The AFC South was once considered the NFL's weakest division, but that seems to be in the past. 

All four teams have reason to believe their trajectories are pointing in the right direction for what seems like the first time in maybe the division's history. 

With the main portion of free agency in the books, the AFC South, like the rest of the NFL, now have turned their focus to the 2024 NFL Draft, where they will attempt to add prospects that will take their rosters to the next level. 

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Each fan base and team is focusing on which player is the best fit for their team's first selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. While the other three teams likely have a player they are hoping doesn't land with their rivals with the fear of having to face them twice a year for the foreseeable future. Below is my opinion on who that one player for each team is that would cause the rest of the AFC South to lose sleep over just the potential of them landing in the AFC South.  

Tennessee Titans: Pick 7
Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama 

Typically, you see the Tennessee Titans mocked an OT or WR at pick seven. While they have multiple really talented options at both of those spots to consider, I don't think that's the player their rivals in the AFC South are the most worried about them selecting. In my opinion, that player is Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner. 

I believe Turner is the clear best edge rusher in this year's draft class after setting new career highs in sacks (11) as well as QB hurries (33). And he tied his career high for QB hits (11). The Titans are still looking for a consistent starter opposite of Harold Landry off the edge, and I think Turner has the potential to become one of the best pass rushers in the entire NFL, which would be the biggest nightmare possible for the other three AFC South teams 

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Indianapolis Colts: Pick 15
Brock Bowers, TE, Georiga 

This one is likely less of a surprise than Turner with the Titans, as the Indianapolis Colts have had multiple top NFL Draft minds discussing how great of a fit Georiga TE Brock Bowers would be in their offense. While some may be against taking a TE in the top half of the first round, Bowers is much more than a typical TE. He is considered one of the best TE prospects in recent memory and is coming off an incredibly impressive college career. During his three-year career at Georiga, Bowers totaled 175 receptions for 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns. 

The ways an innovative play-caller like Shane Steichen could deploy a weapon like Bowers are truly endless. With defenses already having to spend extra time game planning for Anthony Richardson's top-tier athleticism at the QB position, adding a mismatch nightmare like Bowers would truly keep coaches and players up at night. And after we saw all four conference championship participants last year have true difference makers at the TE position, I don't think anyone can minimize how much of an advantage an elite player at TE can be in today's NFL. 

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Jacksonville Jaguars: Pick 17
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Few players have raised their draft stock more during the 2024 NFL Draft cycle than Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell. Mitchell began the cycle with a standout week at the Senior Bowl, where he was the clear best CB in attendance. He followed it up with a stellar showing at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, showing that he possesses elite athleticism alongside his elite coverage ability. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a need at CB, and it's certainly on the table for their first pick. I honestly think either Mitchell or Alabama's Terrion Arnold could qualify as my pick for the Jaguars here. Ultimately, Mitchell's elite athleticism provides an extra element at the position that will only help him stop some of the star WRs in the AFC South. If the Jaguars can land a young star CB, it would raise the ceiling of their defense tremendously, which should worry the rest of the AFC South. 

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Houston Texans: Pick 42
Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia 

The Houston Texans are the only team in the AFC South without a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after choosing to trade their pick to the Minnesota Vikings earlier this offseason. So their first pick will come at pick 42 in the second round, and there will still be plenty of solid talent for them to consider. The Texans have been active this offseason, adding talent at positions of need. Still, there is one position that both head coach DeMeco Ryans and GM Nick Caserio spoke in depth on at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine that they still haven't filled: a WR who excels in creating separation. 

The prospect in this class that fits that mold the best is Georiga's Ladd McConkey. Both Ryans and Caserio also shared that they are looking for a WR who they can trust to win their routes quickly and convert on third downs. McConkey is projected to be drafted as early as the end of round one to the middle of round two. This puts him in reach for the Texans at pick 42, and if they are able to add him to their current WR duo of Nico Collins and Tank Dell, the rest of the AFC South will have a tall task at stopping the Texan's passing game led by star QB C.J. Stroud. 

Final March 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Two Rounds with Trades

See who your favorite team lands in NFL Draft Analyst Destin Adams’ newest mock draft