News around the AFC South: Anthony Richardson update, Titans sign WR Tyler Boyd, and more

A roundup of news about the Jaguars’ division rivals courtesy of SB Nation blogs

Houston Texans (via Battle Red Blog)

Houston Texans Draft Class: Grading Each Pick – Battle Red Blog
Grading the Houston Texans draft picks.

Head Coach DeMeco Ryans, along with Caserio, knew they needed to be aggressive in acquiring proven talent, due to the emergence of quarterback CJ Stroud on his rookie contract, and they did just that.

TRADE! Texans acquire Rams WR Ben Skowronek – Battle Red Blog
The Houston Texans are adding to their receiving corps.

Skowronek, who turns 27 next month, has been with the Los Angeles Rams for the past three seasons. Last year, he caught eight passes for 66 yards and a touchdown. The previous year, he played a more impactful role in the Rams offense, catching 39 passes for 376 yards while starting in 11 games.

The Value of Things: Texans Optimism for C.J. Stroud? – Battle Red Blog
What does history tell us about year two?

The second undeniable fact is that with the exception of passing yards, these guys were not better in year two than they were in year one. Why? Obviously the biggest factor are defensive coordinators figuring out their tendencies. Other factors affected each guy individually that might not impact Stroud directly. The Texans have added more talent. They went through a ton of injuries. So, there is obvious reason for optimism.

Indianapolis Colts (via Stampede Blue)

Colts returning most of its youthful roster – Stampede Blue
The Indianapolis Colts boasted the 3rd youngest roster in the NFL in 2023 and are returning nearly 80% of its output.

Heading into the 2023 NFL season, the Indianapolis Colts provided the league’s T-3rd youngest roster with a 25.4-year-old average. Initially led by 21-year-old rookie starting QB Anthony Richardson, the team’s ability to rally behind veteran QB Gardner Minshew across the latter half of the year proves this roster has more dogs than pups as it’s portrayed.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson feels like he’s a ‘full go’—seen ripping the football again – Stampede Blue
There’s another encouraging update regarding the surgically repaired shoulder of franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson.

All offseason we have heard that Richardson has been ‘ahead of schedule,’ but the Colts and Richardson have been cautious with his timeline and not rushed his return. However, it sounds like the Colts franchise quarterback’s surgically repaired shoulder is 100% back—which is great news for the 2024 campaign and beyond.

Colts 2024 draft class will get acclimated this weekend – Stampede Blue
Colts rookie minicamp begins Friday and lasts through Sunday.

The Indianapolis Colts 2024 draft class will soon get acclimated as rookie minicamp begins Friday and lasts through Sunday, May 12.

Tennessee Titans (via Music City Miracles)

Titans reveal jersey numbers for 2024 NFL Draft class – Music City Miracles

The Tennessee Titans revealed the jersey numbers for the 2024 NFL Draft rookie class. First-round pick JC Latham will wear No. 55, according to Jim Wyatt. Latham is just the second offensive linemen to wear #55 in franchise history since interior offensive linemen Jim Flannery wore it for the Houston Oilers in the early 1990s. Aaron Brewer was the latest.

Titans sign WR Tyler Boyd to one-year contract – Music City Miracles
The Titans are going to field an explosive passing offense in 2024!

The Tennessee Titans are signing free-agent wide receiver Tyler Boyd to a one-year contract. The deal is worth “up to” $4.5 million according to a report from Jeremy Fowler. Boyd was in Nashville for an in-person visit with the Titans last week.

“Treylon Burks will have a role” – Music City Miracles
It doesn’t sound like the former first round receiver is going anywhere

Brian Callahan said at this press conference this morning that Treylon Burks will have a role on the Tennessee Titans this year. There has been a ton of speculation that Burks would be on the trading block with the reported addition of Tyler Boyd. Based on what Callahan said today, there do not appear to be any immediate plans to trade Burks.