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Houston Texans

The Texans let Amobi Okoye and David Anderson go, says John McClain. Okoye landed in Chicago. Anderson was on his was to Denver.

Dan Orlovsky was set to sign with the Colts, says McClain.

It’s time for Wade Phillips to start cooking, says Alan Burge.

Indianapolis Colts

Jim Irsay says Peyton Manning’s new deal works for both sides, writes Mike Chappell.

If the Colts fail to win the Super Bowl now, it’s on Chris Polian, Jim Caldwell and the people putting the team together, says Bob Kravitz.

Competition, not money, drives Manning, says Pete Prisco.

Joseph Addai re-signed and Kelvin Hayden was cut, says Chappell. The Hayden move only saves the team about $1 million against the cap, so they must not think he’s deserving of the $6.105 million base salary due this season.

Jeff Saturday has leadership in his DNA, says Chappell.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Tania Ganguli helps us get to know the six new Jaguars.

Dawan Landry and Daryl Smith played together at Georgia Tech, says Ganguli.

Jason Spitz had other options but chose to come home, says Vito Stellino.

Tennessee Titans

With Barrett Ruud on board, the Titans are moving on from Stephen Tulloch, say Jim Wyatt and John Glennon. I like the move and think Ruud brings the sort of veteran leadership the team’s been missing. Tulloch quickly landed in Detroit, per Sean Jensen and Adam Schefter.

Jake Locker was erratic early, but better later, says John Glennon.

Kenny Britt was talking football only, says Wyatt.

Britt also talked about his appearance on stage at a recent Britney Spears concert, says David Climer.

Coaches and players are all living the hotel life for camp, says Wyatt.

Football Outsiders newest gold nuggets come in an evaluation of Stop Rates:

"Stop Rate is defined as the percentage of a players Plays that were Stops. Plays are any time a player shows up in the play-by-play on defense: tackles, assists, forced fumbles, etc. Stops are plays that stop the offense short of what FO considers a successful play: 45 percent of yards on first down, 60 percent on second down, and 100 percent on third or fourth down.

"Obviously, Stop Rate isn't a perfect stat. It measures the plays that a player makes, not the plays he misses or the plays he doesn't even get a chance to miss because he is being properly blocked away from the ballcarrier. Still, it gives you a good idea of where players were making their plays and thus why certain defenses were good or bad at certain parts of the game in 2010."

Let's break out the AFC South.

Linebackers

Among linebackers, Tennessee’s Will Witherspoon ranked 10th with a 79 percent rate and Indianapolis’ Kavell Conner was 12th at 77 percent.

On the other end of the scale: Houston’s Zach Diles was second-worst at 46 percent, Tennessee’s Gerald McRath was at 50 percent and Indianapolis’ Pat Angerer was 12th at 55 percent.

I’m surprised that Witherspoon was so effective and I think that production bodes well for his immediate future. I knew McRath would be bad -- he was nowhere near the playmaker the Titans advertised.

I thought Conner and Angerer made nice contributions for the Colts as rookies, and I would not have predicted either would be on the far end of the scale here.

Diles isn’t going to be on the field in Houston’s new defense very often.

Defensive linemen

Houston’s Antonio Smith tied for eighth at 87 percent.

Three guys from the AFC South rated among the worst: Indianapolis’ Dan Muir is second-worst at 54 percent, Houston’s Amobi Okoye fifth-worst at 64 percent and Indianapolis’ Robert Mathis eighth-worst at 66 percent.

Muir could be replaced by third-rounder Drake Nevis. Mathis, once regarded as exclusively a pass rusher, has improved as a run stopper, but this is a disappointing number. Okoye’s status in a 3-4 remains to be seen and many are speculating he won’t be on the final roster.

Defensive backs

No players from the AFC South made the top 12 or bottom 12 in the category.

Rick Reilly’s re-draft of 2006, 2007 and 2008 isn’t really a re-draft. It’s a revaluation. He doesn’t have teams taking different players. He’s telling us where they players they did draft would rank now.

So defensive end Mario Williams, taken first by the Texans in 2006, still ranks first in the 2006 draft class while Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan, taken 215th, moved up 200 spots to 15th.

The other monster jumps in the AFC South, with my parenthetical reactions.

The good:

• Finnegan +200 (a little too much)
• Colts safety Antoine Bethea +179 (about right)
• Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon +196 (way too much)
• Titans guard Leroy Harris +95 (way too much)
• Texans tight end Owen Daniels +68 (about right)
• Jaguars receiver Mike Sims-Walker +54 (too much)
• Texans right tackle Eric Winston +41 (about right)

The bad:

• Jaguars defensive end Derrick Harvey -212 (about right)
• Titans quarterback Vince Young -115 (about right)
• Colts receiver Anthony Gonzalez -89 (about right)
• Texans defensive tackle Amobi Okoye -67 (too little)
• Colts running back Joseph Addai -63 (a little too much)

Reading the coverage ...

Ben Ijalana, Drake Nevis, Brandon Harris and Akeem Ayers make Wes Bunting’s all-rookie team.

Houston Texans

Wade Phillips says Amobi Okoye and Kareem Jackson will benefit from the 3-4, writes John McClain. Revelation: Phillips says he’s worried about Jackson’s deep speed. That’s good news for a team that has uncertainty at safety.

Considering the Texans' depth chart at cornerback with Chris Watkins.

Indianapolis Colts

Gary Brackett says guys have to be patient.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Blaine Gabbert’s parents say he rarely shows any nerves, says Tania Ganguli.

