The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday night, and hype for the event is at a fever pitch. Every team in the league is looking for its next superstar. The AFC South is becoming increasingly competitive, so what are each team’s biggest Draft needs?
The Texans’ offensive line has been a massive issue for the entirety of quarterback C.J. Stroud’s career. After a stellar Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign in 2023, his production has dropped off tremendously.
Houston’s offensive line has improved slightly, but the effect it’s had on Stroud shows every week. In 46 career games, he’s been sacked 113 times, the fifth most by any QB over the last three seasons.
The Texans hold the 25th overall pick in the Draft and should use it for the best O-lineman available. Clemson’s Blake Miller is ranked 25th on PFF’s big board, slotting him right in that perfect spot.
Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor and Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor are ranked 27th and 30th, respectively. It’s time for the Texans to take the offensive line seriously by adding a 10+ year starter to the lineup.
The Colts don’t have a first-round pick following the trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner. Their first selection will come at 47th overall. The most glaring weakness for Indy last season was in the defensive front seven, specifically at linebacker.
Following the season, the Colts traded Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers, leaving an already weak position weaker. They ranked 30th in the league in pass yards allowed per game (247.9), tied with the Baltimore Ravens.
Without a first-rounder, Indy will be looking for a high-upside player in the second round. Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez is ranked 45th on PFF’s big board, and Cincinnati’s Jake Golday ranks 59th.
The Colts are running the offense back with Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce, but are now without Michael Pittman Jr. They could look for a receiver here, but the defense needs more attention with their limited Draft capital.
Like the Colts, the Jaguars are without a first-round pick. They traded up in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Travis Hunter, sending this year’s pick to the Cleveland Browns. Lucky for them, they don’t have many holes on the roster.
Jacksonville decided to move Hunter to cornerback full-time, eliminating that need early. They do, however, need help at the safety position. They ranked 21st in the league in pass yards allowed per game (218.1).
The Jaguars’ first pick will be at 56 overall, leaving their options limited at safety. LSU’s A.J. Haulcy ranks 52nd on PFF, and the next safety is USC’s Kamari Ramsey at 82nd. They could wait until the third round, when several options will be available.
Another option for the Jaguars could be at linebacker. They lost Devin Lloyd to free agency and could use pick 56 on a replacement for him. Either way they go, the defense will be the top priority.
The Titans need to follow one rule in this year’s Draft: build around Cam Ward. The 2025 first-overall QB showed loads of talent last season, but his surrounding cast was less than stellar. They’ve brought in wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson and tight end Daniel Bellinger, along with a slew of defensive signings.
Tennessee holds the fourth overall pick in this year’s Draft, and it seems likely they’ll take Notre Dame’s running back, Jeremiyah Love. With a high-end rusher and upgraded weapons, it’s time to protect the QB.
The Titans hold the 35th pick in the Draft. They’ll be looking to upgrade the offensive line, specifically the interior. Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon and Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis are ranked 36th and 48th on PFF, respectively.
Pregnon and Bisontis are two of the top three guards available, the top being Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane. He’ll likely be selected in the middle of the first round, far out of Tennessee’s reach. If they can strengthen the line, Ward will get to show off his arm and make huge plays.
The AFC South was overtaken by the Jaguars after the Texans’ two-year run at the top. The Colts went on an early run, where they were projected to be a playoff contender before Jones’ injury. The Titans are behind, but in a building stage. Next up in this series, we’ll be looking at the NFC West.
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