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Houston needs help on the right side of the offensive line. It needs another dynamic receiver. It needs depth at outside linebacker. It needs a corner, particularly if it doesn’t think second-year man Brandon Harris can replace departed veteran Jason Allen.

In 2011, in the first year of a 3-4 front under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, the Texans did just fine with the nose tackles they had -- Shaun Cody and Earl Mitchell. Phillips predicted that.

But if you’re looking for a spot in the returning defensive lineup that can be upgraded, it’s Kareem Jackson’s cornerback spot (where the team is fiercely dedicated to the No. 20 pick from 2010) and its nose tackle, where the Cody-Mitchell tandem is not regarded as the strongest possible.

They combined to play just two-thirds of the team’s snaps (38.19 percent for Mitchell, 28.22 for Mitchell), with Antonio Smith kicking inside in the nickel package. Cody and Mitchell are asked to stuff the run and force more than one blocker to get at least a hand on them.

Even so, the Texans are allowed to get more than 50 tackles, two tackles for a loss and two sacks from their two primary nose tackles. Which is why they should draft one if they can.

In Sunday's game between the Ravens and Texans, four players will be on the field from the same high school.

Justin Ray from ESPN Stats and Info reports that North Shore High School, located in the Eastern portion of Houston, is where three Ravens and one member of the Houston Texans played high school football.

Texans defensive tackle Earl Mitchell will be able to talk Mustangs football with three Ravens: center Andre Gurode, cornerback Chykie Brown and defensive end Cory Redding.

ESPN Stats & Information can now delve into playtime percentages, a great feature we will use often.

My initial reaction to the available info was merely to ask for the numbers on some key situational guys and some stars from each of our teams. Keep in mind some are influenced by time missed because of injuries.

Here’s the percentage of their team's snaps on offense or defense they’ve played.

Houston Texans: CB Kareem Jackson 74.4, CB Jason Allen 52.8, WR Kevin Walter 66.8, WR Jacoby Jones 71.5, DT Shaun Cody 35.9, DT Earl Mitchell 25.6.

Indianapolis Colts: TE Dallas Clark 86.9, TE Brody Eldridge 41.3, WR Austin Collie 59.2, CB Jacob Lacey 75.3, DE Dwight Freeney 63.1, DE Robert Mathis 64.3, DE Jamaal Anderson, 38.3, DE Tyler Brayton 45.6, S David Caldwell 44.1, S Joe Lefeged 38.1.

Jacksonville Jaguars: LB Clint Session 42.3, FB Greg Jones 40.3, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, 71.9, CB Drew Coleman 53.0, DE John Chick 25.3.

Tennessee Titans: DE Derrick Morgan 57.7, LB Will Witherspoon 83.8, DT Karl Klug 50.7, DT Jurrell Casey 56.1, TE Craig Stevens 33.6. TE Jared Cook 62.1, RB Chris Johnson 70.7.

Reading the coverage…

Houston Texans

The Texans see a lot of Shannon Sharpe in Owen Daniels, says Jeffrey Martin.

Shaun Cody and Earl Mitchell are vying for time at nose tackle, says John McClain,

Matt Leinart continues to look sharp, says McClain.

Gary Kubiak is concerned about the injured Brian Cushing, says Martin.

It’s hard not to root for Chris Ogbonnaya, says Richard Justice.

Where does Ben Tate fit into the Texans’ crowded backfield wonders Justice.

Jason Allen can overtake Kareem Jackson, says Battle Red Blog.

Indianapolis Colts

The first depth chart says the offensive line is still developing, says Mike Chappell.

Beyond the starters, there are a lot of questions in the defensive backfield, says Chappell.

There was not a lot of new information in Jim Caldwell’s Peyton Manning update.

Indy added tight end Michael Matthews.

Mike Pollak has much to prove, says Brett Mock.

Nate Davis talked with Colts.com about his progress.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Blaine Gabbert’s the starter in Thursday night’s preseason opener, says Vito Stellino.

Aaron Kampman and Maurice Jones-Drew are among key players not going to New England, says Tania Ganguli.

Jack Del Rio talked to Bill Belichick about joint practices but the lockout kept it from happening, says Ganguli. The Falcons will visit Jacksonville next week.

Todd Bouman is back, says Ganguli.

Del Rio’s had to catch himself and be patient in a camp that didn’t follow a typical offseason, says John Oehser.

Is Jason Hill a roster lock? Alfie Crow wonders.

Tennessee Titans

Stafon Johnson’s completed a second comeback, writes John Glennon.