Let’s not go crazy with the small-school talk, says Alfie Crow.

Tennessee Titans

Another look at Jake Locker and accuracy, this one from Peter King.

Alterraun Verner’s finishing up school at UCLA, says Jim Wyatt.

Locker is familiar with losing and with turning things around, says Jerome Boettcher.

Breaking down defensive breakdowns from 2010 with Tom Gower.

Texas cornerback Aaron Williams might qualify as the best safety in a terrible safety draft, says Jeffrey Martin. Every team in the AFC South can use a safety.

Houston Texans

The Texans need to trade up for Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller or LSU corner Patrick Peterson, says Jerome Solomon.

Aldon Smith is still the pick at 11 in John McClain’s newest mock.

A blueprint for the Texans’ success from Lance Zierlein. Excellent stuff in here. The only piece I disagree with is moving Glover Quin to safety. I think it’s too early to make that decision and the team can still find a couple of quality safeties, particularly if the team is willing to shop in free agency when it arrives.

Is Amobi Okoye conceding he can’t play nose in the 3-4? Alan Burge examines.

Letting Vonta Leach leave might not be all bad, says Rivers McCown. I’m not so sure Leach will get a big deal elsewhere.

Indianapolis Colts

Best available player or an offensive lineman? That’s the question for the Colts, says Mike Chappell.

Chappell on the Colts and quarterback possibilities in the draft.

The Colts are looking through a broader lens for this draft, writes Chappell.

Blair White is working to build chemistry with Peyton Manning, says Joe Rexrode. Hat tip to Nate Dunlevy.)

Linebacker options for the Colts from Brett Mock.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are in flux at linebacker, says Tania Ganguli.

Pass defense is a big issue, says Vito Stellino.

Tennessee Titans

Late-round finds are great, but first-round choices can make or break a team, says John Glennon.

Would the Titans, should the Titans, take Cam Newton if he slides, asks Jim Wyatt.

Tracy Rocker gives the Titans a big resource on Nick Fairley, says Jim Wyatt.

Fairley says his sleep apnea is under control, says Glennon.

Who might want to trade up to No. 8?

» NFC Draft Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: History in the spot.

Houston Texans

2010: OT Anthony Davis (49ers)

2009: LB Aaron Maybin (Bills)

2008: DB Leodis McKelvin (Bills)

2007: LB Patrick Willis (49ers)

2006: QB Jay Cutler (Broncos)

2005: LB DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys)

2004: QB Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)

Last year at No. 11, the 49ers got Rutgers offensive tackle Davis, who started every game on the right side. Maybin, taken in the spot in 2009, is on the hot seat in Buffalo, where he’s not come close to expectations. In 2007, the 49ers got the excellent middle linebacker Willis 11th, when the Texans took defensive tackle Amobi Okoye the spot before. The verdict on Cutler is still to be determined, while Ware is a superstar and Ben Roethlisberger has won two Super Bowls. Other hits since the NFL-AFL merger include Michael Irvin, Dwight Freeney and Leon Searcy. Other misses: Ron Dayne, Michael Booker.

Indianapolis Colts

2010: WR Demaryius Thomas (Broncos)

2009: WR Percy Harvin (Vikings)

2008: RB Felix Jones (Cowboys)

2007: QB Brady Quinn (Browns)

2006: LB Manny Lawson (49ers)

2005: WR Mark Clayton (Ravens)

2004: QB J.P. Losman (Bills)

Last year’s 22nd pick, Denver receiver Thomas, caught 22 passes and scored two touchdowns. Minnesota grabbed receiver Harvin in the spot in 2009 and he’s one of the game’s most dynamic players already. Quinn didn’t cut it in Cleveland and ranks third now in Denver, and Losman didn’t solve Buffalo’s quarterback issues. The last time the Colts were in this spot, they took receiver Andre Rison in 1989. He played only one season for the franchise, but in 12 years he amassed more than 10,000 receiving yards and caught 84 touchdowns.

Jacksonville Jaguars

2010: DE Derrick Morgan (Titans)

2009: LB Larry English (Chargers)

2008: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Cardinals)

2007: DT Justin Harrell (Packers)

2006: CB Jason Allen (Dolphins)

2005: DT Travis Johnson (Texans)

2004: OT Shawn Andrews (Eagles)

Morgan went 16th to Tennessee last year, but suffered a season-ending knee injury early on. Rodgers-Cromartie had a big rookie season in 2008 as the Cardinals went to the Super Bowl. Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu was a huge find at the spot in 2003 and Jevon Kearse set a rookie record for sacks and led Tennessee to the Super Bowl in 1999. But others in the recent past like Allen, Houston's Johnson and Cleveland running back William Green hardly lived up to expectations. Dan McGwire, a big quarterback bust for Seattle, also went in the spot in 1991. But anyone thinking the Jaguars can’t hit a home run should know that a guy rated by many as the greatest player of all time, Jerry Rice, was selected 16th in 1985.

Tennessee Titans

2010: LB Rolando McClain (Raiders)

2009: OT Eugene Monroe (Jaguars)

2008: DE Derrick Harvey (Jaguars)

2007: DE Jamaal Anderson (Falcons)

2006: S Donte Whitner (Bills)

2005: S Antrel Rolle (Cardinals)

2004: CB DeAngelo Hall (Falcons)

McClain went to Oakland eighth last season and was second on the Raiders in tackles his rookie year. Jacksonville had the spot the two years before that. The Jaguars think they got a long-term left tackle in Monroe, but Harvey might be done already. Jordan Gross is a topflight tackle for Carolina and receiver Plaxico Burress was a Super Bowl hero for the Giants. But receiver David Terrell busted for the Bears, receiver David Boston didn’t fare much better in Arizona and running back Tim Biakabutuka was a dud for the Panthers. Sam Adams’ long career clogging up the middle as a defensive tackle started in Seattle. The last time the Titans had this pick, they landed Hall of Fame guard Mike Munchak, who’s now the team’s coach.

