The AFC South looks wide-open in 2024 after the conclusion of the NFL Draft. Out of all the teams in the division, this team landed the top draft gem in the AFC South.
The AFC South’s Top Draft Gem
Jacksonville Jaguars: Maason Smith – DL LSU
The LSU Tigers defense had lofty expectations heading into 2023. With Smith, Harold Perkins, Mehki Wingo, and Jordan Jefferson, the LSU defensive line had a chance to be special. Instead, Jayden Daniels took the country by storm and carried LSU because the defense fell apart. Smith did not live up to his full potential as a five-star recruit coming out of high school but also went through a lot in his time at LSU. Injuries ultimately hampered his potential to be a top-ten pick in the draft. The adversity should help him make a smoother transition to the NFL. The flashes were there at LSU though, and Smith possesses an NFL frame and explosive traits. Some of Smith’s best traits are his length, finesse, and first step as a pass rusher.
With Ryan Nielsen taking over as defensive coordinator in Jacksonville, Smith landed in an ideal situation in the draft. Last season in Atlanta, Nielsen raised the performance of the Falcons defense in a short time. Under Nielsen, the Falcons doubled their sack production from 2022 to 2023 (per Jaguars.com). He had Calais Campbell anchoring the middle of the defense, and in Jacksonville, he now has Smith and Arik Armstead to build around. Armstead was signed to a three-year deal in Jacksonville, but Nielsen should be able to find a home for both players and find ways for them to make an impact immediately. Given the draft value and scheme fit, Smith is the top draft gem to come out of the AFC South.
Honorable Mention: Solomon Byrd – Edge USC
A seventh-round pick by the Houston Texans, Solomon Byrd’s journey to the NFL has been a long one. He was lightly recruited as a high school prospect and played six years of college at two schools. The fact that he worked his way up the depth chart at USC and made an impact in his final season for the Trojans shows he could make it in the NFL. There are always teams needing to add juice to their pass rush, and the Texans are coached by one of the best defensive minds in the league. With Demeco Ryans, Byrd has an ideal coach as he works to add polish to his game.
While there are limitations to his game, Byrd flashed enticing traits on tape at USC and has a chance to be a force off the edge. His speed is one of the best aspects of his game. Byrd has also shown a knack for punching out the football once he gets his hands on the quarterback. Ryans and the Texans run a 3-4 defense, which should fit Byrd’s skill set since they can line him up as an outside linebacker and let him rush the passer in special packages. Houston’s defense is on the rise, and with Byrd, they could have landed a true gem in the draft.
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