A late look at Todd McShay’s thinking on the best and most questionable
draft pick of each team in the AFC South.
Houston Texans
Best: Safety D.J. Swearinger, 57th overall
Most questionable: Receiver DeAndre Hopkins, 27th overall:
My thoughts: McShay says that Hopkins “delivered against subpar competition in the ACC and a lot of his big gains came on broken plays.” I’m not going to downgrade him for other teams busting coverages. What I’ve seen and read suggests he’s got as good a chance as anyone available in this draft to help the Texans at the position right away.
Indianapolis Colts
Best: Center Khaled Holmes, 121st overall
Most questionable: Guard Hugh Thornton, 86th overall
My thoughts: I liked the Colts determination to continue addressing the offensive line. McShay sees Holmes competing with Samson Satele for the starting job but thinks Thornton went a round too early and that they could have found help at another need position. But I’m not seeing a corner taken around there who jumps out. Maybe Will Davis from Utah State who went to the Dolphins?
Jacksonville Jaguars
Best: Offensive tackle Luke Joeckel second overall
Questionable: Cornerback Dwayne Gratz, 64th overall
My thoughts: The more time I’ve had with it, the less objection I have to the Joeckel pick. They needed a sure thing more than they needed to fill a more notable or significant need. And they got one. I’ll revisit the Gratz question in an additional post soon.
Tennessee Titans
Best: Wide receiver Justin Hunter, 34th overall
Questionable pick: Zaviar Gooden, 97th overall
My thoughts: If the Titans had their board right, they got their top guard, their top receiver and their top center. Hunter is a big swing at a potentially dynamic player. I was a bit confused by Gooden, but as I pondered him, I gained a better feel for it.
Houston Texans
Best: Safety D.J. Swearinger, 57th overall
Most questionable: Receiver DeAndre Hopkins, 27th overall:
My thoughts: McShay says that Hopkins “delivered against subpar competition in the ACC and a lot of his big gains came on broken plays.” I’m not going to downgrade him for other teams busting coverages. What I’ve seen and read suggests he’s got as good a chance as anyone available in this draft to help the Texans at the position right away.
Indianapolis Colts
Best: Center Khaled Holmes, 121st overall
Most questionable: Guard Hugh Thornton, 86th overall
My thoughts: I liked the Colts determination to continue addressing the offensive line. McShay sees Holmes competing with Samson Satele for the starting job but thinks Thornton went a round too early and that they could have found help at another need position. But I’m not seeing a corner taken around there who jumps out. Maybe Will Davis from Utah State who went to the Dolphins?
Jacksonville Jaguars
Best: Offensive tackle Luke Joeckel second overall
Questionable: Cornerback Dwayne Gratz, 64th overall
My thoughts: The more time I’ve had with it, the less objection I have to the Joeckel pick. They needed a sure thing more than they needed to fill a more notable or significant need. And they got one. I’ll revisit the Gratz question in an additional post soon.
Tennessee Titans
Best: Wide receiver Justin Hunter, 34th overall
Questionable pick: Zaviar Gooden, 97th overall
My thoughts: If the Titans had their board right, they got their top guard, their top receiver and their top center. Hunter is a big swing at a potentially dynamic player. I was a bit confused by Gooden, but as I pondered him, I gained a better feel for it.
AFC SOUTH SCOREBOARD
Sunday, 9/8
1:00 PM ET Oakland Indianapolis 1:00 PM ET Tennessee Pittsburgh 1:00 PM ET Kansas City Jacksonville
Monday, 9/9
10:15 PM ET Houston San Diego - ESPN/WatchESPN
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