It’s the right year to need a defensive lineman in the first round, and in the AFC South, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if all four teams spent their first pick in the draft on a tackle or an end.

Speaking briefly Tuesday night before a charity event, Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt offered nothing substantive on his quarterback-needy team’s feelings about the quarterback prospects.

But the guy running the team’s draft is also in need of a couple of defensive linemen, and joined the chorus raving about the talent available.

“I think it’s going to be very tempting because I think there will be 14 or 15 defensive linemen that go in the first round,” he said. “So that’ll make an interesting choice for a lot of people in the first round.”

NFL Draft Scout rates seven ends and two tackles as clear first-rounders and another two ends and four tackles as possible first-rounders. Some of those ends could wind up as pass-rushing outside linebackers in a 3-4.

At the NFL scouting combine, many of the hot defensive linemen expressed pride in the strength of their position in this draft.

“I look at it like, if you go back in the history of watching football, before the game was started, it started up front,” said Marcell Dareus, the Alabama tackle who's expected to be the first defensive lineman off the board. “Some people were scared and backed up off the ball. But the real bulls stayed up front and played the game.”

The compelling group that could have guys coming to try to hit Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub and slow Arian Foster, Maurice Jones-Drew and Chris Johnson includes a guy who plays the guitar and the drums (Clemson end Da'Quan Bowers), another who had a brain tumor removed five years ago (North Carolina end Robert Quinn) and a third who started out not in football, but in rugby (Oregon State tackle Stephen Paea).

I asked one college scout from the AFC and Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. to pair each AFC South team with a defensive lineman likely to be available at each team's slot. Here’s what they said.

Tennessee (No. 8)

Scout: Bowers

"Add him to a young Derrick Morgan and Titans would have bookend defensive ends with pass-rush ability for many years. Look at the Titans' current DEs: Jacob Ford (potential free agent) is a nickel pass-rusher; Dave Ball (free agent and injuries) is a rotational player only; Jason Babin (free agent) is a one-year wonder and honestly just a pass-rusher; William Hayes is a base/run-down end. So the need is there for sure. Players that can play the run and rush the passer usually never hit free agency, they aren’t allowed to because they are so hard to find. If there wasn’t a issue with the knee, Bowers wouldn’t be there at eight."

Williamson: Auburn tackle Nick Fairley or Quinn

“Value and upside. Both players are dripping with upside, but have some questions. The Titans' new line coach, Tracy Rocker, comes from Auburn and already has a relationship with Fairley. He is just too good of a prospect to pass up at that point of the draft. And Tennessee’s line has enough guys already that they could sort of ease either player into his respective role.”

Texans (No. 11)

Scout: Wisconsin end J.J. Watt

"A great choice for a 5-technique player. High motor, excellent size with potential to add to frame, great kid with a huge upside. I am ignoring obvious pass-rushers because they are outside linebackers in a 3-4 defense and you wanted a lineman. The [Texans] are in need of a pass-rusher more than a 5-technique end -- Mario Williams, Shaun Cody and Antonio Smith all fit that position. Amobi Okoye is a quick nose tackle, but not a true nose. They will need to upgrade that spot as well, but there is not a value nose tackle for them with the 11th pick."

Williamson: Watt or Cal end Cameron Jordan

“For Houston, I think they would love to get a 5-technique like JJ Watt or Cameron Jordan. Nose tackle is the bigger need, but taking [Baylor’s] Phil Taylor there is too early.”

Jacksonville (No. 16)

Scout: Missouri end Aldon Smith

“An excellent pass-rusher. Young, inexperienced but has a huge upside. Should grow into his frame and maintain athletic ability. They lack true pass-rushers. Larry Hart is a situational rusher at best. Austen Lane is a run-down player… at best. Derrick Harvey hasn’t worked out. And they are already solid in the middle. [Miami end] Allen Bailey, [Iowa end] Adrian Clayborn and Cameron Jordan are too close to what they have already. The only other option would be [Purdue end] Ryan Kerrigan, but he and Aaron Kampman are similar in skills and limitations. Aldon has true edge pass-rush ability.”

Williamson: Aldon Smith

“I like Smith a lot for Jacksonville. They are set at tackle, so they only would look for an end up front in my opinion. He is loaded with upside. And with all this defensive line talent in this draft, he could be a real value pick where they select.”

Indianapolis (No. 22)

Scout: Illinois tackle Corey Liuget

“He would be a great choice for them. A very athletic defensive tackle with size, effort and upside. He can play the run as well, but helps with pressure on inside. He is a very good combo DT playing run/pass equally well. They are set at defensive end. Jerry Hughes will come around and they will have three solid players at the spot. Liuget adds to depleted interior group.”

Williamson: Taylor or Liuget

“Indy might pounce on Taylor to clog up the middle or if Corey Liuget is still there, he would be ideal. I would say it is unlikely, but Bill Polian doesn't care about what others think and he likes 'his type of players' ... so Drake Nevis from LSU could be someone he really likes.”

We’ll talk a lot of square pegs and round holes as we watch the Texans try to sculpt their incumbent 4-3 defensive linemen into 3-4 players.

