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Most Intriguing Draft Choices: AFC South

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports | By JC Nevils | Last updated May 10, 2025 10:34 AM ET

By JC Nevils

Now that the 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, the reviews are popping up everywhere. Organizations are hopeful that their selections will pan out in the future. You have your no-doubt first rounders, but who is the most intriguing? Here I name mine for every division, continuing with the AFC South.

1. Houston Texans

Round 4 (No. 116): RB Woody Marks, USC

After spending four years as the main back for Mississippi State, Marks transferred and spent is last season of eligibility at USC where he put up his best season to date. He finished with almost 1,200 yards rushing along with nine touchdowns. He also was a major threat in the passing game amassing 47 catches for 321 yards. Simply put, he can do it all at the position. He is a pure three-down back that I believe will carve out a pivotal role. Great value pick for Houston.

Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Woody Marks (4) runs the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

2. Indianapolis Colts

Round 2 (No. 45): DE JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State

Coming out of high school, JT Tuimoloau was regarded as the top-ranked prospect in his entire class out of Washington. He took his talents to Ohio State where he showed flashes of stardom immediately. He has all the ability in the world with his size and athleticism, but he has some consistency issues. In my eyes, those kept him out of the first round. That’s why he intrigues me so much. He can be as dominant as they come when he’s focused. If he can put it all together, the Colts have a perennial Pro Bowler on their hands.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end JT Tuimoloau (44) celebrates a tackle against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second quarter during the College Football Playoff championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.© Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

Round 4 (No. 107): LB Jack Kiser, Notre Dame

Jack Kiser is a pure football player. That is as clear cut as I can put it. The Notre Dame product had his best season yet in 2024, finishing with a career-high 90 tackles along with being the school’s all-time leader in games played. He isn’t the best athlete, but he has that grit along with IQ that you want at the linebacker position. He can be a special teams ace right off the bat while earning his keep at linebacker. He will surely be in the mix.

Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team linebacker Jack Kiser of Notre Dame (20) works through drills during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium.© Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

4. Tennessee Titans

Round 4 (No. 120): TE Gunnar Helm, Texas

If this were any other draft, Gunnar Helm would have been picked even earlier than he was. This year the tight end position just happened to be loaded, which caused him to fall to the fourth round. The Titans landed a potential future starter in my eyes. They have Chig Okonkwo as the starter, but he has had issues with drops. While I still think he keeps his starting job, Helm will certainly push him. All he does is get open and make catches on top of being a solid blocker. He reminds me of a Jake Ferguson-type of player. Keep an eye out.

Texas Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm (85) runs the ball during the College Football Playoff semifinal game against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on Friday, Jan. 10, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.© Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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