The AFC South teams had varied approaches in the 2026 NFL Draft, with each team focusing on different strategies for building their rosters. Key contributors and overall grades for each team's draft class are analyzed.
Key points
AFC South teams had varied strategies in the 2026 NFL Draft
Indianapolis Colts found immense value despite no first-round pick
Carnell Tate was selected fourth overall by the Tennessee Titans
Each team's draft class was analyzed and graded
Focus on immediate starters versus depth varied among teams
Carnell TateIndianapolis ColtsTennessee Titans
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Carnell Tate of Ohio State poses for a portrait after being selected fourth overall by the Tennessee Titans during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Carnell Tate of Ohio State poses for a portrait after being selected fourth overall by the Tennessee Titans during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Beyond evaluating Houston’s draft class, it’s important to assess the incoming talent across the AFC South. Each of the AFC South opponents approached the NFL Draft uniquely; some sought immediate starters, some acquired depth behind starts, and one team went rouge. Below, each class is analyzed, key contributors are spotlighted, and a final grade is given. The grades are based on their overall draft haul, including the value at each pick and their ability to address needs heading into the class.
Indianapolis Colts
For a team without a first-round pick, they stole the show throughout the draft and found immense value.
Nothing is more infuriating than liking an opponent’s draft class more than the Texans. The Colts selected two ‘my guys’ for the Texans, including the top ‘my guy’; S A.J. Haulcy and RB Seth McGowan. They also landed an elite LB duo of CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher to completely renovate the LB room. Seventh-round receiver Deion Burks was a multi-round steal and is a burner down the sideline. OG Jalen Farmer is an absolute menace in the run game with the widest frame in this class. They rounded out by improving the defense end position by stealing George Gumbs Jr. and Caden Curry in the fifth and sixth rounds.
Round 2, Pick 21 (53): LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Q&A
What were the key highlights of the 2026 NFL Draft for the AFC South teams?
Each AFC South team had a unique strategy, with some focusing on immediate starters while others prioritized depth.
How did the Indianapolis Colts perform in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Despite not having a first-round pick, the Colts were praised for their draft performance, finding immense value throughout.
Which players were selected by the AFC South teams in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Notable selections include Carnell Tate, who was picked fourth overall by the Tennessee Titans.
What grades were given to the AFC South teams for their draft classes?
Final grades were assigned based on the overall draft haul, including the value at each pick and how well teams addressed their needs.
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Round 5, Pick 16 (156): DE George Gumbs Jr., Florida
Round 6, Pick 33 (214): DE Caden Curry, Ohio State
Round 7, Pick 21 (237): RB Seth McGowan, Kentucky
Round 7, Pick 38 (254): WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma
GRADE: A-
Tennessee Titans
The Titans also landed one of “my guys” in LB Anthony Hill Jr., selecting him immediately after Houston took Marlin Klein. Tennessee traded up for Hill, suggesting they believed he wouldn’t make it past the Texans. Beyond that move, however, the class lacks much pizzazz. Eighty-two picks later, Carmona Jr. profiles as a lumbering guard who struggled during Senior Bowl practices, while Singleton is an athletic but limited running back.
This class is defined by big swings. Faulk, Hill Jr., and Singleton all project as developmental pieces with high upside. Faulk, the youngest player in the class, is a true blank canvas with immense potential, though his fit in Tennessee’s 4–3 front remains a question. Tate stands out as the most well-rounded prospect—something expected from a top-five selection. The question remains: did the Titans do enough to improve both sides of the ball?
Round 1 (No. 4): WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Round 1 (No. 31): DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Round 2 (No. 60): LB Anthony Hill, Jr., Texas
Round 5 (No. 142): G Fernando Carmona, Jr., Arkansas
Round 5 (No. 165): RB Nick Singleton, Penn State
Round 6 (No. 184): DT Jackie Marshall, Baylor
Round 6 (No. 194): C Pat Coogan, Indiana
Round 7 (No. 225): TE Jaren Kanak, Oklahoma
GRADE: C-
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville traded away their first-round pick to Cleveland to move up and select Travis Hunter in the 2025 NFL Draft. This was arguably the wildest and worst class in the entire draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars went their own way with this class. The Jaguars chose the Noah’s Ark route and went two-by-two with their selections; two tight ends, two defensive ends, and two wide receivers. According to Ourlads, not a single pick is expected to start this season.
They did get an absolute steal on Emmanuel Pregnon in the third, but outside of that pick this class is full of situational players. Albert Regis was another ‘my guy’, but was a Day Three prospect and doesn’t provide pass rush acumen. Overall, this class doesn’t move the needle for the Jags. Another player to watch is TE Tanner Koziol. He’ll be a red zone target for Trevor Lawrence and create mismatches for the Texans.
Round 2 (No. 56): TE Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M
Round 3 (No. 81): DT Albert Regis, Texas A&M
Round 3 (No. 88): G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
Round 3 (No. 100): S Jalen Huskey, Maryland
Round 4 (No. 119): DE Wesley Williams, Duke
Round 5 (No. 164): TE Tanner Koziol, Houston
Round 6 (No. 191): WR Josh Cameron, Baylor
Round 6 (No. 203): WR CJ Williams, Stanford
Round 7 (No. 233): DE Zach Durfee, Washington
Round 7 (No. 240): LB Parker Hughes, Middle Tennessee State
GRADE: D
If the Texans were to walk away with another team’s class, I would most want the Colts. Not only for the quantity of good picks, but many of them are at positions of need. I rate Jalen Farmer similarly to Febechi Nwaiwu for their fit in the Texans offense. The defensive additions the Colts made will improve their roster for quite a while and they also added multiple options at key positions.
