The 2009 NFL Draft is in the books, here is a look at the AFC South's Draft Summaries, by team.
Houston Texans
The Texans focused on the defensive side of the ball but they did invest a 3rd round pick in a C/OG Antoine Caldwell from Alabama that folks like and two mid round selections on TE, the one in particular that fantasy leaguers should keep on the look out for is James Casey who is a super athlete and could develop into a pass catching specialist.
Summary: The Texans said they wanted to add a big back, maybe they’ll do that via trade, but generally they come out of this trade with the same collection of skill position players as they ended in ’08 with. The difference this year is they know they have a dynamic, game breaker at RB with Steve Slaton and the makings of a deep & strong WR core with Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Andre Davis & Jacoby Jones at WR, and a top TE in Owen Daniels. If QB Matt Schaub can step up his game, the Texans have the makings of a top 15 offense.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts will made one of the bigger surprises in round one by selecting RB Donald Brown when they already have a young, stud in Joseph Addai on their roster. Their other early pick was on a corner, so Brown is the big prize for fantasy leaguers.
Summary: Brown is a very talented back, somebody who could be a three down contributor, but Addai will be featured this year. That said, Addai took a big hit both this year and long-term in Indy with this selection and is no longer a sure fire RB1, he’s now a strong RB2 with Brown as a RB3 with upside. This move helps Peyton Manning slightly by ensuring the Colts have a balanced rushing attack. The addition of Austin Collie in the 4th round was a good one, he’s a strong possession type guy who will give Manning another reliable weapon in the passing game.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars say they stuck to value on their draft board and by the looks of it, it would seem to be the case. The Jags took one of the top 3 OT’s in the draft at #8 with Eugene Munroe, then drafted the #5 rated OT in Eben Britton early in the 2nd round. Their offensive line was a mess in ’08, so these selections along with the free agent signing of Tra Thomas will give them more depth & productivity. They also added two WR’s in the middle rounds, Mike Thomas (4th) and Jarret Dillard (5th), who are both known for being very good & productive receivers, likely slot type of guys who will contribute on special teams.
Summary: The Jags made sure to protect their investment in Maurice Jones-Drew & David Garrard in this draft, and in doing so made MJD a likely safe top 5 fantasy RB in ’09. Garrard now is a sleeper to be a top 10 QB with an improved line, some depth at WR and the arrival of his first real featured WR in Torry Holt. Also the Jags may have snagged a steal in the 7th round in RB Rashad Jennings who could be Jones-Drew’ backup immediately, keep an eye out for him.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans needed to add pass catching ability to their team and they certainly made an effort by selecting WR Kenny Britt at the bottom of the 1st (30th overall) and TE Jared Cook in the 3rd (89th overall). Both add elements that are lacking from the current squad and ideally will take some of the defensive attention away from Chris Johnson & LenDale White.
Summary: Britt & Cook aren’t going to be productive fantasy producers in ’09 but don’t be surprised if they positively impact Chris Johnson by providing him some more room to roam. The Titans are a run first team, so Kerry Collins’ value remains as a fantasy reserve (or waiver wire pick up) until Britt or somebody else on the Titans shows they can make plays in open space down the field.
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