AFC South: Impact Newcomers

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jul 18, 2006

AFC South: Impact Newcomers

Vince Young

The Titans say he has shown steady improvement through offseason workouts, although he's not far enough along to challenge starter Billy Volek yet. But expect Young to get on the field at some point this season. Tennessee won't be competing for the playoffs, and it's going to want a good look at the No. 3 overall draft pick.

Adam Vinatieri

The Colts believe they are on the brink of winning a Super Bowl and that bringing in Vinatieri could be the final piece. Former Indy kicker Mike Vanderjagt was brilliant during the regular season but choked in last year's playoffs. No one is more clutch in the postseason than Vinatieri, who should have one of his best years now that he'll be indoors more.

Mario Williams

The No. 1 overall pick of the draft faces plenty of pressure, and some of it has nothing to do with his play. He'll be constantly compared to the No. 2 and 3 picks, Reggie Bush and Vince Young, whom the Texans passed on despite fans' wishes. Still, make no mistake, Williams is a beast. Think Jevon Kearse with the ability to play against the run.

Marcedes Lewis

He could make as big an impact as any other offensive player from the most recent draft. The Jags love the 6-foot-6, pass-catching tight end and plan to incorporate him immediately. Jimmy Smith's retirement has quarterback Byron Leftwich looking for a new go-to guy. Lewis is as good a candidate as any.

Kevin Mawae

He's 35, but he has looked good in minicamps and probably has at least two seasons left in him. The leadership of the six-time Pro Bowl player will be invaluable for a unit that lost stalwart tackle Brad Hopkins to retirement.

Joseph Addai

The Colts hope the rookie out of LSU will help replace Edgerrin James. Addai is a decent receiver and has great speed. Dominic Rhodes will likely start, but Addai will contribute immediately.

LenDale White

Tennessee is excited about the long-term potential of the former USC back. There's currently a logjam at running back with Chris Brown and Travis Henry in camp, but don't be surprised if the Titans find a way to get White into the mix. Although he's reportedly taken off some pounds since the Rose Bowl, when he weighed 250, White is big enough to be a very effective goal-line back.

Eric Moulds

They need a legitimate threat to line up opposite Andre Johnson, and they believe the 33-year-old Moulds will keep defenses honest. He caught 81 passes for 816 yards last season -- well off his career best of 100 receptions in 2002 and 1,368 receiving yards in 1998. But part of Moulds' problem last year was the unstable quarterback situation in Buffalo.

David Givens

The Titans signed Givens to take the pressure off No. 1 receiver Drew Bennett, who was clearly Tennessee's only dangerous target last year. Givens, a seventh-round pick in 2002, had 59 catches for 738 yards with New England last year. He also has playoff experience no one else on the Titans can match.

Mike Flanagan

The signing of Flanagan makes sense as Houston tries to revamp its flawed line, and it won't hurt that his former boss in Green Bay, Mike Sherman, is now the assistant head coach/offense in Houston. A Pro Bowl player with the Packers in 2004, Flanagan is solid technically and has the kind of tough attitude Houston needs up front.

AFC South: Impact Newcomers