MOST IMPROVED TEAMS, DIVISION BY DIVISION, PART 1 of 8: AFC SOUTH

Author Peter DiPaola

Here are the results of voting on who the most improved team is in the AFC South:

Twitter Poll:
Titans 28%
Jaguars 27%
Colts 27%
Texans 18%

Facebook Poll:
Titans 37.5%
Jaguars 25%
Texans 25%
Colts 12.5%

Writer's Pick: Tennessee Titans

This was a tough pick because the Jaguars and the Texans improved as well, but the Titans really went after their areas of need in the draft and free agency.  Tennessee went 9-7 in 2016 and missed the playoffs, but now with  Marcus Mariota coming back from an injury he suffered in week 16 in the 2016 season an improved roster the Titans could make the playoffs this season.

Tennessee did well on the ground on offense (3rd in rush yards per game) and against the run (2nd in rush yards allowed per game), the passing attack (25th) and passing defense (30th in yards allowed) were a different story.  Tennessee acquired two time Super Bowl champion cornerback, Logan Ryan from New England in free agency and Demontre Hurst from the Bears (also a free agent signing), which helped because they released Jason McCourty, a cornerback they had.

Tennessee also spent a first round pick on cornerback when the selected USC's Adoree' Jackson with the 18th pick.  The Titans should see an improvement in pass defense with their signings and the draft pick, which helps in a division with plenty of offensive fire power in the passing attack.  Tennessee did address their need for pass catchers in the draft as well by taking Western Michigan's wide receiver Corey Davis with the 5th overall pick (from the Rams).  Both 3rd round picks were spent on weapons for Marcus Mariota, they seleceted Taywan Taylor, wide receiver from Western Kentucky and tight end Jonnu Smith from Florida International.

Titans fans will have plenty to be excited about, as will the team, with all the improvements on offense in the passing game and the defense in the same category with the players acquired, Tennessee can improve on their 9-7 record from 2016.  A strong running game with added weapons to throw to for Mariota is great for Tennessee as is the mixture of veterans and rookie cornerbacks to the team.

2017 Record Prediction: 11-5 and AFC South Title

All statistics and draft pick information are from www.nfl.com