton of needs, even if they lose most of their free agents. If they can create the cap room, in part by parting with Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter, why not seriously consider it? Then they'd have Andre Johnson, Wallace, a kid like Jeff Maehl and a couple draft picks at receiver.
What do you think? Please chime in with this handy poll.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Paul Kuharsky
Kuharsky joined ESPN.com in 2008 after 12 years covering the Oilers/Titans and the NFL for The (Nashville) Tennessean. The New Jersey native and Columbia graduate lives in Nashville with his wife and son.