Not all of them will fit, of course, with Amobi Okoye expected to be a piece that has to take a pay cut to stick in what would likely be a reduced role.

Lance Zierlein does a nice job spelling out just what 3-4 ends and tackles look like and do in this piece.

It’s the biggest systemic switch in the division and the labor impasse is making us be patient. We can’t assess much before the guys they have are on the field with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

Mario Williams and Antonio Smith should be just fine as ends for Phillips. Publicly the team has expressed faith in Shaun Cody, who got a new contract, and Earl Mitchell as nose tackles.

Analysts, including Zierlein, aren’t sold on Cody. Nose tackles in a 3-4 are usually giant, and when they aren’t giant, they have to be special. Cody is not giant, and has hardly shown himself to be special so far. Mitchell is heading into just his second season, but when the Texans drafted him out of Arizona in the third round they weren’t projecting him as a piece of a 3-4.

While Cody, Mitchell or an unknown nose tackle will have quality players behind him in Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans, the inside linebackers won’t be as effective as possible if the nose doesn’t hold his ground and demand attention.

It’s a position we’ll be watching as closely as any when Phillips’ defense finally hits the field. I hope they give themselves another option.

» NFC Draft Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: draft rewind -- examining the past five drafts.

Houston Texans

Best choice: The Texans got crushed by just about everyone when they tabbed defensive end Mario Williams as the No. 1 overall selection in 2006. Though he’s dealt with some nagging injuries, time has proved him a more dangerous and valuable player than Reggie Bush or Vince Young, the two players people wanted them to take instead. New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips thinks Williams will be like Bruce Smith in the team’s new 3-4.

Worst choice: Defensive tackle Amobi Okoye shows flashes and maybe he somehow works better in the new 3-4 front. But after four seasons, the No. 10 overall pick from 2007 has hardly been the sort of impact player you hope for from such a big investment. He’s still got a giant chance, but the Texans should have hit a home run in the spot and did not.

On the bubble: Indications are the Texans would like to re-sign receiver/returner Jacoby Jones, a third-rounder from 2007. But he’s hard to figure out. He can be the sort of dynamic player who’s a real bonus for an offense with Andre Johnson and Arian Foster. Or he can disappear and drop the ball when he gets chances.

Indianapolis Colts

Best choice: Antoine Bethea came in with little fanfare as a sixth-round defensive back out of Howard in 2006. But he’s grown into a steady and reliable fixture for the Colts at free safety. He’s a great model of the sort of late-round success that is a key part of how Indianapolis builds. Last season, with defensive backs falling all around him, Bethea held a patchwork secondary together.

Worst choice: The Colts traded up to get offensive tackle Tony Ugoh in the second round in 2007. But he never won the team over as the permanent answer at left tackle, and he was done before last season. It’s a spot the franchise is still looking to fill. Had Ugoh been the guy, Peyton Manning would be working with more time and it would be easier to get the tough yard on the ground.

On the bubble: Anthony Gonzalez can be a very effective receiver in the Colts’ scheme and has done a lot of work to earn Manning’s trust. But he’s appeared in just three games over the past two seasons because of injury. Bad fortune is not in his control, but we still aren’t sure he’s a long-term piece of the puzzle and they could really use him.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Best choice: Running back Maurice Jones-Drew remains well aware that everyone passed on him and he knows all the pundits who said he wouldn’t make it. The Jaguars didn’t pass on him twice, and their second-round pick from 2006 is the centerpiece of their offense, a player they rely on for a very large percentage of their touches on offense.

Worst choice: Defensive end Quentin Groves just didn’t fit the Jaguars' defense. He was even part of the reason they experimented with a 3-4 front for part of 2009. But no matter where the 2007 second-rounder was plugged in, he didn’t produce and didn’t bring much fire to the job. He was traded to Oakland after just two seasons.

On the bubble: Tight end Zach Miller is a versatile talent who played quarterback at Nebraska-Omaha and was supposed to be a wild-card piece of the Jaguars’ offense. But the 2009 sixth-rounder has only 41 catches in 29 games through two seasons and has not forced his way into the plan the way the team had hoped. It would be great for the team if he could still be an X factor.

Tennessee Titans

Best choice: Running back Chris Johnson looked like a third-down specialist, a track guy who was a reach at No. 24 in the 2008 draft. He’s proved to be much more than that, posting a rare 2,000-yard rushing season in 2009 and posing a matchup nightmare even when he’s not made the best choices about where to go.

Worst choice: The Titans completely fell for Chris Henry’s combine work, allowing it to overshadow an unimpressive college career. The second-round running back from 2007 was a physical specimen. Unfortunately he lacked the sort of instincts needed in a runner. He actually stuck around three seasons as Tennessee hoped he’d emerge. It was a wasted roster spot.

On the bubble: William Hayes came in as a raw talent in 2008, and the fourth-round defensive end figures to have his best chance to be a consistent impact player going forward as the Titans look to be bigger up front. But his primary backer, defensive line coach Jim Washburn, has moved on and Hayes has to step forward to prove he can be a force.

Reading the coverage ...

Andrew Brandt reviews the issues and still holds out some hope as the CBA expiration nears.

David Cornwall sorts through the battle for a billion.

Warren Moon will push Mike Munchak to take Cam Newton if he can, says Jim Wyatt.

Amobi Okoye unites players for football in Africa.

D. A. Wade from Orlando writes: Assuming the NFL CBA issue doesn't resolve before the draft in April, how does a team determine its draft needs? Do NFL teams operate on the assumption that all free agents will be lost, or do they assume the free agents will be retained, or is it a case-by-case basis? Or do teams draft without regard to their needs? Thanks for the insight.

