The 2025 NFL Draft is behind us, and the AFC South is gearing up for another war of a season. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team trying to find its identity under a shifting roster, coaching philosophy, and front office, this draft class was critical. But how do their picks measure up to the moves made by their division rivals in Houston, Indianapolis, and Tennessee?
From the draft’s biggest stars to hidden gems to head-scratching reaches, we break down the strengths, gaps, and long-term potential of the Jaguars’ divisional rivals – and what it all means for the Jags’ chances of climbing the AFC South ladder.
Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter is selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars as the number two pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Indianapolis Colts
Grade: B+
The Colts focused heavily on defense and trench depth. They kicked things off by grabbing one of the four best players in the draft at pick 14 by taking Penn State superstar tight end, Tyler Warren. Warren is a versatile weapon that has drawn comparisons to Rob Gronkowski from some analysts. Defensively, they added Shavon Revel (CB, ECU), Andrew Makuba (S, Texas), and Teddye Buchanan (LB, Cal), reinforcing all levels of the unit.
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Up front, Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia) adds starting-caliber strength to the offensive line, while Cam Horsley (DT, Boston College) brings size to the interior at 6’3″ and weighing in at over 310 pounds. They also grabbed Damien Martinez (RB, Miami) as a physical backfield complement to their dynamic star Jonathan Taylor and took a flier on Ryan Fitzgerald (K, FSU) to compete for their starting kicker position.
Overall, a balanced class built for immediate depth and long-term development.
Houston Texans
Grade: B-
Houston doubled down on supporting their star QB, C.J. Stroud, using early picks to inject size and versatility into the offense. They grabbed Jayden Higgins (WR, Iowa State) in Round 2 as a big-bodied target, then doubled up with his former college teammate Jaylin Noel (WR) for added speed and special teams value.
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They fortified the offensive line with Aireontae Ersery (OT, Minnesota) and added potential playmakers in Woody Marks (RB, USC) and Luke Lachey (TE, Iowa). On defense, Jaylin Smith (CB, USC) and Jaylen Reed (S, Penn State) bring athleticism to the secondary, while Kyontae Hamilton (DT, Rutgers) provides depth up front. A surprise late-round selection of Graham Mertz (QB, Florida) adds developmental insurance behind Stroud.
Overall, a draft focused on offense with solid long-term upside.
Tennessee Titans
Grade: B
The Titans went all-in on a fresh start, taking Cam Ward (QB, Miami) with the No. 1 overall pick to lead the franchise into a new era. To support him, they added pass catchers Chimere Dike (WR, Florida), Elic Ayomanor (WR, Stanford), and Gunnar Helm (TE, Texas), plus protection up front with Jackson Slater (G, Sacramento State).
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On defense, they grabbed Oluwafemi Oladejo (Edge, UCLA) and Kevin Winston Jr. (S, Penn State) early, then added Marcus Harris (CB, Cal) later on. They closed out the draft with Kalel Mullings (RB, Michigan), a raw running back prospect with power and size.
A clear QB-centered draft, built to kick-start a new identity in Tennessee.
The 2025 NFL Draft provided an interesting landscape for the AFC South, with each team making strides toward bolstering their rosters. The Jaguars earned a solid B grade, while appearing to have found some impactful players, there are still a few areas that could use refinement. The Texans, while graded slightly lower at B-, made some notable picks that could have an immediate impact on the offense, while the Colts’ B+ grade reflects a strong draft class with immediate contributors on both sides of the ball. The Titans, finishing with a B grade, seem to have found their franchise QB but may still face challenges in the coming season.
Overall, each team’s draft class holds promise and hope, but it will be the on-field performance that truly defines whether these moves can translate into success in the competitive AFC South.
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The Jacksonville Jaguars have their work cut out for them to get back to the top of the AFC South. This draft class will certainly help with that, but the play of their underwhelming QB, Trevor Lawrence, will be the deciding factor in 2025 down in Duval.
Related: True to the Teal: The Final Overall Grade for the Jacksonville Jaguars 2025 NFL Draft