2022 NFL Training Camp AFC South Preview
Posted: 2022-07-25

HOUSTON TEXANS

Camp prediction: Safety Jalen Pitre will be a dynamic force during training camp. The Texans' second-round pick out of Baylor showcased premier playmaking skills in college. In Pitre's last season, he finished with 18.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 7 pass breakups and 3 forced fumbles. Some in the NFL compare Pitre to Tyrann MathieuQuandre Diggs and Budda Baker. Making plays on the football is Pitre's forte, and that fits into coach Lovie Smith's defense. Pitre's versatility should give him the ability to roam in the box and play deep middle safety. Expect to see plenty of reports of the No. 37 overall pick being a disruptor heading into the season.

- Per NFL Nation

INDIANAPOILS COLTS

Camp prediction: Third-round pick Bernhard Raimann from Central Michigan will emerge as the starter at left tackle. It's hardly a guarantee, but that's why this is considered a bold take. Though it's a big ask for a rookie to start at such a critical spot, Raimann has the best combination of skills and size of the candidates to take on this role. Raimann, 6-foot-6 and 303 pounds, should expect stiff competition from veterans Matt PryorDennis Kelly and recently signed Jason Spriggs. But given the way Raimann moves, he is well-equipped to handle the speed that will confront whoever wins the job on quarterback Matt Ryan's blind side.

- Per NFL Nation


JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Camp prediction: The switch turns on for outside linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson, and he becomes a bigger part of the Jaguars' plans. The 20th overall pick in 2020 has two sacks in 31 career games, and he's pretty much the guy no one talks about on defense after the addition of linebackers Foyesade OluokunTravon WalkerDevin Lloyd and Chad Muma. Mike Caldwell's defense keeps the offense guessing in terms of which players are coming after the quarterback, and Chaisson will make plays and be one of the surprise successes in camp. There's even less depth at outside linebacker after Jordan Smith went down with a season-ending knee injury.

- Per NFL Nation


TENNESSEE TITANS

Camp prediction: Tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo will solidify a role as one of quarterback Ryan Tannehill's favorite pass-catchers. Okonkwo's playmaking ability flashed during minicamp when he caught four touchdown passes in two days of red zone seven-on-seven work. The Titans' coaching staff likes Okonkwo's versatile skill set. Okonkwo's 4.5-second time in the 40-yard dash was the fastest among tight ends at the scouting combine. His speed matches up favorably against linebackers and safeties, making him a viable threat in the passing game. At 6-foot-3, 238-pounds, he has drawn comparisons to former Titans tight end Jonnu Smith. Tannehill likes what he has seen from Okonkwo: "Just physically, to see his size, his strength, his speed, how he's able to play through contact, he definitely gives us another weapon."

- Per NFL Nation