AFC South Note: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

• Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan expects more teams to gameplan for Colts LB Darius Leonard after having an All-Pro rookie season last year. 
• Although Bowen mentions that the Colts were pleased with LB Anthony Walker in the MIKE role, he thinks Walker could split time with third-round LB Bobby Okereke, considering that the coaching staff “really like” what they’ve seen from him. 
• The Colts had Ben Banogu working at SAM linebacker before moving him almost exclusively to defensive end during the spring.
• Joel A Erickson of the Indy Star notes that the Colts had EDGE Preston Smith on their radar as a target in free agency before he agreed to a big-money deal with the Packers.

Texans

• Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle points out that Texans HC Bill O’Brien has “significant” personnel power and also operates as his own offensive coordinator. 
• According to Wilson, O’Brien and Texans CEO Cal McNair make “the most important decisions” regarding the roster with input from other front office members.
• Wilson adds that Texans’ executive vice president of team development Jack Easterby has gained “considerable influence” since joining the organization back in April. 
• As for Texans’ first-round OL Tytus Howard, Wilson reports that the team is determining whether to start him at left tackle or guard. 
• Wilson mentions that Howard will be competing with LT Julién Davenport, who started last season and “struggled” with pass protection and committing penalties.
• Recently signed Texans’ veteran OT Matt Kalil (knee) has yet to prove he’s healthy enough to compete, while LG Senio Kelemete is “being pushed” by second-year OL Martinas Rankin.
• At right tackle, Wilson writes that the Texans are hopeful Seantrel Henderson can stay healthy enough to start after sustaining a broken ankle in Week 1 of last season. 
• Wilson could see second-round OT Max Scharping “quickly” making an impact as a starter if Henderson or RG Zach Fulton (shoulder) sustain injuries. 
• Per Wilson, WR Will Fuller, who is coming off a torn ACL, is expected to be ready for Week 1.

Titans

• Jim Wyatt of the Titans’ official site writes that the team wants QB Marcus Mariota to “stay healthy and play well” before re-signing him to a long-term contract extension. 
• Wyatt does not think Mariota’s success in 2019 can “necessarily be pinned on” the Titans’ win-loss record or his individual stats. 
• Wyatt says his “biggest question mark” heading into Week 1 is whether the Titans’ running game can produce early on in the regular season.