The AFC South has only two first-round picks from the 2026 NFL Draft, but several other rookie additions are expected to make a significant impact. NFL Mocks highlights non-first round picks who could trouble division rivals for years.
A look at the draft classes of the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans reveals several rookies who could do more than provide depth. These players have the potential to help reshape the AFC South for years to come.
AFC South rookies with long-term division-shaking potential
Here are the rookie rivals AFC South teams need to watch out for:
Houston Texans: Wade Woodaz, LB, Clemson (No. 123 overall)
The Texans added Kayden McDonald with the 36th overall pick to the interior of their defensive front. The run stopping machine will be a force in year one, but another defender they picked up in the draft rivals in the AFC South should worry about is former Clemson linebacker Wade Woodaz.
Selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Woodaz has the makings of a mid-round gem. A highly productive playmaker at the position, the 6-foot-3, 235-pound linebacker brings versatility to the Texans linebacker unit in his ability to play multiple roles, including middle linebacker.
Woodaz projects as a backup weakside linebacker early in his career, but his versatility could earn him a larger role quickly. With his ability to play in space and cover tight ends, he will be a useful addition to a Texans’ defense projected to be one of the top units in the NFL. Due to the Texans' star poweronthe edge and in the secondary, Woodaz could emerge as a key contributor by the middle of the 2026 season.
Indianapolis Colts: A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU (No. 78 overall)
The Colts didn’t have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they selected a couple of players on Day 2 who could make an impact like a first-round pick in Year 1. Following the selection of linebacker CJ Allen with the 53rd pick in the draft, the Colts added safety A.J. Haulcy with the 78th pick in the draft.
Haulcy, an LSU standout, is a hard-hitting safety known for his instincts in zone coverage. He recorded 88 tackles and led LSU with 3 interceptions last season. With the Colts needing a safety, Haulcy fits their requirements and will complement Sauce Gardner on the field.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M (No. 81 overall)
Jacksonville lost their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft because they traded up to select Travis Hunter in the 2025 draft. Their top selection was tight end Nate Boerkircher, and with the 81st pick, the Jaguars filled a need on the defensive line by choosing defensive tackle Albert Regis.
The former Texas A&M star will have the most impact due to his size and toughness in the trenches. Regis also has some sneaky speed and quickness, running a 4.88-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also posted a 34-inch vertical jump showcasing his athleticism at the position.Â
Regis will serve as a strong backup to DaVon Hamilton at nose tackle, adding run-stopping depth. With Hamilton, Arik Armstead, and Ruke Orhorhoro on the unit, Regis is expected to quickly make an impact for the Jaguars, especially against AFC South running backs.
Tennessee Titans: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas (No. 60 overall)
With the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Titans strengthened their offense by selecting wide receiver Carnell Tate. While the choice meant passing on several highly regarded defensive prospects, Tennessee gave quarterback Cam Ward a dynamic target. Still, the team may have landed one of the draft's biggest steals later by selecting linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. at No. 60 overall. Under Robert Saleh's guidance, the athletic linebacker has already flashed his range and playmaking ability during OTAs and minicamp.
In impressing coaches early in camp, Hill Jr already has veteran linebacker Cody Barton looking over his shoulder as the rookie has a good chance to win the starting inside linebacker spot alongside 2024 draft pick Cedric Gray. Are the two poised to form a dynamic linebacker duo to lead the Titans into the future?Â
If Hill Jr. continues to demonstrate his playmaking abilities as he did at Texas, this second-round selection could pose a significant challenge in the AFC South for many seasons.
Add us as a preferred source on Google