Which 2024 NFL Draft picks will make their presence known in Year 2 of their NFL careers in the AFC South?
While the Houston Texans look to still be the class of the division, the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars have added talent in the past two drafts who could step up to help this division be more competitive than expected.
In looking back at the 2024 NFL Draft, there were some solid rookie performances put forth, players who should continue to grow and make a difference for their teams in their sophomore seasons. Here is a look at one player from each team who are poised to be even better in 2025.
One Year 2 difference maker for each AFC South team:
Houston Texans – Blake Fisher, OT
The Texans traded away Laremy Tunsil in the offseason so it will be essential that second-year tackle Blake Fisher continues to stabilize himself as a starter and rising star on the Texans’ offensive line. The 2024 NFL Draft second round pick out of Notre Dame was as advertised in his rookie season, earning his first start at right tackle in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. Fisher held his own in that game stepping in for Tytus Howard and now enters his second season as the starter at right tackle.
Although the Texans signed Cam Robinson to replace Tunsil at left tackle, Fisher’s emergence can be more important in 2025 as he does have the ability to slide over to left tackle if Robinson struggles and 2025 NFL Draft pick Aireontae Ersery isn’t ready to step in. If things are secure at left tackle, pencil in Fisher to be a Pro Bowl caliber right tackle for the Texans in Year 2, if not All Pro.
Indianapolis Colts – Laiatu Latu, EDGE
Will Year 2 be a big year for Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu?
Selected with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Latu had a solid rookie season with the Colts. Entering the league as an explosive talent off the edge, Latu had 4.0 sacks and did force 3 fumbles in his rookie campaign. With a season under his belt, Latu should be more of a force in his second season. Another reason is the talent the Colts have coming off the edge.
With the return of Samson Ebukam, the Colts will have a quartet of defensive ends who can create pressure. Along with Latu and Ebukan, Indy also have Kwity Paye and 2025 NFL Draft second-round pick JT Tuimoloau in the rotation. Latu is the more talented of the four and should emerge as the team’s top pass rusher in 2025. Along with his 4.0 sacks as a rookie, Latu also produced 38 pressures and nine quarterback hits. Expect him to be a QB wrecker in the AFC South and help shape the Colts front seven.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Jarrian Jones, CB
Selected with the No. 96 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Florida State product Jarrian Jones is coming off an impressive rookie season in which he emerged as the team’s top slot corner. As a third-round pick, Jones came in and found his niche immediately in the Jaguars’ secondary. He recorded 40 tackles, 2.0 sacks and one interception in his first season in the NFL. More impressively, he was good against the run scoring a PFF grade of 88.5.
In Year 2, the challenge for Jones is to continue to grow as a starter. He will also help set the foundation of the defensive backfield along with two-way star Travis Hunter, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With Hunter likely to make his initial impact on the defensive side of the ball, Jones is poised to be even better in 2025 with the prospects of a shutdown corner in the mix.
Tennessee Titans – T’Vondre Sweat, DT
Following a solid rookie season, Titans defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat will be looked upon to create more pressure on the quarterback. Selected with the No. 38 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Sweat was one of the top ranked interior defensive linemen in the draft. The fact the Titans did get him on Day 2 was a big win and he proved it.
In starting 16 of the 17 games, Sweat lined up nicely next to Jeffery Simmons with 51 total tackles and 1.0 sacks. He also accounted for 3 QB hits in creating pressure up the middle. If he continues to show a strong inside presence in Year 2, he should get to the quarterback a bit more from the interior. Playing alongside Simmons, expect more pass rush opportunity out of Sweat up the middle especially if 2025 NFL Draft second round pick Oluwafemi Oladejo has a strong season as an outside rusher.