2023 Free Agency Preview: AFC South

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Today marks one week until the official start of the 2023 NFL league year. Free agency brings fresh opportunities for teams to find their next building blocks with roster construction. The AFC South is set to undergo massive changes throughout this offseason. Much of those changes could very well start in free agency. Let’s preview the upcoming free agency period for the AFC South division.

What are the top positions of need for all of the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans? Plus, who could be some possible outside additions at those positions of need? Let’s kick it off.

Houston Texans

Team Needs: Offensive Line, EDGE Defender

It is almost a given that rebuilding teams are looking to beef up each side of the trenches. But for the Houston Texans, it has been a while since they have had stars at most of those spots. You could see Houston add at a number of places on the offensive line. Guard sticks out as a glaring need.

On the defensive line, new head coach DeMeco Ryans will look to fuel his pass rush. There was always ample depth for him as the defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers. Perhaps, he looks to add to the EDGE defender position this offseason.

Possible Fits: Nate Davis, Kerry Hyder

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Nate Davis could be a sneaky good offensive lineman available this offseason. After four years with the division-rival Tennessee Titans, Davis has built a steady resume. He plays a clean game, rarely committing penalties. His blocking technique, footwork and instincts is also rather crisp at the guard position.

Ryans could look to count on a veteran that played for him in San Francisco. By possibly calling on Kerry Hyder, the Texans could get a long and versatile pass rusher. Hyder is capable of moving across the defensive line, lining up in different shades. Finally, he can offer Houston a bit of veteran leadership in a rebuilding locker room.

Indianapolis Colts

Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Offensive Tackle

The Indianapolis Colts were a trendy pick to win the AFC South in 2022. But entering 2023, they currently have the fourth overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft, while Shane Steichen takes over as head coach. The Colts have many spots that could be addressed. Yet, two positions stand out in particular on offense.

Wide receiver just lacks necessary depth to contend against top defenses. Michael Pittman Jr. has been tremendous, and Alec Pierce flashed at times as a rookie last year. Though, they need more running mates. Indianapolis must also find more stability at offensive tackle.

Possible Fits: Mecole Hardman, Isaiah Wynn

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You have some size and superb route running with Pittman Jr. and Pierce. Perhaps, the Colts look to add more speed to the wide receiver room in 2023. Mecole Hardman never transitioned into a complete pass catcher. Nonetheless, a change of scenery could do wonders for him inside of a new offensive attack.

Isaiah Wynn dealt with some injuries in New England. But when healthy, Wynn showed that he could be an aggressive and nasty force upfront for the Patriots. The Georgia product could lock down a left tackle spot that has been dire for the Colts for quite some time.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Team Needs: Interior Offensive Line, Interior Defensive Line

The Jacksonville Jaguars had an amazing finish to the regular season. As a result, they won the AFC South and won a home playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers with one of the greatest comebacks in postseason history. This team is in a pretty good spot right now, especially on offense.

There are a couple of spots on the offensive line that could be upgraded. Look for the interior spots to get some focus throughout this free agency period. Moreover, the interior defensive line could be a place where Jacksonville hopes to add more depth.

Possible Fits: Trai Turner, Khalen Saunders

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Trai Turner has continued to be a successful stalwart as a starting guard. No matter what team he goes to, that squad has received crucial leadership from the veteran blocker. Turner is a bit underrated as an athlete and with his lateral agility. Ultimately, he would be a determined blocker that would take great pride in protecting a younger passer like Trevor Lawrence.

Khalen Saunders enjoyed a bit of a breakout season with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022. He received a larger role, appearing in a career-high 16 games for the regular season. In total, Saunders finished with new single-season career highs in tackles (48), quarterback hits (eight), sacks (3.5) and tackles for loss (three). This defender moves smooth for his size and can also add length at defensive tackle.

Tennessee Titans

Team Needs: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver

After a 7-3 start to 2022, things went south quick for the Tennessee Titans. Before you knew it, Tennessee ended the year with a seven-game losing streak, finishing 7-10. General manager Jon Robinson was fired. It seems that head coach Mike Vrabel won the internal battle there. He will look to tailor the team more to his liking, to boot.

Offensive line is a need at multiple spots. This could easily be addressed in free agency and in the upcoming NFL Draft. Like the aforementioned Colts, more depth is just needed immediately at wide receiver. Tennessee’s current top three wide receivers on the depth chart are Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Kyle Philips.

Possible Fits: Orlando Brown Jr., DJ Chark

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The Chiefs made a somewhat surprising decision to not franchise tag Orlando Brown Jr. Could he be moving on from Kansas City? If he does reach the open market, Tennessee feels like an obvious fit for the Oklahoma product. Brown Jr. may also fit better in an offense that leans on the run game and exudes balance.

DJ Chark may not be a contender to be a team’s WR1. However, he does nothing but produce in a variety of ways, when healthy. Chark can be a vertical threat. He can catch opponents off guard with his separation quickness. In addition, Chark is extremely reliable in contested catch situations.

Be on the lookout for more FPC NFL articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.