2023 NFL Draft Grades: AFC South

With the 2023 NFL Draft officially 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

Houston Texans

Grade: B+

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of what the Texans pulled off on Day 1. They deserve a ton of credit for making the right choice with Stroud at No. 2, and trading back up to get the best defensive player in the draft at No. 3 was like something you'd only see in a movie. This is a home run class if you only look at the names acquired - and that may be all that matters in the end. But we shouldn't overlook the exorbitant cost. In trading from No. 12 to No. 3, the Texans gave up No. 33 and first- and third-round picks next year. Even with the improvements made to Houston's roster, we shouldn't rule out the possibility that the 2024 first-rounder ends up falling in the top three picks. Such an outcome, even if Anderson becomes a perennial All-Pro, could make this trade a colossal failure with generational talents like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. available next year.

Indianapolis Colts

Grade: B+

All that Will Levis buzz, just for the Colts to make the right decision with Richardson in the end. Credit to the front office for ignoring the noise on the Florida quarterback and taking a swing on a player who has the potential to change the trajectory of the franchise. There's also plenty to like about the rest of the class, with Indianapolis using one pick after another on unique athletes. Downs and Adebawore, in particular, have the potential to be steals at their respective draft positions. Overall, this is a class that could get the Colts back on track.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Grade: C+

The Jaguars clearly weren't drafting for need. It's hard to fault them for that approach, because every team strives for a "best available" strategy. But it's also tough to be too excited about a group that failed to address Jacksonville's most pressing needs on the defensive side. Meaningful additions to the defensive backfield and pass-rush group could have gone a long way toward the Jaguars taking the next step toward contention. It's fair to wonder whether there were some missed opportunities on that front.

Tennessee Titans

Grade: B-

Skoronski is a potential Pro Bowler no matter where he ends up playing on the offensive line. You won't find anyone criticizing that pick. We've got some major questions about the rest of the board, though. As much as it may seem like a value to scoop up Levis in the second round, it's worth noting that this is a quarterback the entire league, including the Titans themselves, didn't deem worthy of a first-round pick. Solidifying the quarterback position was a must, but we would have liked to see them move up for a quarterback they were more sold on as a franchise-caliber player. Instead, Tennessee finds itself settling for Day 2 passers in back-to-back years. Spears is an exciting player, and one of our top-ranked running backs, but news that he fell due to long-term concerns over his knee adds significant risk to the pick. Overall, this class is much less of a home run than the name value would suggest.