Paul Kuharsky: I would think they‘d expect there will be some form of free agency at some point.

So it’ll be an interesting flip -- for years if you didn’t get something in free agency, you’d say, “Well, we address it in the draft.” Now you’ll say, “If we didn’t get it in the draft, we can get it in free agency.”

The wrench this time is a team may not have worked real hard to retain its own guys in February because it didn’t want to give out bonuses heading toward a lockout.

But in a league where more and more of the quality programs are draft builders, it almost seems to make more sense with the draft first, particularly if those salaries are in line to wind up more manageable.

I think bad, panicky teams will panic and force need in the draft, while better non-panicky teams won’t, and will get even better.

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Cory from Denver writes: If there is a lockout and the NFL season is lost, what happens to Indianapolis hosting the Super Bowl? Do they host the following year or lose out completely? Thanks.

Paul Kuharsky: Can’t take away New Orleans’ Super Bowl in 2013 or NY/NJ’s in 2014. Presumably Indy would go to the back of the line and get the game played in 2015.

But the season won’t be lost. Players won’t be able to hold out that long.

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Jim in Greenville, S.C., writes: With the draft so full of DTs in the first 2 rounds, could you see the Titans going to a 3-4 by taking someone like Marcell Dareus in the first and Drake Nevis (LSU) in the second or is it far more complicated than that? I'd love to see Jason Jones on the outside of a 3-4. Would he fit there? Would he stay healthier in that rather than the current circumstance?

Paul Kuharsky: It’s amazing how many people like to suggest the Titans should go to a 3-4. Even if they intend to go bigger at defensive end and part with Jason Babin, Dave Ball and Jacob Ford, all free agents, they still have some of their best players on the defensive line -- Jones, Derrick Morgan, William Hayes. Their three linebackers last year were unproductive, and Stephen Tulloch is a free agent to be. So you want a team with two starting linebackers who were unproductive, Gerald McRath and Will Witherspoon, to change to a defense that calls for more linebackers? I’m not following the logic no matter who they can draft. It’s a two-year transition minimum, and they’ve got personnel that can be effective in a better 4-3.

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Jeff in Nashville writes: Are we going to get a follow-up article to your "Cocky Mallett..." article that details how impressively he threw the ball today? His on field performance has garnered rave reviews across the board and one person even said it was the best QB performance at the combine in the last 10 years. When should we expect that article?

Paul Kuharsky: So defensive. Are you related to him or just a passionate Arkansas fan? Apparently you stopped paying attention right after you read the entry you didn’t like.

Here’s a piece I did less than 24 hours later on how the interviews can be over-interpreted. Did you also miss this one highlighting Mallett’s workout?

Also you do know that he SHOULD dominate a workout with no defenders or decision-making involved, right?

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Chris in Phoenix writes: What are the odds that the Colts look into the recently released Tommie Harris since both Antonio Johnson and Dan Muir are currently FA's as well? I would also like to know your thoughts on the impact he would have with his unique speed at the defensive tackle position playing alongside Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

Paul Kuharsky: I don’t think the Colts are in a panic over the contract status of Daniel Muir or Antonio Johnson. I could see the Colts drafting a guy to be a front-liner with Fili Moala.

I would have been very surprised to see the Colts active cutting players before free agency.

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Logan in Duluth, Minn., writes: In regards to the NFL schedule length, I was wondering why they have to have either 16 or 18 games. Would it not possible to drop two preseason games and add one regular season game? Is it because of playoff tie breakers?

Paul Kuharsky: An odd number of games is sloppy. Then some teams have an extra home game, others have one fewer. How does that affect competitive balance as teams vie for the same division crown or playoff berth?

And they would never drop two preseason to add one regular season. They have to have the same number of total gates or more, otherwise they are giving up money and they won’t be doing that.

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Titansfan from Dover, Del., writes: What is the situation with Chris Johnson's contract?

Paul Kuharsky: He’s under contract. They can’t talk about an extension until July, presuming a new CBA is in place by then. A player/team can’t renegotiate the same deal twice inside a year.

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Jesse in Muncie, Ind., writes: I am trying to find the complete draft order, but I can only get the first round. Are all seven rounds not yet determined? If that's the case, when will they be set?

Paul Kuharsky: Three rounds are set. Compensatory selections are announced in late March, and they start at the end of the third round and are tacked on to the end of every round after that. That’s why there isn’t a seven-round order yet.

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Brent H. at Columbia, Tenn., writes: With the Broncos turning to Kyle Orton as the starter to open camp, could the Titans target Tim Tebow as a possible trade candidate as the QB of the future? He may not have the skills to be the answer immediately, but will be as ready as any rookie QB that we draft, and possesses great intangibles and leadership that the Titans have lacked from their QB position in the past (see Vince Young).

Paul Kuharsky: The Broncos have no idea who will start. John Fox and his staff have not been on the field with those guys. It doesn’t matter what they say right now.

If the Titans scouts weren’t high on Tebow a year ago, why are the high on him now?

They don’t need a quarterback with physical gifts OR with intangibles. They need one with both. Who cares if Tebow can lead if he can’t throw?

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Jwill25 from Columbia, S.C., writes: Now that it seems like the Raiders will not be able to sign Nnamdi Asomugha, would it make since for the Colts to cut Kelvin Hayden? Hayden is scheduled to make a little over $9 million next season and for $4-5 million more we can get a top-notch cornerback in his prime that can hold up a hold season. Not to mention the numbers he produces turnover-wise is worth that much alone. I really believe he could do for us what Charles Woodson does for Green Bay. What are your thoughts?

