We are just days away from the 2023 NFL draft, so our latest AFC South news round-up to check in on the Tennessee Titans’ division rivals — the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars — is mostly centered around the draft.
One of the more interesting pieces of information to come out this week came out of the Texans when general manager Nick Caserio said he’d be willing to deal with the rest of the division.
This is, of course, significant because both the Titans and Colts are in the top 11 and in need of a quarterback. I still think Tennessee would have a difficult time moving up, but crazier things have happened.
Meanwhile, in Indy, the Colts revealed how many players they have a first-round grade on, while the Jags have a few players in mind with their first-round selection.
Check out those stories and many more in our last AFC South round-up ahead of the 2023 NFL draft.
How many starting jobs do Colts need filled entering NFL draft?
Colts Wire’s Meghan Hall lists four starting jobs the Colts need to fill going into the draft. The list includes quarterback, cornerback, slot receiver and right guard.
Jonathan Taylor: Contract negotiations won't be a distraction
Jonathan Taylor is up for a contract extension as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, but he says he won’t let that become a distraction and plans to fulfill his obligation of playing out his current contract.
Chris Ballard dismisses assumption Colts targeting one player
Despite being routinely linked to Kentucky QB Will Levis ahead of the draft, Colts GM Chris Ballard says the team is targeting more than one player with its No. 4 overall pick.
Chris Ballard on pre-draft rumors: 'Everybody's lying'
Straight facts from Ballard here, as teams are putting up smokescreens left and right, which is why it’s hard to trust a lot of the information out there.
Colts have first-round grades on 17 prospects
Ballard revealed that the Colts have a first-round grade on 17 prospects in this year’s draft class.
Right now, the Colts have 17 players with first-round grades, according to GM Chris Ballard.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) April 21, 2023
Evan Engram sits out voluntary workout after getting franchise tagged
Jags tight end Evan Engram has not signed his franchise tag and was not in attendance at voluntary workouts. The former New York Giant is hoping to receive a long-term deal, but the two sides have until July 17 to reach an agreement or else Engram will be set for free agency again in 2024.
Jaguars 'trending in direction' of long-term deal with TE Evan Engram
While Engram is not in attendance at voluntary workouts, it appears the two sides are moving in the direction of a long-term deal, at least in the words of Jacksonville’s general manager.
Reports: Former Jaguars draft pick Chris Smith dies at age 31
Just a terribly sad story here, as former Jaguars defensive end Chris Smith passed away at the age of 31 last week. The cause of death was not reported. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
Jaguars DB Chris Claybrooks arrested and charged with assault, vandalism
Jaguars defensive back Chris Claybrooks was arrested on Saturday, April 15, and is facing misdemeanor charges of domestic assault with bodily injury and vandalism, according to court documents.
Jaguars' Calvin Ridley after 2 years away: 'Why can't I be better?'
New Jags receiver Calvin Ridley hasn’t taken a snap in the NFL since Week 7 of 2021. Despite that, he believes he could be even better than he was prior to his significant absence from the game.
Ranking the Jaguars' draft needs after free agency
Jags Wire’s Adam Stites ranks Jacksonville’s draft needs ahead of the three-day event. Topping the list of 10 positions is cornerback and pass-rusher.
Trent Baalke: Jaguars eyeing '2 to 3 guys' in 1st round
Jags general manager Trent Baalke says the team has its eye on two to three players in the first round, although he did not say who, of course. Jacksonville owns the No. 24 overall pick in the first round.
Jaguars narrowed draft board to 127 players who 'fit the culture'
The Jaguars have a grand total of 127 players who they believe are draftable based on culture fit, Baalke told the media last week.
Texans keying in on late round picks to have successful draft
Nailing the draft isn’t just about being successful in the early rounds, and Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans clearly understands that, which is why the team is focusing a lot of attention on the later rounds of the draft.
Texans GM Nick Caserio says he isn't going anywhere
After rumors about a possible organizational shake-up, Texans general manager Nick Caserio made it clear he isn’t going anywhere.
Should the Texans be interested in 49ers QB Trey Lance?
Texans Wire’s Mark Lane takes a look at a scenario in which the team trades for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance and how that would likely impact their draft.
How will Texans GM Nick Caserio respond to latest self-inflicted setback?
Texans Wire’s John Crumpler lists Caserio’s self-inflicted wounds over the years, a list that includes the team squandering the No. 1 overall pick, which put them out of position to draft the quarterback they want, Bryce Young.
Texans GM Nick Caserio says WR John Metchie has 'made significant progress'
Caserio revealed that wide receiver John Metchie, who missed his entire rookie season after being diagnosed with leukemia, has “made a lot of progress.”
Nick Caserio says Texans are willing to trade with other AFC South teams
This is a story we covered here at Titans Wire, but just in case you missed it: Caserio says the Texans are indeed open to trading within the division. Even if that’s the case, Tennessee would have a tough time getting up to No. 2.
