2015 NFL Draft: Grading The AFC South's Good, Bad, and Ugly

Tennesse Titans

Round 1-Marcus Mariota QB, Oregon 

Round 2-Dorial Green Beckham WR, Missouri

Round 3-Jeremiah Poutasi, OG Utah

Round 4- Angelo Blackson DT, Auburn

Round 4- Jalston Fowler FB, Alabama 

Round 5-David Cobb RB, Minnesota

Round 6-Deiontrez Mount OLB Louisville

Round 6- Andy Gallik C, Boston College

Round 7- Tre McBride WR, William & Mary

The Tians went heavy on offense in this year’s draft, dedicating seven of nine picks to that side. The team’s overall success will depend on whether Mariota is able to adjust to the pro level. If not, the team will continue to struggle.

Best Pick: Cobb

Mariota won’t win games by himself. Cobb should be able to upgrade the Titans stable of runners. He may not unseat Bishop Sankey, but he does add versatility.

Worst Pick- Green-Beckham 

Green-Beckham has first round talent, but fifth round decision making skills. He was kicked off the team in Missouri and has admitted he will need support in order to stay on the straight and narrow. While it’s admirable that he’s admitted his shortcomings, the Titans don’t have the kind of leaders on their team to provide that.

Grade B 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Round 1-Dante Fowler DE, Florida

Round 2 T.J Yeldon RB Alabama

Round 3-A.J Cann OG South Carolina

Round 4-James Sample S, Louisville

Round 5- Rashad Greene WR, Florida State

Round 6-Michael Bennett DT, Ohio State

 Round 7-Neal Sterling WR, Monmouth

Round 7-Ben Koyack TE, Notre Dame 

The Jaguars got from this draft exactly what it needed: players can who contribute immediately.  Fowler should boost the team’s anemic pass rush and Yeldon could easily end up starting on opening. The Jaguars did improved their team more than anyone else in the division in this year’s draft.

Best Pick: Yeldon

The Jags struggled to run last year, which led to Blake Bortles throwing more than a rookie should. Yeldon, along with with Cann should help balance the offense.

Worst Pick: Sterling 

When your worst pick is a seventh rounder, you’ve done well. Sterling has the size to develop into a top flight receiver, but not the speed. He also needs to work on catching passes more consistently. 

Grade A-

Houston Texans

Round 1-Kevin Johnson CB, Wake Forest

Round 2 Bernardrick McKinney ILB, Mississippi State

Round 3- Jaelen Strong WR, Arizona State

Round 5 Keith Mumphery WR, Michigan State

Round 6 Rashard Cliett OLB, South Florida 

Round 6 Christian Covington DT, Rice  

Round 7 Kenny Hilliard RB, LSU

The Texans were aggressive in their pursuit to upgrade the team. After staying put in round 1 two select Johnson, the team traded up in rounds 2 and 3 their targets. The Texans fortified an already solid defense and added at least one offensive target who will contribute immediately

Best Pick: Strong

The Texans have completely revamped their receiving corp this offseason and Strong figures to be on the receiving end of a lot of passes from whoever eventually is named starter. He’s a big target with a knack for the big play. Getting him in the third round may prove to be a steal.

Worst Pick: Cliett

Cliett isn’t a bad pick, per se, but he is the pick to see the field least in 2015. He didn’t set the world on fire at USF but has shown a knack for special teams. if he’s going to make it on the field in 2015, it will likely be there.

Grade: B  

Indianapolis Colts

Round 1-Phillip Dorsett WR, Miami (FL) 

Round 2- D’Joun Smith CB, Florida Atlantic

Round 3- Henry Anderson DE, Stanford

Round 4-Clayton Geathers S, UCF

Round 5-David Parry DT, Stanford

Round 6-Josh Robinson RB, Mississippi State 

Round 6-Amario Herrera ILB Georgia

Round 7-Denzell Goode OG, Mars Hill

The Colts entered the draft with few needs, and they drafted like one. The Colts appeared to go with the best player available mentaility, which is how all teams should draft in theory. However, the team didn't address it's one gaping hole until the fifth round,which could derail their Super Bowl ambitions.

Best Pick: Parry

Parry is a big bodied, run stuffer who is capable of getting to the quarterback. The Colts were gashed repeatedly by inside running teams last season, especially the Patriots. Parry should be able to stop the bleeding a little.  

Worst Pick: Dorsett

The odds of Phillip Dorsett becoming a bust are very slim. He’s an explosive receiver who can turn any pass he catches into a touchdown. So what’s the problem with this pick, you ask? The Colts needed more receivers like Bill Belicheck needs more hoodies. Was Dorsett the best player available on the Colts board? Possibly. Will he contribute more to the team than a run stuffer like Malcom Brown who was still on the board when the Colts were on the clock? Not likely.

Grade: C