AFC South Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

After being selected by the Colts in the fourth round, QB Jacob Eason spoke about the team being interested in him during the pre-draft process and his excitement to learn from quarterbacks Philip Rivers and Jacoby Brissett.

“I had a great communication with the Colts,” Eason said, via Jake Arthur of Colts.com. “I think I talked to them more than any other team. Whether it was Coach Reich or QB coaches, I talked to everyone in the organization. It was pretty cool because it wasn’t all about football all the time. A lot of it was about personal information, about my family and my college experience. Coach would ask me some off-the-wall questions and then we’d get into the film room and he’d kinda teach me some of the offense, and I’d go connect it to my offense. It was really cool, I got to build the foundation of our relationship. I’m just looking forward to getting down to Indianapolis and meeting in person and really getting to work and learning. It’s a great situation to learn from Philip (Rivers) and Jacoby (Brissett) and that QB room, and I’m very excited to get in there and learn from those guys and help out any way I can. I’m very fortunate to be in the situation I am, and it’s a great fit for me.”

While Eason is the only quarterback under contract beyond 2020 for the Colts, GM Chris Ballard threw a bucket of ice water on the idea of Indianapolis relying on Eason as some kind of long-term starter right now. 

“He was a fourth-round pick,” Ballard said via Jim Ayello of the Indianapolis Star. “We didn’t move up to the first pick of the draft. Jacob’s got talent. He’s got to work and he’s got to earn it. . . . Let’s slow our roll a little bit in terms of tagging this guy as the next messiah walking into town.”

• Per NBC Sports’ Peter King, the Packers had intel a team high in the second round was trying to trade up for QB Jordan Love, which prompted their move up to get him. King mentions the Colts as a possibility.
• The Colts had Georgia OT Andrew Thomas as the top-rated tackle on their board, per NJ.com’s Matt Lombardo.

Texans

Texans’ second-round DT Ross Blacklock mentioned that he is only 21-years old and is focused on earning a role. 

“Being 21, this is a grown man’s game. I keep my head on straight and focused on what’s important,” said Blacklock, via Aaron Wilson.  

Texans third-round LB Jonathan Greenard said he is focused on learning from the veterans on Houston’s roster including DL J.J. Watt. 

“Just to be considered in this category with these guys, it’s a huge blessing. I’m going to come in and work hard, learn from the greats, have that underdog mindset, soak up all the knowledge and wisdom so I can be successful,” said Greenard, via Wilson.

Greenard said he’s always played with the mentality of being an “underdog with something to prove.”

“I always felt like I had something as an underdog with something to prove. I’m going to bring that to Houston,” said Greenard, via Wilson.

• Texans LT Laremy Tunsil was predictably happy with his three-year, $66 million deal that reset the tackle market: “To be the highest-paid offensive lineman, it’s a blessing. You always dream of times like this. We got it done, especially not having an agent. We got it done.” (Wilson)
• He confirmed that was his goal entering talks for a new deal: “That was one my biggest things, I wanted to reset the market and become the highest-paid offensive lineman.” (Wilson)
• Tunsil mentioned negotiations started in February: “With any negotiation, it’s tough. They came at me in February and we got it done a few days ago.” (Wilson)
• He said he represented himself in negotiations and talked to other players like Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner who had done the same. (Wilson)
• Texans VP Jack Easterby was also apparently involved alongside HC Bill O’Brien in negotiations: “Huge shout out to the advisors who helped me. To negotiate with Billy O, it was actually fun, him and Jack. They were being honest, so was me and my team and we got the deal done.” (Wilson)
• Houston had some discussions with the Jets about a trade for WR DeAndre Hopkins, but they apparently didn’t progress that far. (Rich Cimini)

Titans

• Titans undrafted DT Kobe Smith signed for $33,000 guaranteed, including a $13,000 signing bonus and $20,000 of his base salary. (Aaron Wilson)