The 2026 NFL Draft rookie class is anticipated to have a significant impact within the AFC South. With top selections poised to strengthen the rosters of the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans, NFL Mocks shifts focus to the 2027 NFL Draft class and examines how emerging prospects may further enhance these teams in the coming seasons.
In the AFC South, expect a three-team battle between the Texans, Jaguars and Colts. As those three teams battle it out, can the Titans emerge as a legitimate contender under new head coach Robert Saleh? Can Cam Ward take the next step in Year 2 of his NFL career with a shiny new weapon in Carnell Tate, selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The prospects who could define the AFC South's future
The way this division develops in 2026 will impact which players each team prioritizes in the 2027 NFL Draft. Based on current Super Bowl odds, here’s an early overview of potential top picks for every AFC South team.
No. 6 Tennessee Titans: Colin Simmons, ED, Texas
The Titans grab the projected top edge rusher in the draft with the selection of Texas Longhorns star Colin Simmons. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound phenom racked up 43 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 12.0 sacks in his breakout season in 2025.Â
Simmons, known for his quickness and relentless pursuit of the quarterback, joins 2026 draft picks Keldric Faulk and Anthony Hill Jr. to form a promising young core for the Titans under defensive head coach Robert Saleh.
No. 18 Jacksonville Jaguars: Cayden Green, T, Missouri
The Jaguars are expected to have a high need at tackle following the 2026 NFL season. They solve that need with the selection of Cayden Green with the 18th pick in the draft.
As a player who can help protect Trevor Lawrence, Green brings great size at 6-foot-5, 324 pounds and adds great versatility with his ability to play tackle and shift inside to guard if needed. While Green lacks elite quickness, he makes up for it with his broad frame, raw power and hand technique.Â
Whether his strength in the NFL is offensive tackle or guard, he will help the Jaguars strengthen their offensive line.
No. 19 Houston Texans: Jordan Seaton, T, LSU
The Texans continue to build in the trenches with the selection of Jordan Seaton with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-5, 307 pounds, Seaton projects as one of the top tackles headed into the 2026 season due to his size, massive wingspan, and his footwork in controlling speed rushers.
Seaton does need to develop more on his pass protection which is why he would make a more ideal right tackle for the Texans, who have Aireontae Ersery holding down the left tackle spot. Seaton, although not as massive as Trent Brown, would be an ideal successor and an offensive lineman who could help the Texans solidify the line in front of C.J. Stroud and help their rushing attack.
N/A Indianapolis Colts: No first round pick in 2027
The Colts 2027 NFL Draft first round pick went to the New York Jets in the Sauce Gardner trade. Indianapolis is expected to have a top need at defensive tackle with DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart getting up there in age. If they had a first-round pick, targets in the 2027 NFL Draft would include Oklahoma’s David Stone and Texas Tech’s A.J. Holmes who NFL Mocks has the Jets selecting with that Colts’ first round pick.Â
The Colts may also require additional depth in their secondary, another impactful pass rusher, and more options at wide receiver. Some of these needs could potentially be met through selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Add us as a preferred source on Google