AFC South Secondaries

Houston Texans

Projected Starters: Derek Stingley Jr. (LCB), C.J. Gardner-Johnson (SS; acquired via trade), Calen Bullock (FS) or Jimmie Ward (FS; free agent acquisition), Kamari Lassiter (RCB), Jalen Pitre (NB)

Led by defensive-minded head coach DeMeco Ryans, this defensive backs room was one of the best in the NFL last season. They appear poised for another strong year, especially with the addition of C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Derek Stingley Jr., one of the top cover corners in the league, headlines the group and will be paired with Kamari Lassiter—who is entering his second season after an impressive rookie campaign. With a full offseason to build chemistry, this secondary has the potential to be the best in the NFL and possesses the playmaking ability to change games through turnovers.

Stats from 2024

• Completion percentage allowed: 58.8% (lowest in the NFL)
• Yards allowed per reception: 11.5 yards (8th most in the NFL)
• Receiving touchdowns allowed: 31 (3rd most in the NFL)
• Receiving first down percentage allowed: 52.8% (14th highest in the NFL)
• Interceptions: 19 (2nd most in the NFL)

Indianapolis Colts

Projected Starters: Charvarius Ward (LCB; free agent acquisition), Nick Cross (SS), Cam Bynum (FS; free agent acquisition), Jaylon Jones (RCB), Kenny Moore II (NB)

Heading into the 2025 NFL season, the Colts’ secondary will have a new look, highlighted by the additions of cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Cam Bynum. While this group may lack flashy names, every player in the secondary is extremely dependable. The Indianapolis defense will also be under the direction of a new defensive coordinator—Cam Bynum—which is an interesting move, considering he was let go by the Cincinnati Bengals last season. Perhaps a change of scenery and a fresh roster are just what Bynum needs. He’ll certainly have plenty of playmakers to work with, giving him the tools to build a strong overall defense—and potentially one of the league’s most solid secondaries in 2025.

Stats from 2024

• Completion percentage allowed: 69.4% (tied 2nd highest in the NFL)
• Yards allowed per reception: 11 yards (tied 13th most in the NFL)
• Receiving touchdowns allowed: 27 (tied 10th most in the NFL)
• Receiving first down percentage allowed: 50.5% (tied 6th lowest in the NFL)
• Interceptions: 16 (tied 5th most in the NFL)

Jacksonville Jaguars

Projected Starters: Jarrian Jones (LCB) or Travis Hunter (LCB; rookie), Eric Murray (SS; free agent acquisition), Darnell Savage, Tyson Campbell, Jourdan Lewis (NB; free agent acquisition)

Heading into the 2025 season, GM James Gladstone made a concerted effort to bolster the secondary in hopes of turning things around after an abysmal 4–13 campaign. The Jaguars acquired veterans Eric Murray and Jourdan Lewis, both of whom performed well for their respective team’s last season. One of the team’s primary goals going into 2025 is to play more aggressively, particularly after recording just six interceptions on defense last year. It will be interesting to see what kind of impact Travis Hunter has on this secondary, and whether Jarrian Jones emerges as the featured corner on the left side. We’ll likely see Hunter take some defensive snaps in the preseason, which should offer more clarity on how Jacksonville intends to utilize him.

Stats from 2024

• Completion percentage allowed: 67.1% (9th in the NFL)
• Yards allowed per reception: 11.8 yards (tied 3rd most in the NFL)
• Receiving touchdowns allowed: 29 (tied 5th most in the NFL)
• Receiving first down percentage allowed: 56.3% (4th highest in the NFL)
• Interceptions: 6 (3rd least in the NFL)

Tennessee Titans

Projected Starters: L’Jarius Sneed (LCB; trade acquisition), Amani Hooker (SS), Xavier Woods (FS; free agent acquisition), Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (RCB), Roger McCreary (NB)

This secondary, which was mediocre at best last season, is hoping to get L’Jarius Sneed back soon and will also benefit from the return of Jarvis Brownlee Jr., now with a year of experience under his belt. Though Brownlee Jr. wasn’t particularly impressive, he should have a much clearer understanding of what’s expected of him heading into 2025. Safety Amani Hooker and nickelback Roger McCreary are both seasoned veterans and solid contributors in the defensive backs room. One of them—or Sneed—will need to step up and lead by example to truly elevate this group. While the unit struggled with injuries and inconsistency last season, both the secondary and the team as a whole remain optimistic about the future. That said, expectations for the upcoming season are relatively modest.

Stats from 2024

• Completion percentage allowed: 66.4% (tied 10th highest in the NFL)
• Yards allowed per reception: 10.2 (tied 3rd least in the NFL)
• Receiving touchdowns allowed: 27 (tied 10th most in the NFL)
• Receiving first down percentage allowed: 50% (4th lowest in the NFL)
• Interceptions: 11 (tied 12th least in the NFL)