Paul Kuharsky: That’s not what Hayden is scheduled to make, it’s what he’ll count against the cap. He’s scheduled to make $6.015 million. Asomugha will cost a lot more than that.

And Jim Irsay has publicly said they won’t chase Asomugha. So that basically ends that.

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Jonathan in Nashville writes: Chris Johnson Trade!?!?I happened to catch the tail-end of a conversation on XM Radio this morning that the Titans were going to "Shop" CJ around for a QB trade, is this true and if so why would they give up their best offensive player?

Paul Kuharsky: Not true. If it was true, why would the team be talking about it?

A top three running back is not worth a top 10 or 15 quarterback. Who’s trading a good quarterback for a good running back, when the rushing champ was undrafted and the good quarterbacks are almost all high picks?

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Drew from Richmond, Va., writes: Any info on this DeMario Pressley? I mean from what I can put together he is essentially a second year player when it comes to playing time who has not proven that he is a playmaker much less a starter. The Colts already have six men listed at defensive tackle. Can we expect a few guys getting cut off that list, and how did this guy grab attention when there are bigger names on the market at that position? I agree that the Colts need to strengthen the run defense and start with the middle of the line but is this guy close to an answer?

Paul Kuharsky: I wouldn’t get excited about Houston’s toss-offs. Maybe he’s a serviceable, back-of-the-rotation guy.

Claiming a guy off waivers is a much cheaper and lower-risk option than signing Shaun Rogers or Tommie Harris or Marcus Stroud. They never said Pressley is a big answer. Such an addition means they think he’s worth bringing in and working with. He could easily be cut two weeks after coaches get to know him. Having him means nothing about their willingness to draft or look at a free agent later.

That said, don’t get caught up in big names. Did you know a lot about Antoine Bethea before they brought him in? Robert Mathis? Jerraud Powers?

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Joe in Murfreesburo, Tenn., writes: Mel Kiper Jr. has the Titans taking a DE at #8 in the draft. I don't know if Mel remembers, but the Titans are fine at defensive end. They don't need to re-sign Jason Babin. In fact, they might be better off avoiding a big deal if it turns out he was just a one-year wonder. Derrick Morgan will be back, and he will be ready to go with Dave Ball OR Babin on the other side. Either way, they have much bigger needs than to draft another defensive end, when they will basically have a first-round rookie in Morgan next year. Talk some sense into the man Paul, we need a QB.

Paul Kuharsky: Of course they need a quarterback. But if they don’t like an option they have at No. 8, they’d be dumb to force it.

Babin, Ball and Ford are all en route to unrestricted free agency, they are all undersized and they all faded down the stretch. There is great defensive end talent high in this draft and the Titans have indicated they’d like to have more well-rounded, sturdy guys at the spot.

I’d have no problem with the Titans taking an end to go with Morgan and Hayes. A sustained pass rush that can defend the runs makes everyone better -- including a second-round quarterback.

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Jarell from Atlanta by way of Gary, Ind., writes: I read a piece you linked the other day about the Colts free agents. I was shocked to realize how many of our guys are going to be up for free agency, who do you think we keep, specifically between Joseph Addai and Melvin Bullitt? I think Charlie Johnson is a talent, though not the best option at tackle, but the only option we have right now. And what about the tackles... Antonio Johnson came on last season at the end, and can be the reason why the rush defense fell behind while he was out in the playoffs. And Daniel Muir has become a staple in our community...what do you think?

Paul Kuharsky: Well first, I think being a staple in the community doesn’t mean much if you’re a middling player looking for a contract.

I don’t see them choosing between Addai and Bullitt and don’t know why you do.

Think they’d like to have Addai, Bullitt, Johnson, Johnson, Muir and Clint Session all back. They generally work hard to keep their own. I don’t think Addai, either Johnson or Muir draw a lot of interest from other teams. They are all tailored to the Colts, a team that works hard to keep core, valuable guys they drafted or brought in as rookies.

A quality O-line pickup could mean Charlie Johnson is moved to guard or sixth man. A quality defensive tackle in the draft or free agency could mean the end of Antonio Johnson or Muir.

Bullitt may be the toughest to retain because there is a lot of safety need around the league. The Texans and Jaguars would both be wise to chase him.

***

We’re Colts and Titans heavy, so I tweeted a request for Texans and Jaguars questions and did a rapid fire Twitter session. (I’m @ESPN_AFCSouth.)

@JoeDowntownVS2 so have the texans still decided safety dosent matters even after last year?

PK: Should have looked at available guys. But they still have draft and real free agency. If they don't act then, they're nuts.

@TheMizellGroup being that Garrard never seems to close out the season we know have consecutive seasons in the "L" are we drafting a QB

PK: Absolutely they'll look hard at a developmental QB.

@DustyGmoe With the signings yesterday from #Texans, can you tell where they will go in the first two rounds?

PK: Defense, defense, defense. OLB, FS, SS, CB and despite what they say, DT.

@baron_von_brad any other team make a play for Hawk?

PK: Don't think there was time and he may not have been interested knowing they were working on a new deal.

@HoustonDiehards is gerald sebsabaugh's history w/ Wade going to land him in Houston once free agency happens? Or are we counting on Nolan?

PK: Nolan in the mix. I hope they do better than Sensabaugh.

@tntitansfan10 how much long will Garrard be Jags QB?

PK: Five or six games if they aren't good ones.

