The gems of a draft class aren't always first-round picks, and the picks that disappoint aren't always the third-day fliers. College Football 24/7 takes a look at the best and worst picks of each team in the NFL with respect to value and fit rather than overall talent, here focusing on the AFC South.
Houston Texans
Best: WR Jaelen Strong, Round 3 (No. 70 overall)
The Texans needed a replacement for Andre Johnson and found a third-round bargain for the role in Strong, a big target from Arizona State. You want value? If Strong had been picked a full round earlier, nobody would have blinked. Nobody should expect a young Andre Johnson, but there's every reason to expect a quality receiver who will make an impact as a rookie.
Worst: WR Keith Mumphery, Round 5 (No. 175 overall)
Houston took a fifth-round shot here on a player who was projected as an undrafted free agent. Built more like a running back than a wide receiver, Mumphery could struggle to make the team if he's unable to get open consistently, and he is lacking in quickness. By this point in the draft, even a deep wide receiver class was short on options. One still available with a lot more explosiveness than Mumphrey: West Virginia's Mario Alford.
Indianapolis Colts
Best: CB D'Joun Smith, Round 3 (No. 65 overall)
An underrated cornerback who should help the Colts' secondary immediately, Smith isn't especially big but has excellent instincts and quickness. He should also be capable in defending slot receivers. The Colts certainly did their homework, as secondary coach Mike Gillhamer put Smith through his positional drills at FAU's pro day. Obviously, Smith made a good impression at the event.
Worst: DB Clayton Geathers, Round 4 (No. 109 overall)
The Colts got a big, strong safety who loves to hit in Geathers, although his reputation as a big hitter comes with a flag for inconsistent tackling. Indianapolis also took him early -- he was projected as an end-of-draft type prospect, or a priority free agent.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Best: G A.J. Cann, Round 3 (No. 67 overall)
One could argue that Cann has as good a chance to be a long-term NFL starter as Duke's Laken Tomlinson, who went in Round 1. That's real value at a position that isn't very high on the value scale. Former Florida coach Will Muschamp called Cann the best guard in the SEC last year. Don't be surprised if he's a Week 1 starter.
Worst: WR Neal Sterling, Round 7 (No. 220 overall)
The Jaguars' draft was pretty much unassailable, as the team acquired impressive value and addressed needs at every turn. That leaves a seventh-rounder with a limited chance to make the club (like all seventh rounders) as the only direction to point the "worst" finger. Jacksonville's other seventh-rounder, Ben Koyack, should have a better chance to make the club.
Tennessee Titans
Best: WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Round 2 (No. 40 overall)
You can't stake the future of the franchise on a quarterback -- particularly one with a lot to learn like Marcus Mariota -- and not upgrade the weapons around him. Tennessee did this with Green-Beckham. He was a first-round talent who slipped in the draft due to character concerns. Although the receiver position was deep, the Titans were smart to invest high.
Worst: G Jeremiah Poutasi, Round 3 (No. 66 overall)
Projections on Poutasi were for Round 5, and the Titans made him one of the first picks of Round 3. That's a reach, particularly for a guy who is a good bet to end up playing inside at guard. The Titans obviously believe in Poutasi's ability to compete at right tackle. If they're wrong, the value of this pick takes a hit.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter @ChaseGoodbread.