Cortland Finnegan worked inside in the nickel package, says Wyatt.

Matt Hasselbeck looks for three specific things a day to work on, says David Boclair.

Rusty Smith is staying patient, says Wyatt.

Anthony Smith is ready to compete. He was really bad in Jacksonville a couple years ago.

A first look at the Texans' unofficial depth chart gives us these nuggets to consider:

• James Casey is the No. 1 fullback ahead of Lawrence Vickers.
• Derrick Ward is the second running back, followed by Steve Slaton and Ben Tate.
• Shaun Cody is ahead of Earl Mitchell at nose tackle.
• Kareem Jackson is the starting left cornerback with Brice McCain and Brandon Harris behind him.
• Jason Allen is the No. 2 right cornerback behind Johnathan Joseph.
• Fifth-round pick Shiloh Keo is fourth at free safety.
• New linebacker Tim Dobbins is listed fifth in line at middle linebacker, but worked today with the second and third team.
• Trindon Holliday is the front-line punt and kick returner.
• Undrafted Brett Hartmann is listed as the first punter, ahead of veteran Brad Maynard.

Reading the coverage …

Houston Texans

Matt Leinart found his best fit with the Texans, says John McClain.

The Texans waived a couple of undrafted free agents.

Improving the secondary is mission one.

Battle Red Blog looks at the war of the noses between Earl Mitchell and Shaun Cody.

Indianapolis Colts

Ernie Sims is out after an appendectomy, says Phillip B. Wilson.

Dan Orlovsky is looking to win the backup spot behind Peyton Manning, says Mike Chappell.

A good look at the nose tackle in the Colts defense from Stampede Blue.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Tyson Alualu has a much better understanding of his position, says Tania Ganguli.

Kevin Haslam is out for the season.

You can’t draft and develop receivers without giving them time to develop, says John Oehser.

Tennessee Titans

Cortland Finnegan polished his backpedal, says Jim Wyatt.

Finnegan’s errors won’t be forgotten, says David Climer.

Kenny Britt practiced for the first time, says John Glennon.

The Chris Johnson holdout is at 11 days, says Wyatt.

Vince Young’s path to stardom has taken a detour, says Jerome Solomon.

Are teams addressing needs? We can’t say if they’ve picked the right guys until we see how they all play. But we can assess how our four franchises have done in terms of filling holes or attempting to upgrade to this point.

Houston Texans

Old needs: The Texans were in desperate need of defensive backs and landed the second-best available cornerback in Johnathan Joseph and a safety better than any they have in Danieal Manning. They re-signed receiver Jacoby Jones, third tackle Rashad Butler and backup quarterback Matt Leinart. Matt Turk was a free agent who departed, so a punter is a need.

New needs: Fullback Vonta Leach was a huge part of Arian Foster’s rushing title but went to Baltimore. It seems likely the Texans will turn to versatile tight end James Casey as a lead blocker, but there are some quality free-agent options out there.

Don’t think they need: They’ve said from the time Wade Phillips evaluated personnel that Shaun Cody and Earl Mitchell will be a capable combo at nose tackle. It’s a spot they may well be overestimating.

Indianapolis Colts

Old needs: A contract for quarterback Peyton Manning was No. 1, even though he was not technically a free agent, and they’ve gotten that done. They prevented safety and kicker from becoming issues with quick moves to retain Melvin Bullitt and Adam Vinatieri.

New needs: Kavell Conner is likely the third linebacker with Clint Session now a member of the Jaguars. But the linebacking depth is hardly great, and even a late veteran addition at the position might be significant.

Don’t think they need: I’m sure they’d love to find the next Reggie Wayne or a run-stuffing defensive tackle, but they either don’t see those guys out there or, more likely, aren’t changing their philosophy about chasing significant outsiders.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Old needs: Very aggressively address linebacker (with Paul Posluszny and Session), safety (with Dawan Landry) and nickelback (with Drew Coleman). That’s four quality players added to their top 12 on defense

New needs: Punter Adam Podlesh bolted for a big contract in Chicago. But the Jaguars quickly adjusted, signing Turk to replace him.

Don’t think they need: They’ve tried and failed with veteran wideouts to varying degrees -- from the bust of Jerry Porter, to the more affordable non-contributions of Troy Williamson, to the stopgap year from Torry Holt. They appear comfortable with a top three of Mike Thomas, Jason Hill and Jarett Dillard or Cecil Shorts. They won’t likely be shopping.

