AFC South Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans, Titans

Colts

• Per the Athletic’s Stephen Holder, Colts HC Frank Reich said the team was thrilled to have a chance to sign QB Philip Rivers, adding they don’t think he’s declining physically: “This was a crazy, unique opportunity. Philip, I think, is a HOF fame quarterback… Went back and watched his play from the past two years and didn’t see any physical drop-off.”
• Rivers’ best asset has always been his mental ability and Reich highlighted that aspect of his game: “Philip Rivers is elite, intellectually. When it comes to those guys, he’s right at the top.” (Joel Erickson)
• Reich believes Rivers can be an asset for Indianapolis on RPOs, not because he’s mobile — he’s not — but because he makes quick decisions. (Kevin Bowen)
• Reich pointed out Rivers’ previous familiarity with his offense was a major factor in bringing him in, saying Rivers already knows “80-85% of the offense, maybe more.” (Zak Keefer)
• While the team evaluated other quarterbacks, like Tom Brady, Reich said they chose Rivers even though they consider Brady the “best of all-time” as far as quarterbacks go: “For us, we got the guy we thought was the best fit for us.” (George Bremer)
• Reich acknowledged Colts QB Jacoby Brissett wasn’t as enthused about the team adding Rivers and demoting him: “Obviously he wasn’t happy. But he’s a good teammate and will handle it.” (Keefer)
• Brissett will still fill a valuable role as a backup and Reich reiterated they see him as a starting talent: “When you look at a lot of championship teams, to me, you better have a winning backup quarterback. And we have that in Jacoby.” (Andrew Walker)
• The Colts are also open to using Brissett in a Taysom Hill-style role to take advantage of his mobility and elusiveness. (Keefer)
• Regarding the apparent contradiction between GM Chris Ballard‘s philosophy of building long-term and signing Rivers to a one-year, $25 million deal, Reach said, “It’s important to win now. We wanna win now. Our fans expect us to win now.” (Keefer)
• He added the Colts are “always looking hard at the quarterback spot in the draft.” 
• Reich had zero reservations about trading the No. 13 overall pick for DT DeForest Buckner: “This was the right move the whole way. There was very little doubt or second-guessing. I never wavered on it. I was all-in on this decision from the very start.” (Keefer)
• Reich is also excited about the addition of CB Xavier Rhodes: “This guy’s long, he’s tough, he’s physical, he’s got good leadership. We really think he’ll come in and make a good impact.” (Walker)
• Reich mentioned the team will stay in contact with free-agent K Adam Vinatieri as he continues to rehab: “No decision there yet at this point.” (Walker)
• LSU G Damien Lewis has had a pre-draft video meeting with the Colts. (Justin Melo)
• Auburn CB Javaris Davis had a formal Combine interview with the Colts. (Justin Melo)
• Louisiana Lafayette OL Robert Hunt was set to meet with the Colts before the shutdown. (Justin Melo)

Jaguars

• Jaguars DE Yannick Ngakoue appears to be resolute in his desire for a split with Jacksonville, responding to a report of trade interest from other teams on Twitter: “Let’s agree to disagree. Why hold a man from taking care of his family. It’s obvious my time is up in my current situation. Let’s both move on.”
• Jaguars HC Doug Marrone said the team was excited to add a complete tight end like Tyler Eifert who could help in both the running game and passing game. (Michael DiRocco)
• Marrone added the team is still open to upgrading at the position. (DiRocco)
• The Jaguars are anticipating the offensive line to make a big jump from last season despite not making many personnel changes. (DiRocco)
• Michigan State DE Kenny Willekes has had a pre-draft video/phone meeting with the Jaguars. (Justin Melo)

Texans

• Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs has had a pre-draft video meeting with the Texans. (Justin Melo)
• Tennessee DE Darrell Taylor had a formal interview with the Texans at the Combine. (Justin Melo)
• Louisiana Lafayette OL Robert Hunt was set to meet with the Texans before the shutdown. (Justin Melo)
• Florida DE Jonathan Greenard had a private visit/workout scheduled with the Texans before the shutdown. (Justin Melo)
• The Texans had a private visit scheduled with Miami LB Shaquille Quarterman. (Justin Melo)

Titans

• The Titans hosted Texas A&M DT Justin Madubuike for a Top 30 visit before the pandemic shutdown. (Justin Melo)
• Tennessee DE Darrell Taylor had a local visit with the Titans before the shutdown. (Justin Melo)
• Texas A&M WR Quartney Davis had a meeting with the Titans. (Justin Melo)
• Michigan DE Josh Uche had a formal interview at the Combine with the Titans, among others: “Any team you can name, I’ve probably done something with them at some point.” (Justin Melo)
• Baylor DL James Lynch had a formal interview with the Titans at the Combine. (Justin Melo)
• Louisiana Lafayette OL Robert Hunt was set to meet with the Titans before the shutdown. (Justin Melo)
• Florida DE Jonathan Greenard had a private meeting scheduled with the Titans before his pro day originally set for March 31 before being canceled. (Justin Melo)
• The Titans host TCU WR Jalen Reagor for a pre-draft visit before the shutdown. (Adam Caplan)