2024 NFL Draft Grades: AFC South

With the 2024 draft complete, theScore's NFL editors hand out their initial grades for each team's incoming rookies.

NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST

Grade: B-

Trading out of the first round got the Texans the pick they needed to acquire Stefon Diggs. The draft haul itself wasn't nearly as exciting as the rest of Houston's offseason, but don't be surprised if this group helps the team take another step forward. Lassiter is a smart player and put together a productive career at Georgia. He could be a Day 1 starter for DeMeco Ryans' defense in the slot. Fisher was one of this year's most interesting mid-round offensive line prospects and could compete to start at either guard or tackle. Bullock is a gifted coverage player in the deep middle.

Grade: B+

Indy took advantage of the early run of offensive players, making Latu the first defender off the board at No. 15. The UCLA star was the No. 1 edge rusher on our prospect rankings, and we see him as an early candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. The high-value additions continued in Round 2 when the Colts ended Mitchell's slide at No. 52. A smooth route-runner with an intriguing blend of size and speed, the Texas star could be one of the biggest steals of the draft. Cornerback should have been more of a priority for the Colts - perhaps instead of doubling up on offensive line depth in the middle rounds - but the overall returns are strong.

Grade: C+

Thomas' vertical speed makes him a great fit with the rest of Jacksonville's offense, and it was fair to assume that the Jaguars would target a receiver at some point after losing Calvin Ridley. We also like the second pick, as Smith's flashes of brilliance at LSU hint at some incredible NFL upside. But waiting until the third round to address the cornerback spot - easily the biggest need on the roster - was a puzzling decision. Jacksonville could have had its pick of either Terrion Arnold or Nate Wiggins at No. 23. This seems like yet another example of the Jaguars missing out on clear opportunities to improve their chances to compete in a crowded AFC playoff picture.

Grade: C

Early impressions of the Titans' class are fairly disappointing. Latham fills a massive need, but the Alabama product ranked as our No. 7 offensive lineman in this draft. T'Vondre Sweat is a massive nose tackle who could be a dominant run defender, but it's tough to project much pass-rush upside right now. He was also arrested for DWI earlier this month before visiting the team. The Titans made some interesting additions later in the draft, including Gray in the fourth round, but it's tough for Day 3 picks to compensate for the lack of value early on. This group doesn't quite bring the same excitement as the rest of Tennessee's offseason acquisitions.