AFC Notes: Jaguars, Texans, Titans

Jaguars

A lot of teams have lowered expectations for rookies coming in given the shortened offseason in 2020. But the Jaguars are expecting both of their first-round picks, CB C.J. Henderson and DE K’Lavon Chaisson, to be immediate starters from Week 1 for a defense that’s undergone a major renovation. 

“Well, I think, you know, we want both of them to be plugged in the first game and playing a majority of the reps,” Jaguars DC Todd Wash said via SI.com’s John Shipley. “We know that they have the physical skills to play at this level, obviously, you know, both of them being drafted in the first round. But we anticipate both of them to be solid impact players for us, you know, Week One. Once again, we’re going to figure a lot more about that once we get on grass in training camp, but both of them physically have the abilities to be impact players early in their career.”

Texans

• The Athletic’s Aaron Reiss says if the Texans wanted to add another pass rusher, former Vikings DE Everson Griffen would make a lot of sense if he was open to a one-year deal. 
• Other options include DEs Ezekiel Ansah, Vinny Curry, Jabaal Sheard, Clay Matthews and Markus Golden. 
• One free-agent option the Texans could look to sign after failing to come to terms with DT Timmy Jernigan is DL Xavier Williams, per Reiss. 
• Reiss adds former Titans CB Logan Ryan could also be an option to stabilize Houston’s secondary, as they’re relying on a lot of younger players in 2020. 
• Reiss mentions former Lions S Tavon Wilson as a potential option for the Texans to shore up their third safety spot. 
• According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the players on the Texans who tested positive for COVID-19 are doing fine. The team has not yet commented publicly. 
• NFL Media’s Jeffri Chadiha believes the Texans would be a strong fit for free-agent QB Colin Kaepernick, as it would help the organization rehabilitate some of the off-the-field issues related to former owner Bob McNair.
• Kaepernick could also challenge QB A.J. McCarron for the backup job and offer more of a similar skillset to starting QB Deshaun Watson. 

Titans

Titans OLBs coach Shane Bowen said he wants LB Derick Roberson to focus on “consistency” in 2020, which has “held him back” in playing time last season.  

“Roby from the gate flashed some ability to rush the passer,” Bowen said, via Mike Moraitis of TitansWire. “I think the main thing with him right now … (is) consistency, and ultimately just development. Being a first-, second-down player, the run game, some of that type of stuff, taking the next step there has been what’s held him back a little bit in terms of that playtime, but he definitely has value on third down in passing situations.”

Bowen believes Roberson has progressed as a first- and second-down linebacker based on the Titans’ scheme and expects a strong 2020 out of the second-year player 

“I think the first, second down stuff in terms of scheme, understanding, and the technique – which he’s come a long way,” Bowen said. “He really has, and he’s bought in, and he’s dialed in this offseason.”