All-AFC South Preseason Team: Josh Allen Leads the Way for the Jaguars

Entering 2020, every single AFC South team has a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. Whether it is teams looking to make it back to the postseason, such as the Houston Texans and Tennesse Titans, or teams looking to reverse their fortunes and turn in winning records such as the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars.

In an effort to determine which players will star in the division as the four teams duke it out this fall, the AFC South publishers of the Maven network have come together to put forth the All-AFC South preseason team for the 2020 season. Among the players, only four were unanimous first-teamers, and it isn't hard to determine who they were: Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson, Tennesse Titans running back Derrick Henry, Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson and Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard.

The Titans lead the pack with seven players named to the list, while the Texans and Colts each have five. The Jaguars lag behind the rest, with just four players being named to the team, and two of them being tied for spots on the list.

Since there are only four teams to pick from, we are just using a first-team roster for the entire division. We are also using a format in which we select one running back, three receivers, two linebackers and three cornerbacks.

Quarterback:

Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans

This one was obvious and therefore unanimous. While each other team in the division has a talented quarterback, Deshaun Watson is legitimately a top-8 quarterback in the league and the truest definition of a franchise quarterback among the four teams.

Running back:

Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans

Another unanimous decision, no other team has a running back who is as consistently productive as Derrick Henry is. He is a big-play threat who just last year led the league in rushing and was one of the most dangerous skill players in the entire league.

Wide receiver No. 1:

A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans

Wide receiver No. 2:

DJ Chark, Jacksonville Jaguars

Our vote for the top receiver in the AFC South, Chark earns the second spot here after a Pro Bowl season in 2019 in which he caught eight touchdown passes and recorded over 1,000 yards.

Wide receiver No. 3:

T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts

Tight end:

Jack Doyle, Indianapolis Colts

No Jaguars tight end got a vote for the top spot here, which is understandable even if Tyler Eifert is a solid player who serves as a solid upgrade for the Jaguars.

Offensive tackle No. 1:

Laremy Tunsil, Houston Texans

Offensive tackle No. 2:

Taylor Lewan, Tennessee Titans

Cam Robinson and Jawaan Taylor receiver no votes here because Laremy Tunsil and Taylor Lewan are certified top-flight offensive tackles. Taylor could find himself on here after another solid season or two, however.

Offensive guard No. 1:

Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts

Offensive guard No. 2:

Rodger Saffold, Tennessee Titans

Center:

Ryan Kelly, Indianapolis Colts

Brandon Linder can absolutely make an argument for this spot, but Ryan Kelley edges him out thanks to his reputation as one of the game's best centers and an anchor to one of the league's best teams.

Edge defenders:

Tied: J.J. Watt, Houston Texans & Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars

Josh Allen was one of the most productive rookies in the NFL last season, recording 10.5 sacks and two forced fumbles on his way to breaking a Jaguars rookie sack record. He is the next defensive star for Jacksonville and has already established himself as one of the division's best players.

Others receiving votes: Whitney Mercilus, Justin Houston

Interior defensive lineman No. 1:

DeForest Buckner, Indianapolis Colts

Interior defensive lineman No. 2:

DaQuan Jones, Tennessee Titans

Two years ago, the Jaguars had arguably three of the four or five best interior defensive linemen in the AFC South with Calais Campbell, Malik Jackson and Marcell Dareus. Now, all three are no longer on the team and the Jaguars have a hole at defensive tackle that the other teams simply don't have.

Linebacker No. 1:

Darius Leonard, Indianapolis Colts

Linebacker No. 2:

Zach Cunningham, Houston Texans

Despite being a former Pro Bowler, Joe Schobert received no votes for either of these spots, which is surprising. Darius Leonard and Zach Cunningham are two really, really good players, but Schobert is a solid linebacker in his own right.

Cornerback No. 1:

Bradley Roby, Houston Texans

Cornerback No. 2:

Adoree' Jackson, Tennessee Titans

Slot cornerback:

Tied: D.J. Hayden, Jacksonville Jaguars & Kenny Moore, Indianapolis Colts

D.J. Hayden was maybe a top-5 slot cornerback in the entire NFL last season, it just went under the radar because he played on a 6-10 Jaguars team. Hayden has ditched the first-round bust narrative during his time with the Jaguars, becoming one of the defense's best players thanks to his toughness, versatility and instincts.

Free safety:

Kevin Byard, Tennessee Titans

Strong safety:

Ronnie Harrison, Jacksonville Jaguars

One of the most underrated players in the division, Ronnie Harrison had several standout performances during the 2019 season and has the potential to be the secondary's top playmaker in terms of impact plays such as turnovers.

Kicker:

Josh Lambo, Jacksonville Jaguars

An AP All-Pro Second Teamer in 2019, Josh Lambo has been nothing but consistent for the Jaguars. In 2019, Lambo posted the highest FG percentage (97.1) in the NFL among kickers with at least 15 attempts and tied for the fourth-highest connection rate in a single season in NFL history among kickers with at least 20 attempts. His 33 made FGs were the second-most in the league in 2019 and the most in a single season in franchise history.

Punter:

Brett Kern, Tennessee Titans