Tennessee Titans

Old needs: They’ve addressed quarterback (Matt Hasselbeck), middle linebacker (Barrett Ruud), defensive tackle (Shaun Smith), and guard (re-signing Leroy Harris). Safety has gone unaddressed, so it appears Chris Hope remains in place. With Ahmard Hall a free agent, they could use a fullback, but may just go with tight ends or an undrafted if he departs.

New needs: Stephen Tulloch didn’t officially leave until after the Titans signed Ruud. They lost Jason Babin to Philadelphia, but never really planned to pursue him hard, and the move of Jason Jones to end helps offset it.

Don’t think they need: Wide receiver is always an issue for the Titans, but they don’t feel the desperation outsiders do. They’re content with their group, though an experienced, low-cost free agent could eventually arrive.

» NFC: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South » Unrestricted FAs

Readiness factor: Quarterback Matt Schaub and rehabbing linebacker DeMeco Ryans took on the major leadership roles for a team that did a lot during the lockout. Schaub led a regimen of offseason workouts right in line with what coach Gary Kubiak would have run. Position groups worked together, and the whole gang got together for minicamp gatherings. Ryans has a pretty good handle on the basics of Wade Phillips’ new 3-4, but he hasn’t played in it. The defensive front will have a lot of learning to do, but Phillips has promised that it’s not as big a transformation as many anticipate.

Biggest challenge: The 3-4 transition is a big deal, despite what Phillips says publicly. Three guys in particular will be under the microscope. Shaun Cody and Earl Mitchell are expected to play effectively at nose tackle, a key spot in a 3-4 even if Phillips doesn’t need a mammoth guy. And Mario Williams will be an outside linebacker who will often look like a fifth defensive end. Can those three guys and the rest adapt to new responsibilities?

High expectations: Kubiak kept his job as the franchise pinned its hopes of a turnaround on Phillips. He’s got a long history of first-year turnarounds. Does he extend it or see it end? And how does Arian Foster, a player who led the league in rushing yards last season, handle success and perform in his second season as the featured back?

Key players without contracts for 2011: Receiver Jacoby Jones, quarterback Matt Leinart, tackle Rashad Butler.

The Texans have been very aggressive in rebuilding their defense and transforming it into a 3-4 scheme. That aggression could continue during free agency. If that is to happen, though, some salary-cap manipulation will have to occur, as Houston looks to be pretty tight up against the expected cap.

The Texans are now loaded with young talent in the secondary, but the back end of their defense was historically poor last year. A stabilizing veteran presence whom everyone can truly count on would do wonders for this defense. Also, even though Houston seems high on Earl Mitchell, I have my doubts about the Texans’ nose tackle position.

Nnamdi Asomugha: Everyone knows what a great player Asomugha is. Everyone knows how awful the Texans were against the pass last year. Imagine how much better Houston would match up against the Colts if everyone in the stadium knew that Reggie Wayne would not be a factor in that particular game.

Johnathan Joseph/Ike Taylor: If the Texans miss out on the crown jewel of free agency, adding another established corner should quickly be their next move. Both Joseph and Taylor can play bump-and-run, off man-to-man coverage or be effective in zone. Either would be an immediate upgrade.

Quintin Mikell: Unlike most teams with a need at safety, strong safety is a bigger need for Houston than free, where Glover Quin will take over after moving from corner. Mikell is clearly the best of the crop. And if Houston can’t land a whale like Asomugha at corner, maybe it can get the top strong safety available in Mikell. If the Texans choose to address their strong safety need with a lower-priced guy, Gerald Sensabaugh would be a logical choice. Sensabaugh played for Wade Phillips in Dallas and is very familiar with the system that is being installed.

Vonta Leach: Finding pure blocking fullbacks is not a difficult thing to do. But finding ones as effective as Leach, who is the best at it in the NFL, is a whole different story. Leach is the perfect guy to lead Arian Foster through the hole and to pick up blitzing linebackers. Houston should lock him up pronto.

Darren Sharper: Sharper isn’t nearly the player he once was. But his leadership could be invaluable in such a young secondary. In fact, this team lacks elder statesmen in its locker room who possess the “been there, done that” factor that Sharper obviously has in spades. Even if he just contributed with the Texans’ sub packages, Sharper -- or someone else of a similar ilk -- would be a wise addition to such a young team.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com. Follow Matt Williamson on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL.

Shaun Cody's got a stable full of doubters, but the faith of one key person.

He understands the former and intends to prove himself worthy of the latter.

How is the seventh-year defensive tackle who’s “just” 304 pounds going to man the nose in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 front?

