With the bulk of free agency and the entire NFL Draft officially behind us, it’s time to look at how each team did in the offseason. Did they get better? Worse? What grade did each team receive? All those questions, and more, answered here. We’ll move through one division at a time continuing today with the AFC South:
Houston Texans
Free Agency Grade: B+
Everyone will look at what Houston did in free agency and question their decision to part with Andre Johnson. I won’t. He’s too old to pay big money to for a team without a stud QB. It made sense going younger with Cecil Shorts III and a draft pick (Strong). Their secondary looks better now with the addition of Rahim Moore, and it was smart to re-sign Kareem Jackson. Vince Wilfork could be a short-term difference maker after signing him, but it did hurt a little losing Brooks Reed, who is underrated as a player. Bringing in Hoyer to compete with Mallett was another sound move.
NFL Draft Grade: A
The Texans added three players that I thought could be first round picks. Kevin Johnson and Benardrick McKinney will likely start immediately for the defense, and Jaelon Strong could also start at WR on offense. They hit on needs and got great value on most of their picks.
Overall Grade: A-
The team improved in nearly all areas, and could take a major step forward this year if they get consistent quarterback play. Their defense could be even more dynamic this season if Clowney stays healthy and produces as a top prospect should. Are they a threat to the Colts? Probably not, but they can be soon with a better signal caller.
Indianapolis Colts
Free Agency Grade: A
The Colts are clearly going all-in to win a Super Bowl and build a better team around Andrew Luck. On offense they parted with inconsistent Hakeem Nicks and Trent Williams, and brought in veterans Frank Gore and Andre Johnson. Both will make an impact. Todd Herremans will also help the offensive line immediately. On defense, they added contributors as well who have played well for other teams. These included Trent Cole, Dwight Lowery, Nate Irving, and Kendall Langford. While there will be plenty of discussion moving forward on who to keep and release, they are ready to win this season in a big way.
NFL Draft Grade: D
No offensive linemen until the seventh round… No safeties drafted at all… No big guys up front on defense until the fifth round… What is going on? When it was their turn to pick in the first round, it was shocking that Malcom Brown and Landon Collins were still available. Both would make an instant impact and likely start and improve the defensive in Week 1. But they passed and took a wide receiver… Why? Outside of quarterback, that was the strongest position by far on their team. Although I like Dorsett, he won’t play much. Hilton, Moncrief, Johnson, Carter, Fleener, Allen… why did they pick another pass catcher? Only reason this grade wasn’t a failing grade was due to Henry Anderson, who I thought was a solid choice at the end of the third.
Overall Grade: B
Despite a shockingly bad draft, they still improved as a team due to free agency and will have a chance to win it all this year. It will come down to defense, which has to improve at stopping the run. Those Patriots and Broncos will be tough opponents in the AFC once again.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Free Agency Grade: A-
The Jaguars had cap space and made some good signings with it. Jared Odrick will make a big impact right away. Re-signing Alualu was smart as well. Bringing in Julius Thomas was a massive deal for that offense too, especially since they had to support their young QB better.
NFL Draft Grade: A
I loved what the Jags did on draft night too. Fowler wasn’t the best player available at #3 but he was the best edge rusher. Yeldon gives them something different than Denard Robinson at RB, so that was smart. A.J. Cann is a solid guard and Rashad Greene is an intriguing receiver. Both could make an impact this season on offense. I thought James Sample and Michael Bennett were both steals for their defense also. All were solid selections.
Overall Grade: A-
Would have been a straight 'A' grade here had Dante Fowler not already tore his ACL. That’s a tough break for a young team trying to improve. But they added a lot of good pieces in both free agency and the draft. They are still in a healthy place in terms of cap space too. It will now come down to developing that talent, particularly Bortles at QB.
Tennessee Titans
Free Agency Grade: A-
I know Tennessee didn’t bring in any superstar, but they were productive during free agency. They re-signed every top guy from their own team, really only parting with a struggling Michael Oher and an aging Nate Washington. Brian Orakpo was their best signing, a guy that’s an elite pass rusher when healthy. I thought Da’Norris Searcy was a good fit for them too. Depth signings included Bell, Cox, Douglas, and Fasano.
NFL Draft Grade: B
There was some good and bad with their draft. First, I have mixed opinions about them drafting Mariota. They could have traded the pick and gotten a ton from somebody, a move I likely would have made if I were running the team. At the same time, there is now optimism surrounding their quarterback situation for the first time in a while, and Mariota could be very good down the road. What I loved most about their draft however was the two wide receivers they drafted: Dorial Green-Beckham was my second highest rated wideout in the draft, and Tre McBride was one of my favorite sleepers (drafted in 7th round). Both could be great weapons for Mariota through the years.
Overall Grade: B
Did they do enough to challenge for the playoffs… No. But they are improving and the playoffs could be within reach in the next couple of years. For Tennessee fans, that’s a long time to wait but it’s at least within sight now, which it wasn't before.
By: The Sports Guys
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