2024 NFL Mock Draft: 1 premier first-round selection for each AFC South team

Nothing stirs up excitement like the NFL Draft in the thrilling football world. As we approach the 2024 season, the AFC East division is brimming with anticipation.

At NFL Mocks, we will comprehensively analyze and Mock Draft for each AFC South team. The Jacksonville Jaguars are performing exceptionally well, with their sights set on the Super Bowl. On the other hand, the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, and Houston Texans are still navigating their paths toward victory. As we approach the halfway mark of the 2023 NFL season, it's essential to assess the performance and potential of the teams in the AFC South.

Before we start, here are some things to keep in mind. The Jags look like a legitimate contender, so they have been assigned a loss in the AFC Championship game and a 30th overall pick. The Titans at 3-4 will get the 7th overall pick, the Colts (3-5) get No. 9, and the Texans (3-4) get the 13th selection.

The Texans traded their pick in the first round to the Arizona Cardinals in the Will Anderson Jr. trade at the 2023 Draft and acquired the Browns pick this year. We will cover those picks so that the Cardinals will go at 13, and the Texans will get No. 21 in our midseason NFL 2024 Mock Draft for the AFC South, and here we go

Let's delve into a speculative midseason NFL 2024 Mock Draft for the AFC South this week. The season's pulse quickens as the NFL Draft 2024 approaches. Here is a look at each team's potential selections, strengths, and possible impacts on the team's future performances.

At the No.7 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Mock Draft for the AFC South, the Tennessee Titans select WR Washington, Rome Odunze. He would be an incredible addition to the team, providing them an additional dimension for their passing game. 

Odunze was highly sought-after by powerhouse college football teams, such as Alabama, Oklahoma, and Florida, before he committed to the University of Washington in August 2019. His junior year performance in 2022 was remarkable, earning him accolades like Third-Team All-American from the Associated Press and Pro Football Focus and First-Team All-Pac-12 from the Associated Press and Phil Steele. 

He stands tall at 6-foot-3 and 201 lbs and is known for his impeccable hand skills, confidence, and ability to catch the ball from the air away from his frame. Odunze is an excellent route-runner known for exploiting zone coverages and finding open spaces. His physical presence, wide wingspan, expansive catch radius, elite concentration, and fast-twitch reactions make him an excellent choice for the Titans.

 The Titans are undergoing a youth movement in 2024 with Will Levis under center, and Odunze's selection would significantly boost their wide receiver corps.

With the No. 9 overall pick in the midseason NFL 2024 Mock Draft for the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts select Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. Bowers stands out as a potential solid pick. Bowers has shown remarkable skills on the field, making him a potential asset for the Colts' offensive lineup

In 2021 and 2022, the Georgia Bulldogs took home consecutive national championships. Their star tight end, Brock Bowers, led the charge in both campaigns and has remained one of the top players in the country. 

Standing at 6'4" and weighing 240 pounds, the No. 1 ranked Bulldogs tight end has hauled in 41 catches for 567 yards, four receiving and one rushing touchdown. He won the John Mackey Award in 2022 and is a favorite to be the first repeat winner in the award's history. 

Adding Bowers to the offensive group of Johnathan Taylor, Josh Downs, Michael Pittman, and quarterback Anthony Richardson will be problematic in the upcoming seasons. 

The Texans, who traded their first-round pick in 2024 to the Arizona Cardinals for defensive end Will Anderson Jr., have an extra selection from the Deshaun Watson trade in 2021. With the 13th pick going to the Cardinals, the Texans will make their selection at the 21 spot.

With the 21st selection in the midseason 2024 NFL Mock Draft for the AFC South, the Houston Texans select LSU WR Malik Nabers. Nabers has shown great promise and could potentially fill a gaping void in the Houston offense.

Nabers is known for his speed and agility, making him a difficult player to defend against. His ability to make big plays could turn the tide, favoring the Texans in crucial games. In 2023, outside of flashes from Tank Dell, the Texans WRs lack difference-makers, but Malik Nabers is a prime candidate to be the Texans' centerpiece.

At 6'0" and 200 pounds, he can be a three-level threat. Nabers is explosively swift and has a keen control of his motion speed. Furthermore, he has an instinct for catching the football and is agile and persistent after the catch.

Going into 2023, Nabers is among the nation's top receivers, having garnered 72 receptions, 1,017 yards, and three touchdowns in the prior season but far exceeding that with 56 receptions, 981 yards and nine yds this year. This has made him the leader in receptions in the SEC and second in receiving yards. His performance in the Citrus Bowl against Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry was outstanding, earning him MVP honors. 

In addition, he has been involved in 25 college games with 17 starts and has earned 2,415 yards and 16 TDs from 166 receptions. His attributes include an adept route-running capacity and an ability to shift gears quickly. 

CJ Stroud has shown he is an elite quarterback in the making; getting him weapons needs to be the Texans' highest priority. Nabers and Stroud could be a Manning/Harrison duo for the next decade.

Finally, with the 31st pick in the midseason 2024 NFL Mock Draft for the AFC South, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Clemson's Jeremiah Trotter Jr, linebacker. He's a dynamic player known for his hard-hitting style and could be the perfect addition to the Jaguars' defensive unit.

An NFL legacy, a fellow Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne alums from Clemson, Trotter is a dream pick at 31 overall.

Trotter Jr. is not just your average linebacker. At Clemson, he showcased his ability to play in various positions across the defense, demonstrating his versatility. His excellent speed, agility, and power make him a formidable force on the field. His addition to the team could provide the Jaguars with a much-needed boost in their defensive lineup.

Trotter brings an appealing traditional presence to the gap but has also displayed added dynamism as a blitzer and a pass-rushing menace. Much like his All-Pro Sr., Trotter is a highly impactful linebacker, with his greatest strength being his ability to read and anticipate the game. He is undersized, which affects his physicality and speed. However, his anticipation and recognition abilities usually make up for it. 

During the 2022 season with the Tigers, Trotter took 615 snaps, resulting in 55 tackles, 20 assists, three pass breakups, two interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 44.5 when targeted. Additionally, he totaled 22 pressures, 10 QB hurries, six hits, and six sacks. In seven games, he recorded 48 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles this season.

Trotter is competitive, energetic, and able to maneuver past opponents with his motor. He displays good speed and closing burst when blitzing, as well as the combination of size and athleticism that is worthy of further development.

Trotter has enough speed to chase and run in pursuit and the athleticism to perform in space when needed for coverage. Also, he is swift to recognize the run and has the agility and speed to pass by blockers and finish. He is experienced in coverage and gives a solid jam to outside receivers.

This is the missing piece the Jaguars need to win their first Superbowl.