NFL Draft Review: AFC South

It's a bold new era in Jacksonville but do they have enough to take down the Texans?

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NFL DRAFT RECAP SERIES: NFCE || AFCE || NFCN || AFCN || NFCS

AFC SOUTH 2025 NFL DRAFT RECAP

The Houston Texans have been on the brink of taking down the AFC heavyweights, falling just short against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Divisional Round. The organization was sure to address any needs this past offseason, doubling-down at several spots via the draft. With a re-worked supporting cast on offense and improved depth on defense, the Texans are capable of competing with any team on a weekly basis. Houston general manager Nick Caserio has been one of the more accurate decision-makers, since taking over the helm in 2023. They will enter 2025 as the clear division favorites and deservedly so.

Welcome to a new era in Jacksonville, led by baby-faced general manager James Gladstone. Just 34 years old, Gladstone came across as wise beyond his years! Pulling off a draft day trade to land the premier player in the entire draft with Travis Hunter took major cahones. You have to admire the boldness, along with the confidence and aggressiveness to execute such a grand plan. Additionally, a major emphasis was placed on special teams, an area that few franchises invest in. A commitment to the almighty third phase of the game, demonstrates a team-building philosophy that highly successful teams have in common. There is a precise plan in tact in Jacksonville and times they are a changing.

With quarterback questions abound within the division, none are more bigger than the dilemma that Indianapolis has on their hands. The Colts rolled the dice on Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in 2023 and thus far, he has yet to deliver on the potential. Hence, veteran Daniel Jones was signed as an insurance policy. Both options could be code for ‘doom.’ Thankfully, the selection of tight end Tyler Warren will provide a valuable security blanket and a weapon over the middle. Most notable was the boost in the trenches, as Indy added some bodies on both the offensive and defensive line. The sneaky selection of DJ Giddens gives them an added bonus of another dangerous runner who possesses size, speed, power and elusiveness.

While we have seen hot-shot signal-callers arrive to the NFL and take the league by storm, such as the aforementioned Stroud, that is not the expectation in Tennessee. Despite a new franchise signal-caller in tow with Cam Ward, the Titans would appear to be at least another year away from being able to contend. They likely plucked two additional defensive starters on the second day of the draft, while stockpiling some new targets on offense for Ward on Day 3. With such a depleted roster, you could certainly see a handful of undrafted rookie free agents also contend for a spot.

Overall, the AFC South is the Texans division to lose. The Jaguars could be factors, depending on the health status of Trevor Lawrence, while the Colts are stuck in quarterback purgatory and the Titans have just hit reset on an all-in rebuild. Should the division race become close, then Week 18 could become a play-in tournament, as the Colts visit the Texans and the Titans visit the Jaguars during the final week of the regular season.

HOUSTON TEXANS

ROUND | PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL

Rd.2 No.34. Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State — A big boundary wideout with explosive speed, Higgins is a much-needed playmaker who adds another long, tall target to pair up with Nico Collins on the boundary.

Rd.2 No.48. Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota — Watch out for Ersery who brings mammoth size and quickness. A fundamentally sound player with great power, he certainly possesses the upside to start sooner, rather than later.

Rd.3 N0.79. Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State — The Texans offense wasn’t as lethal when Tank Dell was out of the lineup. The team ensured themselves of a slot threat weapon with the selection of Noel, in addition to the offseason signing of Christian Kirk.

Rd.3 No.97. Jaylin Smith, CB, USC — A late bloomer who has played every spot in the secondary, Smith settled in at cornerback this past season for the Trojans, owns top-notch speed and should compete for a nickleback role in Houston.