AFC South 2016 NFL Draft Analysis: Round 1

By Joanne Kong

Twitter: @kongfu4u 

With the Los Angeles Rams trading (with the Tennessee Titans) for the first overall pick and the Philadelphia Eagles trading (with the Cleveland Browns) for the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the first and second picks, respectively, were quarterbacks Jared Goff and Carson Wentz.

The good news for the AFC South, no team is in need of a quarterback.

Jacksonville Jaguars: PICK 5

Jacksonville Jaguars

At five, the Jaguars had the pick of the litter, so to speak, in the 2016 Draft.  With major needs in the secondary and offensive line, it was just a matter of who was available after the third and fourth pick.  As expected, with the availability of the top free safety at the fifth pick, the Jaguars took Jalen Ramsey.  The addition of Ramsey will allow the Jaguars to build their secondary, finishing 31st against the pass in 2015, increasing their mobility and helping to minimize opposing playmakers while putting pressure on the opposing quarterbacks.  It’s a hole that was much needed to be filled, but the Jaguars still have a lot of work ahead of them.

Tennessee Titans: PICK 8

Tennessee Titans

The Titans went from having the first overall pick, to the fifteenth pick, and eventually to the eighth pick in the first round.  With the first overall pick, the Titans were predicted to draft offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil.  With the trade, Tunsil’s draft position quickly went into question, but was thought to still be a top ten prospect.

But, Tunsil wasn’t without concern.

In June, Tunsil was arrested for a domestic violence dispute.  Let me put this charge to rest.  Yes, Tunsil was involved in a domestic violence dispute.  No, he was not the abuser.  Tunsil was said to be defending his mother, Desiree, from his step-father, Lindsey Miller.  You might call Tunsil ‘a domestic protector.’  Both Tunsil and his step-father were both arrested when police arrived on scene.

In August, both parties agreed to dismiss the charges filed.  But of course, this situation couldn’t end happily.  Tunsil’s step-father filed a defamation suit against Tunsil days before the draft regarding the domestic violence incident in June.

Another concern with Tunsil was injury, in particular, a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle in the 2014 season.  But again, this was something NFL teams were aware of, and seemed unconcerned with on seeing Tunsil at the Combine.

Laremy Tonsil - Getty Images

Laremy Tunsil – Getty Images

So why did the Titans leap over Tunsil with the eighth pick in the draft?

Minutes before the 2016 draft, a video of Tunsil smoking a gas-mask bong went viral.  Minutes after that, there were allegations of money exchanged between Tunsil and his coach on Instagram.

Stuff like this happens every year, and it will probably happen again in 2017.

In 2015, scandal surrounded the number 1 draft pick Jameis Winston.  But, it didn’t hurt his draft position.  Nor did the Tampa Bay Buccaneers show much concern about their image with the addition of Winston.

The same can’t be said about Tunsil.  The viral video, which Tunsil claimed was hacked from an old account, and rumors of money exchange, pushed Tunsil from potential first overall to thirteenth pick with concerns from clubhouses about the potential image issues and problems Tunsil could bring.  Eventually, Tunsil was drafted by the Miami Dolphins.

A team known for problem players, it wasn’t a surprise that the Dolphins would risk their clubhouse image for talent.  In my opinion, Tunsil is an exceptional player and a bargain at the thirteenth pick.  The saddest part of this situation is, according to the NFL, smoking a gas mask bong while in high school is obviously worse than ‘alleged’ rape, property damage, harassment…but, I digress.

The bottom line for the Titans is that they got the eighth overall pick, giving the Cleveland Browns the 15th overall pick, a 3rd round pick in 2016 and a 2nd round pick in 2017.

The Titans ended up with offensive tackle after all, but Jack Conklin instead of Tunsil.

The Titans needed protection for quarterback Marcus Mariota and they got it.  Jack Conklin was the third ranked offensive tackle, but that doesn’t mean he can’t compare to Laremy Tunsil or Ronnie Stanley.  Conklin is fast off the line, versatile and should be a good fit for the Titans.

Indianapolis Colts: PICK 18

Indianapolis Colts

Like many NFL teams, the Indianapolis Colts were looking to build their offensive line.  Drafting Ryan Kelly (Center) will give Andrew Luck the protection that he needs, and hopefully a healthy season.  With offensive tackles in high demand, the Colts were smart to draft Kelly.  Kelly has an 80-inch wing span, a versatile player (with the ability to play guard).  And for the Colts, the center position was a crucial missing piece of their offense that needed to be filled.

Houston Texans: PICK 21

Houston Texans

What was unexpected was that the Texans traded up one spot (with the Washington Redskins) in exchange for a sixth round pick in 2017.

What WAS expected was that the Houston Texans drafted a wide receiver.  The addition of Will Fuller will open up opportunities for DeAndre Hopkins, as well as adding options for Osweiler?  Yeah, I made it a question.  The Texans haven’t had much luck with quarterbacks and Osweiler hasn’t shown much during his time on the field in Denver with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders as targets, so whether additional receiving options is helpful or not is yet to be seen.

Regardless, the Houston Texans are becoming better rounded with the addition of Will Fuller and former Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller and will be a team to watch in the 2016 season.

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