Tuesday 14 February 2017 06:29, UK
The AFC South was an unpredictable division, with each team slipping up at various stages of the season.
Aside from the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts all battled for top spot, and the all-important play-off place.
Though each team had their faults, there are areas to build on, which make the South an intriguing division for 2017.
Season in a tweet: Houston laboured to a play-off place in a weak division. Quarterback struggles held back a dominant defence.
MVP: After two years of injury and questionable motivation, Jadeveon Clowney had a breakthrough year, becoming one of the NFL's top defensive ends.
Selected to his first Pro Bowl, Clowney had to turn down the invitation to have surgery on his knee. Texans fans will be hoping it won't set him back next year.
Under the radar: Clowney's defensive partner, Whitney Mercilus became a focal part of the Texans' No 1 ranked defence.
In just one play-off appearance this year, the outside linebacker sacked Tom Brady three times, adding to the 7.5 he accrued in the regular season. If Clowney, Watt and Mercilus can stay healthy, Houston will dominate defensively.
Must do better: Brock Osweiler was a huge investment, but struggled to connect with star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
The QB was eventually benched in place of Tom Savage, but came back in after Savage suffered a concussion.
The Texans have the building blocks to be a play-off contender, if they can get production from their quarterback investment.
Draft need: Though they have $25M tied up in Osweiler, that won't stop them from looking at a cost-effective alternative. If Bill O'Brien sees value at QB, he will pull the trigger.
2016 Grade: C
Season in a tweet: A frustrating year for the Titans, who were a different proposition from week to week. Lack of consistency cost them a play-off place.
MVP: DeMarco Murray recaptured his 2014 Offensive Player of the Year form, after moving from Philadelphia in free agency.
The running back scored 12 touchdowns, including three receiving, and even threw a touchdown pass to Delanie Walker!
Under the radar: Rookie offensive tackle Jack Conklin was a first team All-Pro after an incredible season. He only gave up two sacks all season, which is testament considering he had to cover eight of the top 10 2016 sack leaders, including Von Miller and Justin Houston.
Must do better: Wide receiver Tajae Sharpe started 10 games but finished the season with only two touchdowns.
Tennessee were ranked 25th in passing, compared to third running the ball, and if they are to make the most of QB Marcus Mariota, the receivers need to take responsibility.
Draft need: With plenty of top-level cornerbacks and safeties available, expect Tennessee to improve their secondary, which ranked 30th against opposition passing attacks.
2016 Grade: C-
Season in a tweet: Making Andrew Luck the highest-paid player didn't improve his protection, or the defence, which end up costing the Colts.
MVP: QB Luck took a beating this year. Sacked 41 times, he also had to contend with a number of key drops from his receivers, yet still managed to rack up over 4,200 passing yards.
Without Luck, the Colts would not have got near eight wins.
Under the radar: After going undrafted in 2013, Jack Doyle has faced a yearly battle to stay in the NFL. This season, however, marked a breakout year for the tight end, who accumulated 584 yards (five times more than his previous best) and five touchdowns.
Must do better: The Colts defence has been in desperate need of strengthening for the last few years. General manager Ryan Grigson was dismissed at the end of this season, and it will now be up to Chris Ballard to find a winning formula in Indianapolis.
Draft need: Having good linebackers can do wonders for a defence's confidence. Get after the opposition quarterback and take the pressure off your own.
2016 Grade: C-
Season in a tweet: After all the pre-season hype, it was a disappointing year in Jacksonville, as the offence faltered, badly.
MVP: Rookie corner Jalen Ramsey was a bright spot in a fairly dismal season. Lining up against number one receivers, Collins held his own, and established himself as a defensive leader.
Under the radar: Yannick Ngakoue established himself as the Jags' starting defensive end, claiming eight sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception to boot.
The third round rookie is a promising pass rusher and, alongside Ramsey, gives new head coach Doug Marrone something to build around on defence.
Must do better: A troubling season for quarterback Blake Bortles, who showed major regression from a promising second season.
Bortles wasn't helped by a dismal display from his wide receivers, but early interceptions often had Jacksonville swimming upstream.
Draft need: There is plenty to pick from on the offensive side of the ball, but the troubles start with the O-line. Better protection for Bortles can hopefully calm the nerves, whilst creating opportunities for rushing attacks.
2016 Grade: E
