AFC South Notes: Fuller, Texans, Colts, Jaguars

The reviews of Notre Dame wide receiver Will Fuller were largely positive coming into the draft, but some were critical of his hands and his propensity to drop passes. That’s an issue that he’s working hard to correct.

“I think drops are something we work on every day,” Texans receivers coach Sean Ryan said, according to Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle. “We talk about the fundamentals of catching the football: eye control, hand placement. It’s the same for every guy. You can trace 90 percent of those drops to those simple things.”

Earlier today, scouting expert Dave-Te Thomas profiled Fuller and other impact rookies in the Texans’ 2016 draft class. Fuller, he writes, boasted some of the best stop-and-start skills in the draft and he could put that footwork to use immediately this season.

Here’s more from the AFC South:

• The Colts’ 2016 draft class could have a long-term impact on their offensive line, Mike Chappell of CBS4 writes. For the first time since 1983, the Colts used four draft picks on offensive linemen to boost the quality of depth in that unit. Ultimately, the Colts are hopeful that they found a starter or two to develop alongside first-round center Ryan Kelly. Indianapolis’ rookie class also includes third-round Le’Raven Clark, fifth-round tackle/guard Joe Haeg, and seventh-round center Austin Blythe. The Colts formally wrapped up the signing of everyone in their draft class earlier this month when Clark gave his signature.
• UDFA tight end Stephen Anderson is also making a strong impression on the Texans, as Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle writes. “He’s come out and really put in a great effort every day,” Texans tight ends coach John Perry said. “He’s held true to the Cal mantra of being a smart kid. He’s picked up things very quickly and, on top of that, he’s got great athleticism. He’s got good hands. His best trait is he continues to work at it. Here’s a kid who’s just climbed the ladder. He walked on at Cal. Now he comes in here as a free agent. He’s taken advantage of opportunities that have been presented to him. So, he’s fun to work with and I can see him continuing to get better.” Anderson is hoping to hook on at tight end in Houston behind Ryan Griffin and C.J. Fiedorowicz, as shown on the Texans’ Roster Resource page.
• The Jaguars‘ additions on defense this offseason will help their cause in trying to win the AFC South this year, ESPN.com’s Tania Ganguli writes. This spring, the Jags picked up free agent defensive tackle Malik Jackson and free safety Tashaun Gipson. Jacksonville also selected cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Myles Jack in the draft and 2015 first-rounder Dante Fowler Jr. is set to finally make his debut. Still, Ganguli believes that with the Texans’ upgrade at quarterback and the Colts having a healthy Andrew Luck, it’s going to take more than that bolstered defense to win the division.