The AFC South teams made significant moves in the 2024 NFL draft, addressing key needs and securing promising talents. The Colts stood out with their focus on bolstering their roster around Anthony Richardson, earning an A- grade. Meanwhile, the Texans landed quality players despite lacking a first-round pick, earning an A grade. Jacksonville displayed strategic trading and addressed needs with high-upside prospects, earning a B- grade. The Titans addressed major needs with their first few picks but faced criticism for some selections, earning a B grade. Overall, the AFC South teams showcased their commitment to building competitive rosters for the upcoming season.
Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
Lassiter earned recognition as second-team All-SEC in 2023, showcasing his prowess with eight pass breakups. Known for his strong cover skills, he fills a cornerback need for the Texans after their quiet free agency period.
Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
Fisher demonstrated versatility by playing both left and right tackle during his college career at Notre Dame. His selection addresses the Texans’ need for depth on the offensive line, particularly behind established starters Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard.
Calen Bullock, S, USC
Bullock brings a ballhawk mentality to the Texans’ safety room, having amassed nine interceptions during his college tenure. With uncertainties surrounding safety Jimmie Ward’s health and Jalen Pitre’s performance, Bullock adds competition and potential for defensive impact.
Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
Lassiter brings versatility and solid cover skills to the Texans’ cornerback group, addressing a need for depth and potential long-term stability opposite Stingley Jr. His experience facing tough SEC competition prepares him for the NFL, and he has the ability to contribute in various defensive schemes, providing valuable flexibility for the Texans’ defense.
Lassiter’s athletic limitations may pose challenges, but his agility and instincts could still translate to fantasy relevance. Likely to see immediate playing time in Houston’s secondary, potentially in the slot, where his short-area quickness can shine. However, his value may be limited by his struggles against deep threats due to his lack of top-end speed. Keep an eye on his development and role within the Texans’ defense for fantasy impact.
Kamari Lassiter’s path to NFL success involves refining technique, improving eye discipline, enhancing strength and physicality, and honing ball skills. Consistency in tackling, mental preparation, and adaptability to various schemes are crucial for his long-term impact and potential starter status.
From NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein: Lassiter shows promise in press-man and zone coverage, though he may struggle with deep throws initially. While physical and well-coached, he’s yet to fully demonstrate ballhawk tendencies, potentially slotting in as a nickel back or safety
Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
NFL Team Fit: Fisher adds depth and future protection for quarterback C.J. Stroud by joining the Texans’ offensive line. Despite being overshadowed at Notre Dame, Fisher’s size, quickness, and technical skills make him a promising prospect at right tackle. With Tunsil and Howard as the starters, Fisher provides insurance against injuries and developmental potential for the future.
Texans bolster O-line with Fisher, drafted 59th overall. Tunsil and Howard’s injury history prompts the move. Fisher, a solid pick, adds depth and potential starter quality. At 6’6″ and 310 pounds, his athleticism and experience make him a valuable asset.
Blake Fisher, a powerful right tackle prospect from Notre Dame, possesses impressive arm length and quickness for reaching his landmarks. While excelling in run-blocking, he struggles with resetting against certain pass-rush techniques. With refinement, particularly in hand placement and recovery, Fisher could become a valuable asset in both run and pass protection schemes. His path to success in the NFL involves honing his technique, particularly in pass protection, to maximize his potential as a starting-caliber offensive tackle.
Calen Bullock, S, USC
Bullock enhances the Texans’ safety room with his ball-hawking abilities and deep coverage skills. With Ward’s injury history and Pitre’s regression, Bullock adds competition and playmaking potential to the secondary. His experience as a top Pac-12 defender suggests he can adapt quickly to the NFL level, potentially becoming a key contributor in the Texans’ defensive sch
The Texans drafted Calen Bullock in the third round, 78th overall. At USC, he showcased versatility as a safety, but his slender frame may limit his impact in run defense. However, his potential transition to cornerback could enhance his fantasy value, especially in press coverage. With youth on his side, Bullock’s potential weight gain over the next few years could solidify his role as a fantasy-relevant defensive asset.
Calen Bullock, USC safety, possesses size and athleticism, excelling in both run defense and pass coverage. He must enhance his strength and pad-level consistency to tackle effectively and handle blockers. With continued development, focusing on technique and physicality, Bullock has the potential to become an impactful safety at the NFL level. His roadmap to success involves refining his tackling technique, improving pad-level consistency, and enhancing strength to thrive as a versatile defender in both run support and pass coverage.
From USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Bullock’s coverage skills are praised, but his run defense is seen as a concern, earning the Texans a B grade. From NFL.com’s Chad Reuter: Despite concerns about his build, Bullock’s selection earns an A- for bolstering the Texans’ secondary, though other positions could have been addressed at that spot.
Comparative Analysis:
Compared to previous years, the 2024 NFL Draft offers notable depth and talent at key fantasy positions, particularly at wide receiver. Players like Brian Thomas Jr showcase the significant potential for fantasy production. While the draft class may not boast as many immediate impact players as in some previous years, there’s still ample talent to monitor for fantasy football purposes, especially with the potential for long-term growth and success.
Conclusion
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2024 draft class includes potential immediate stars like Brian Thomas Jr. and Maason Smith, providing impact at wide receiver and defensive tackle positions. Sleeper picks like Deantre Prince and Myles Cole offer promising long-term prospects, adding depth and potential to the team’s roster. Overall, the Jaguars aim to build around Trevor Lawrence while investing in both immediate impact players and future assets for sustained success.