Fans and analysts are skeptical, but Phillips has repeatedly pronounced that Cody and second-year man Earl Mitchell will be fine in the nose tackle spot, a key to most 3-4s.

“When you hear 3-4 defense, the thing that pops in your mind is you want a big, huge, mountain of a guy who’s 350, 350-plus in the center of it,” Cody said. “That’s what I thought until I heard how Wade Phillips wants to do it, how he’s had undersized guys before. That’s what gave me the confidence about the kind of role I’ll be in.

“There are always going to be naysayers and guys who want a change. But I think Earl and I will be good for the job and we’ll hold it down for them.”

Phillips is charged with revamping a defense that ranked dead last (268 ypg) against the pass in 2010 and gave up 74 points more than the league average.

He got a defense-heavy draft class that didn’t include a nose tackle and initially cast Mario Williams as Bruce Smith (who Phillips coached in Buffalo) at defensive end, but now has Williams as a weak outside linebacker with the hope he will become DeMarcus Ware (who played for Phillips in Dallas).

Recently, in clarifying how the outside linebackers will be deployed, Phillips said it will function more like a 5-2. That’s a scheme that will put a strain on the corners, a topic for another column.

There is, at this point, an element of mystery about what Phillips’ defense will look like with his Texans personnel. One coach told me he expects it will amount to an "under" defense with a four-man line, with Williams always standing up on the open end of the line. If that's the case then identifying the fourth rusher, the big challenge in facing a 3-4 scheme like Pittsburgh’s, won’t be a mystery with Houston and Williams.

Both Cody (who was listed at 6-foot-4, 304 pounds last season) and Mitchell (6-3, 291) will be looking to show the system can work with a less-than-giant nose guard. It will be more of an adjustment for Mitchell, who started his college career at Arizona as a fullback before moving to defense. Cody won’t see a great change from the way he lined up in last season’s 4-3, and he and Mitchell will not be responsible for two gaps the way monster defensive tackles in many 3-4s are.

“I’ve had huge nose guards,” Phillips said after the Texans’ recent golf tournament. “They’ve all played different techniques because of what their body type was and what they could do well. Greg Kragen, who was in the Pro Bowl in Denver, was smaller than the guys we have now. I know the league is bigger now. But he was one of the smaller guys and he played it really, really well.

“Cody actually played the technique that we play with our nose quite a bit last year in some of the under defense they ran and played it well.”

During a break in his day in Southern California earlier this week, Cody said he understands his role and his niche. He was part of the Detroit team that didn’t win a game in 2008. As a free agent following that season he visited New Orleans and Houston before signing with the Texans.

“I think and I hope I’m known for stopping the run,” he said. “I’ve played predominantly on first and second down and I think I’ve done a good job of it and I think that’s one of the reasons they wanted me back …

“Every guy wants to rush the passer and I’d love to help more with that. But we have a great bunch of pass rushers on this team. I’m a team guy first. I know that D-linemen love rushing the quarterback and I love rushing the quarterback, too. But to be on a team where you can have a role on it, I love filling out that role.”

In discussing Cody and Mitchell, Phillips has also talked of Jay Ratliff, his undersized nose tackle in Dallas.

Mitchell actually has common friends with Ratliff and plans to talk with him soon, picking his brain. But Ratliff won’t be able to pass along to Mitchell his super-violent hands, a key to Ratliff's effectiveness.

“I’ll ask him what goes into being productive in this defense and about what I can expect,” Mitchell said. “He knows Wade Phillips and he understands what he wants to get done in this defense. It’s my first time playing 3-4 and I want to understand the best way to be a productive part of the team. I’ve watched a lot of his film, I think I can do a lot of things that he does. It gives me a good sense of the defense coming this year.”

Both Cody and Mitchell met Phillips briefly before the lockout, and the new coordinator was able to convey his confidence in them. While Phillips’ vision for Williams has evolved, his approach to the middle of the defensive line has not.

Cody, who was heading for his second tour of unrestricted free agency, was one of the handful of players around the league who got a new contract before the labor impasse reached a boiling point.

Phillips has not been on the field for work with either player. He saw enough on tape, though, to tell coach Gary Kubiak and general manager Rick Smith they could spend draft picks on other spots, and the team got defensive end J.J. Watt, linebacker Brooks Reed, cornerbacks Brandon Harris and Rashad Carmichael, safety Shiloh Keo and linebacker Cheta Ozougwu.

Both Cody and Mitchell said they appreciate Phillips’ faith, and are determined to show he was right to have it.