@JasonEmbry With Texans' defensive changes, what does future hold for Okoye? And should Texans upgrade No. 2 WR?

PK: Will get a chance to play 3-4 end for Wade. I'd like to see another option at No. 2, though they invested in Walter.

@Hodari11 Does Rahean Mathis have any trade value?Trade now instead of getting nothing when he leavesWants alot more than he is worth

PK: It's not baseball, where you trade a vet for prospects before he's done. They need Mathis, too young in secondary without him.

@AnnaMegan Is getting a new deal for Vonta Leach a must for Texans?

PK: He was very good last year and I wouldn't mess with the formula. But FBs are generally replaceable.

@eggsngrits Not a #Texans fan, but I have to ask: Why would Arian Foster report to camp for a one-year $480k tender offer?

PK: Because he's under contract to do so. I think they'll try to reward him, but they get a financial reward for grabbing him.

@sumpteravada if we had had the social network we hve now n the 80s...wud Marino/Montana/Moon/Elway been held under the microscope?

PK: Their lives would have been different for sure.

***

Hate the contents of this mailbag? Change the next one by writing me here, via Twitter @ESPN_AFCSouth or via Facebook at Paul Kuharsky ESPN.

After being struck recently with how the NFL's labor rift has been cast as billionaires vs. millionaires, I thought I’d look at some players' salaries.

Totaling-up career earnings is quite difficult, and bonus money can be hard to nail down and sort through.

We can still get an interesting snapshot by looking at scheduled 2011 base salaries. I suspect many readers will be surprised that the vast majority of players will earn less than $1 million this fall.

Here, according to the NFLPA, are the players from each AFC South team currently scheduled to make a base salary of $1 million or more in 2011. Keep in mind guys in line for some form of free agency are not part of things here.

Fifty-three of 216 players under contract are slated to make $1 million or more. That’s 24.5 percent of the division.

Houston Texans

• DE Mario Williams -- $13.8 million
• WR Andre Johnson – $7.2 million
• QB Matt Schaub -- $5.7 million
• LB DeMeco Ryans -- $5 million
• DE Antonio Smith -- $4.6 million
• RT Eric Winston -- $4.5 million
• DT Amobi Okoye -- $2.95 million
• C Chris Myers -- $2.75 million
• QB Dan Orlovsky -- $2.75 million
• K Neil Rackers -- $2.15 million
• G Wade Smith -- $1.75 million
• WR David Anderson -- $1.44 million
• RB Steve Slaton -- $1.2 million

Total base salaries of $1 million or more: 13

Total players under contract for 2011: 49

Percentage of roster making $1 million or more: 26.5

Indianapolis Colts

• DE Dwight Freeney -- $11.42 million
• CB Kelvin Hayden -- $6.105
• WR Reggie Wayne -- $5.95 million
• RT Ryan Diem -- $5.4 million
• FS Antoine Bethea -- $4.745 million
• TE Dallas Clark -- $4.2 million
• DE Robert Mathis -- $2.41 million
• C Jeff Saturday -- $2.4 million
• LB Gary Brackett -- $2 million
• LB Philip Wheeler -- $1.2 million
• WR Anthony Gonzalez -- $1.11 million

Total base salaries of $1 million or more: 11

Total players under contract for 2011: 57

Percentage of roster making $1 million or more: 19.3

Jacksonville Jaguars

• QB David Garrard -- $7.975 million
• CB Rashean Mathis -- $4.45 million
• LB Daryl Smith -- $4.2 million
• RB Maurice Jones-Drew -- $4.05 million
• FB Greg Jones -- $3.1 million
• DE Derrick Harvey -- $2.8025 million
• DE Aaron Kampman -- $2.45 million
• G Vince Manuwai -- $2.9
• K Josh Scobee -- $2 million
• OL Justin Smiley -- $2 million
• C Brad Meester -- $1.95 million
• WR Kassim Osgood -- $1.475 million
• LT Eugene Monroe -- $1.2425 million

Total base salaries of $1 million or more: 13

Total players under contract for 2011: 51

Percentage of roster making $1 million or more: 25.5

Tennessee Titans

• QB Vince Young -- $8.5 million*
• SS Chris Hope -- $6.5 million
• WR Kenny Britt -- $5.75 million
• LT Michael Roos -- $5 million
• G Jake Scott -- $4.7 million
• RT David Stewart -- $4.5 million
• DT Tony Brown -- $4 million
• WR Justin Gage -- $3.5 million
• FS Michael Griffin -- $3.3105 million
• WR Nate Washington $3.3 million
• CB Cortland Finnegan -- $3.293 million
• DT Jovan Haye -- $3 million
• C Eugene Amano -- $2.68 million
• K Rob Bironas -- $2.4 million
• DB Vincent Fuller -- $2.06 million
• LS Ken Amato $1.05 million

Total base salaries of $1 million or more: 16

Total players under contract for 2011: 59

Percentage of roster making $1 million or more: 27.1

*Young will be cut or traded, the Titans have announced.

Transitions from 4-3s to 3-4s can be tough and take time.

Understandably, there are questions about jamming Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, Brian Cushing, Antonio Smith and Amobi Okoye into the new scheme.

I asked Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. for his thoughts on the move and how the Texans current key front seven personnel could work.

Let me say if you fear outspoken or want only rah-rah right now, cease reading here.

Here's Williamson:

“I hate it. Some guys certainly could work in the 3-4 and a player like Williams would probably be very effective no matter what the system. But, to me, the Texans have a franchise type defensive player in Williams -- and Williams is a great 4-3 defensive end and probably an ordinary 3-4 defensive end. Not to mention, they invested the first overall pick in the guy.

