[Editor’s note: The following is our fifth in a series of NFL Draft team needs by division We’ve looked at the AFC East, AFC North, NFC South, and NFC West.]
Houston
CB: The Texans didn’t think Dunta Robinson was worth the money, and we don’t blame them. That said, it’s a major problem that Glover Quin is the best cornerback on this team by far. Peyton Manning probably doesn’t mind.
RB: Steve Slaton’s back injury makes the position a question mark. We love what we saw from Arian Foster late last year, but Gary Kubiak’s comments indicate he’s only a role player. They could draft a starter in the first or second round, which would complete a playoff-ready offense.
DL: The Texans have hit some home runs with their defensive picks (Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, and Brian Cushing). The run defense has definitely improved, but we think Houston needs more bulk up front to pair with Amobi Okoye and Shaun Cody.
S: The Texans need two cornerbacks really, but they also could use a safety that can cover.
Jacksonville
DE: They basically need to replace 2008 second round bust Quentin Groves. Aaron Kampman helps a lot, but there is no quality depth and still plenty of questions about Derrick Harvey.
S: It’s not a good sign when a player that is on the edge of getting cut (Reggie Nelson) is still slated to start at free safety. Gerald Alexander at strong safety isn’t much better.
QB: The Jaguars are a sleeper team in the Jimmy Clausen sweepstakes. You can look at the quarterback situation three ways. 1) Jack Del Rio may not have the patience or job security to develop a new golden boy. 2) Jack Del Rio is running out of patience with David Garrard. 3) Jack Del Rio no longer has the juice to make these decisions.
WR: It wouldn’t be April if we weren’t listing wide receiver as a Jaguars team need. The team is in better shape than usual with a true No. 1 entering his prime in Mike Sims-Walker. Mike Thomas also looks like a player, but is he ready to start? Troy Williamson and Kassim Osgood aren’t.
Indianapolis
OL: Is Charlie Johnson the long-term answer as Peyton Manning’s blind side protector? No matter the answer to that question, the Colts need to beef up their interior line to help a stagnant running game. The moves they’ve made this offseason are just window dressing.
CB: No team is better than the Colts at drafting and developing players to fit their system. No team has fewer pressing needs at any position. Jerraud Powers should be a good player for a long time, and Kelvin Hayden is solid across from him. The team could use competition for last year’s surprise nickel back Jacob Lacey.
DT: Daniel Muir, Antonio Johnson, and Eric Foster all played better than anyone could have expected. We still think the Colts should bolster the depth of the position here.
LB: They didn’t draft a linebacker last season and could use an option if Clint Session leaves via free agency in 2011.
Tennessee Titans
DT: Looking at this roster, the Titans are really in better shape than you’d think at nearly at every position. The biggest exception may be the defensive line. This team relies too much on the excellence of line coach Jim Washburn. They have a lot of solid guys, but need some top-tier talent.
DE: This isn’t a team that is going to rely on pressure from their linebackers or safeties on blitzes. They need better natural pass rushers.
CB: Half of the state of Tennessee is competing for a starting job opposite Cortland Finnegan, and Jeff Fisher would like to add another name to the mix. For now, last year’s mid-round picks Jason McCourty and Ryan Mouton look like the best bets.
WR: In Kenny Britt, Nate Washington, and Justin Gage, the Titans have a future No. 1, and two solid No. 3’s. All of them have size and go deep. The group could use a possession receiver. Think Derrick Mason.