2009 NFL Draft Report Card-AFC South

Houston Texans

Round 1 #15 LB Brian Cushing, USC
Round 2 #46 DE Connor Barwin, Cincinnati
Round 3 #77 OL Antoine Caldwell, Alabama
Round 4 #112 CB Glover Quin, New Mexico
Round 4 #122 TE Anthony Hill, N.C. State
Round 5 #152 TE James Casey, Rice
Round 6 #188 DB Brian McCain, Utah
Round 7 #223 S Troy Nolan, Arizona State

Overall Grade: B+

Fantasy Outlook: The Texans made strides in becoming a more than serviceable fantasy defense as they added Brian Cushing, Connor Barwin, and Glover Quin in the early rounds.   Cushing and Barwin figure to have a staring spot locked down.  Houston did do something a bit odd when they drafted two tight ends in back-to-back rounds. 

Indianapolis Colts

Round 1 #27 RB Donald Brown, Connecticut
Round 2 #56 DT Fili Moala, USC
Round 3 #92 DB Jerraud Powers, Auburn
Round 4 #127 WR Austin Collie, BYU
Round 4 #136 DT Terrance Taylor, Michigan
Round 6 #201 QB Curtis Painter, Purdue
Round 7 #222 K Pat McAfee, West Virginia|
Round 7 #236 OL Jaimie Thomas, Maryland

Overall Grade: A

Fantasy Outlook: Donald Brown is the perfect fit in the Colts’ system.  Brown should be able to rack up some nice stats splitting carries with Joseph Addai.  Therefore, Brown warrants fantasy consideration in all leagues.  Fili Moala and Terrance Taylor figure to help make their defensive line a formidable force on an already respectable fantasy defense. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Round 1 #8 OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia
Round 2 #39 OT Eben Britton, Arizona
Round 3 #72 DT Terrance Knighton, Temple
Round 3 #73 CB Derek Cox, William & Mary
Round 4 #107 WR Mike Thomas, Arizona
Round 5 #144 WR Jarrett Dillard, Rice
Round 6 #180 QB Zach Miller, Nebraska-Omaha
Round 7 #250 RB Rashad Jennings, Liberty
Round 7 #253 WR Tiquan Underwood, Rutgers

Overall Grade: B

Fantasy Outlook: The Jaguars didn’t do anything too flashy in the draft, but they did do a great job at addressing some key needs, namely taking two tackles to begin their selections.   Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton should help keep David Garrard upright as well as open holes for Maurice Jones-Drew and the running game.  Mike Thomas may be a bit undersized, but he is a true playmaker at wideout.  Consequently, Thomas is worth a look in fantasy.  Rashad Jennings was a nice value in the seventh round, and he could eventually see the playing field at running back. 

Tennessee Titans

Round 1 #30 WR Kenny Britt, Rutgers
Round 2 #62 DE Sen’Derrick Marks, Auburn
Round 3 #89 TE Jared Cook, South Carolina
Round 3 #94 CB Ryan Mouton, Hawaii
Round 4 #130 LB Gerald McRath, Southern Miss
Round 5 #173 RB Javon Ringer, Michigan State
Round 6 #203 CB Jason McCourty, Rutgers
Round 6 #206 WR Dominique Edison, Stephen F. Austin
Round 7 #239 G Ryan Durand, Syracuse
Round 7 #242 S Nick Schommer, North Dakota State

Overall Grade: A

Fantasy Outlook: The Titans deserve an A just for finally addressing their wide receiver need.   Kenny Britt has perennial Pro Bowler written all over him.  Jared Cook is a terrific pass-catching tight end and is worth a look in keeper leagues.  Tennessee also selected Sen’Derrick Marks, Ryan Mouton, and Gerald McRath to help improve an already upper tier fantasy defense. Javon Ringer was a nice pickup that can contribute as a running back and also in the return game.  Therefore, Ringer warrants fantasy consideration in deep keeper leagues.