“Wade uses more of an attacking 3-4 rather than a pure two-gapping -- like Jay Ratliff vs. Casey Hampton. Still, I don't see Williams as a difference maker in that system, as most ends in such a system are just role players and not top notch resources. Antonio Smith would be fine at end and Okoye might be okay as a quicker nose tackle, but I also don't like Okoye to hold up against constant double teams. And the Texans won't have the heavier take-on inside linebackers behind the nose tackle to attack guards and the run game in general.

"Cushing is ideal 4-3 strongside linebacker and could fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he isn't the pass rusher of a DeMarcus Ware or Anthony Spencer. Again, it would work, but a waste of an ideal candidate for the 4-3.

“The 3-4 inside linebackers are generally a heavy banger and more of a free flowing guy. Ryans would be fine as the weakside free flowing inside linebacker -- but he isn't a banger.

“To me, instead of changing systems, I would keep the 4-3 (4-3 defenses can work in this league) and draft/sign secondary help like crazy and maybe another defensive lineman or two. Now, the secondary problems are just as massive as they were with a 4-3 system, but they have to find new pieces to make the transition even feasible.

“Is Wade THAT good of a coach to make all of this worth it – especially with Mario? I highly doubt it.”

» NFC Final Word: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 14:

Keyed by run defense: The personnel in their secondary is the Jaguars’ primary defensive concern. But the Jaguars' past three losses -- to Tennessee, Kansas City and the Giants -- have been to teams that run the ball better than they throw it. Oakland fits that mold for sure. Jacksonville’s run defense has been a key as it has won four out of five. The interior guys, Terrance Knighton and Tyson Alualu, have a swagger and don’t believe a back can find any yards up the middle. That may mean a quiet day for Michael Bush. But what about Darren McFadden?

Pick up the DB: If the Ravens can collapse the pocket around Matt Schaub the way they did against Pittsburgh a week ago, they’re sure to get him off his spot. But blitzing with front seven guys hasn’t produced giant results, according to ESPN Stats and Info. Schaub’s passer rating drops from 95.7 to. 81.9 when a defense brings at least five pass rushers, but he’s taken 13 sacks each against standard rushes and blitzes. If the Ravens want to really affect his production, they might send a defensive back after him. His passer rating dips to 72.1 against pressure out of the secondary.

A donut in his game: David Garrard is faring well on short stuff and long stuff, but not so much on stuff in the middle. Balls that travel 10 yards or less in the air have produced a 99.4 passer rating, and balls of 21 yards or more a 90.8 rating. But on balls that carry from 11 to 20 yards, his rating is 57.5. Jacksonville will want to pound it with Maurice Jones-Drew and simply supplement him with Garrard throws. Let’s see what’s available to him against the Raiders’ defense, which ranks ninth against the pass.

Okoye playing better: The Texans are in need of an additonal defensive tackle no matter what. But just when I started to think Amobi Okoye’s future was completely up in the air, he’s been playing better. He was disruptive in the Texans’ games against Tennessee and Philadelphia, and it would be nice to see the 2007 first-rounder maintain that level of play through the final four games of the regular season. If he does it Monday night, Joe Flacco may get to know him.

Enjoying a break: The Colts beat the Titans in Nashville on Thursday night. Both teams are enjoying a restful weekend that could give them a bit of an advantage next week. The Colts are home for a key game against the Jaguars, and wouldn’t mind an Oakland win and the Raiders doing their best to beat up Jacksonville. The Titans will have a long rest while Houston will have a short one after a Monday night game in advance of its trip to Tennessee.

» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

FALLING

1. Peyton Manning, Colts quarterback: Virtually everyone’s expecting a bounce-back Thursday night. But his three-game stretch with 11 interceptions, including four returned for touchdowns, has been horrid. Despite what he’s saying, he’s clearly pressing with no run game and so many inexperienced targets. He and the Colts should be a little more willing to just punt.

2. The Titans’ run game: Tennessee’s not pushing anyone around anymore and while Chris Johnson hasn’t gotten sufficient carries, he looks tentative. Success usually comes before swagger develops -- and the Titans have lost both in a department in which they were dominant a year ago. Interior line play by Leroy Harris, Eugene Amano and Jake Scott has been a particular concern.

3. Houston’s chances to improve on last year: They aren’t just falling, they’re gone. It’ll take a four-game winning streak just to match last season’s disappointing 9-7 and that would have to include wins over Baltimore and Jacksonville. Changes are ahead. The next month will probably determine just how big they are.

RISING

1. Rashad Jennings, Jaguars running back: Maurice Jones-Drew is on fire, but the supplementary work from Jennings has been quite good as well. He’s got 17 carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns in Jacksonville’s last two games. He qualifies as a player who's helped turn the Jaguars into a first-place team.

2. Amobi Okoye, Texans defensive tackle: In his last two games, a guy who’s often gone too long without making noise has emerged. Against the Titans and Eagles, Okoye has been more disruptive, barging into the backfield and influencing quarterbacks. He also has 26 tackles this season, the most for a Houston defensive lineman.

3. Greg Jones, Jaguars fullback: Not to harp on the Jaguars’ run game, but as lead blocker for Jones-Drew and Jennings he’s been helping set the physical tone that’s given Jacksonville the most substantial identity of any team in the AFC South. He also took a short pass against Tennessee 11 yards up the right sideline, bowling over and embarrassing multiple defenders.