“It’s a big deal for me,” Mitchell said. “I feel honored. I have a great deal of respect for the man and just being able to be mentioned, going into just my fourth year ever playing defensive tackle, it gives me a good feeling. I have to go out there and prove him right …

“A lot of people are skeptical. But I know the player that I am. I don’t buy into what people are saying. I don’t really listen to critics. All the stuff people are saying, that’s the stuff that motivated me to get into the NFL in the first place. I know what I can do as a player. I’m going to show my motor, keep playing.”

Said Cody: “My whole career I’ve been in a 4-3 and I’ve always wondered what I could do in a 3-4, what kind of player I’d be in that system. It’s exciting. Hopefully I can prove I can play in any system and be a good football player.”

I’ll allow context clues to tell you what Thursday’s column will be about.

But as I’ve reported it, I was able to take a side venture and get scouting reports on two Tennessee Titans draft picks.

Here’s Houston nose tackle Earl Mitchell, who played at Arizona while quarterback Jake Locker was at Washington, on the Titans new quarterback:

“Jake Locker is a really good runner and I know he can do good things for the Titans. I know what he’s capable of on his feet and I know that he can throw the ball pretty well. He could impact a game in either way.

“I wasn’t able to play him my senior year because of a freak injury and my junior year he wasn’t able to play against us because of some injury that he had. So I only played against him my sophomore year and that’s when I was on offense [playing as a fullback].

“A lot of people buy into what the media says about people, trying to give him a lot of the same kind of criticism they gave Tim Tebow. I think he’s pretty much shown what he can do and I think he’s capable of a lot of the same things that Tebow can do. Those players are real similar to me. As far as mechanics go, I think Jake Locker is going to be fine. He has a learning curve. I know he’s a good player and he has the ability to be a great player.”

Clearly Mitchell was struck by Locker’s abilities on the move. I’d not heard the Tebow comparison before. I sure expect Locker, even with accuracy issues, to come into the league as a better throwing quarterback that Tebow did.

I also talked to Texans nose tackle Shaun Cody, who played at USC, about a guy he followed closely who just finished playing for the Trojans, new Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey.

Here is Cody on Casey:

“I like him. I don’t know if you remember Mike Patterson in Philadelphia. But he’s got the same kind of body-type and the same kind of up-the-field presence as Mike. He plays real hard. He had a chance to be coached by Ed Orgeron last year. I’m sure coach O taught him a lot of technique.

“I think he’ll be a ball of fire up there in Tennessee.”

Free agency has the potential to change things. But after the draft, here are three Texans who are more valuable/more important than they were before:

Shaun Cody: The Texans insisted prior to the draft that they would be fine in the new 3-4 with Cody and Earl Mitchell as their nose tackles. Many of us wanted to believe it was a smokescreen and they would come out of the draft with one anyway. They didn’t. Comparisons of Cody to Wade Phillip’s last nose tackle, Jay Ratliff in Dallas, are way off. But Cody’s the lead guy now and need to be productive.

Glover Quin: The team added two cornerbacks and a strong safety. I’d expect with the current construction of the defensive backfield the Texans would execute the plan to move Quin, a corner who’s at his best inside, to free safety. There is risk involved, but they are more reliant on him and his potential to succeed with the move now.

Kevin Walter: A dynamic receiver to go opposite Andre Johnson would have been a nice draft addition. Maybe they take a stab at a free agent. But it was only a year ago when they gave Walter, a precise and reliable guy, a significant deal to hold on to him. He should remain the second starter and we may need to say a 51-catch receiver with five touchdowns isn’t a bad piece in this powerful offense.

Gary Horton of Scouts Inc. provides two Insider files of interest Friday, offering AFC South team profiles and needs .

Here are snippets of interest with some of your AFC South blogger sprinkled in.

Houston Texans

Organizational structure: GM Rick Smith and Kubiak work well together and they usually seem to be on the same page. They have a deep and veteran scouting staff, but they are not a group that likes to take a lot of chances. They stay true to their draft board and they don't make a lot of 'gut' decisions. While they don't always look overly creative, they also don't make a lot of glaring mistakes. For such a deep and experienced front office, why is the product on the field not improved with better talent?

Horton’s needs: S, CB, OLB, NT, WR RS

My thoughts: With the lack of late-round success, I'd almost wish some decisions had been gut decisions. Kubiak and Wade Phillps have down-played nose tackle as a need. But Shaun Cody and Earl Mitchell are nothing close to Jay Ratliff, the smaller nose Phillips had in Dallas.

Indianapolis Colts

Offseason observations: This team has been to the playoffs nine seasons in a row, and while they were disappointed in their first-round loss to the New York Jets, they won despite having 18 players on injured reserve. The Colts also had five losses by three points or less and never seemed to get into any kind of groove. They need to improve their offensive line and run game to take some pressure off Peyton Manning.

Horton’s needs: OT, DT, SS, WR, G-C, CB

My thoughts: I expect an offensive tackle, but am not so sure about an interior offensive linemen. They have a lot of guys in the mix there, including second-year man Jacques McClendon, who should make a jump. If Bill Polian sees a receiver worth No. 22, I could totally see him going that way. But who is that guy?

Jacksonville Jaguars

Offensive philosophy: Coordinator Dirk Koetter has adjusted his offense to accommodate what David Garrard does best, which is a short passing game with a quick release and some roll-outs and bootlegs. They will still run the ball a lot with some two tight end sets to set up play action. The offense not only lacks a deep threat, but also a true No. 1 WR.

Horton’s needs: S, DE, CB, QB, WR, OLB

My thoughts: Sixth ranks too low for outside backer and they need a middle linebacker too as they seem unlikely to bring Kirk Morrison back. But these are all legitimate needs and he didn’t even get to interior offensive line. Jacksonville doesn’t have enough picks.

Tennessee Titans

Defensive philosophy: Jerry Gray is the new coordinator and he will likely keep the 4-3 defense intact, although [Mike] Munchak wants to show some multiple fronts to confuse offenses and cover up personnel deficiencies. They want most of their pressure to come from their front four without a lot of blitzes, but they are quick one-gap penetrators and always on the move. On the back end they will play a lot of zones and they really try to be physical. It is an assignment-oriented defense designed to not give up big plays, but they really dropped off in 2010, especially versus the pass.

Horton’s needs: QB, MLB-OLB, DT, G-C, CB, DE

My thoughts: A lot of people want to give the Titans an interior offensive lineman and they may draft one because Leroy Harris could be a free agent. But all indications are Munchak and his offensive line coach, Bruce Matthews, plan to keep the line intact and think the interior will be better.

» 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 philosophy

Houston Texans

Coach Gary Kubiak and general manager Rick Smith have had their moments and hit on some stars. But they’ve failed to do as well when filling the guts of their roster. Enter Wade Phillips, the new defensive coordinator whose opinion on defenders with the ability to fix things is expected to carry a lot of sway. The needs are clear at outside linebacker, safety and cornerback. The team has said Shaun Cody and Earl Mitchell are sufficient as nose tackles, but surely it has to consider an outsider. Look for the Texans to lean on defense, unless they give in to what appears to be an overwhelming temptation to draft a tight end. They want to draft with a best-player available mentality, but need can sway them.

Indianapolis Colts

Bill Polian’s reduced administrative responsibilities allowed him to focus even more on the draft and planning for all possible scenarios coming out of the lockout. He is a best-player-available drafter who has not had a big home run at the top for a while. Typically the Colts put a premium on the sort of skill player who can be a part of the best supporting cast for Peyton Manning. Does Polian decide that at this point in time, a pricey offensive tackle is needed for that cast? Offensive tackle and defensive tackle are issues, but Polian has never taken a player at either position in the first round during his tenure in Indianapolis. Blue-chip skill players often carry the day at the top.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars head into a the third draft of what they consider to be a four-draft rebuilding process. They have found some very good pieces under general manager Gene Smith's steady hand. He likes guys who played a lot in college and were team captains -- resume lines that are becoming increasingly popular for many teams. Todd McShay said Smith prefers high floors to high ceilings, and it’s an effective way to think following a regime that busted far too many times. Smith’s fifth, sixth and seventh rounds haven’t produced a lot yet, so that’s an area where we can look for improvement.

Tennessee Titans

Jeff Fisher is gone. New coach Mike Munchak and his staff will certainly have input and influence. They have coached the scouts on adjusting some personnel for system alterations. But more power resides upstairs now than it has in recent years. General manager Mike Reinfeldt is heading into his fifth draft in the post. He’s got a new right-hand man in Ruston Webster, the team’s vice president of player personnel. Reinfeldt is a consensus builder with a veteran scouting staff. They have fallen in love with some big workout guys with mixed success -- Chris Johnson was a big hit, Jared Cook is still up in the air and Chris Henry was a failure. Last year’s draft put a huge premium on smart guys and it’s a trend that is likely to continue.

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.