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Houston Texans

Texans linebacker Brooks Reed revealed on Sunday he had surgery on his groin in late January, but says he is "100 percent" and ready for OTAs.

Five things to watch at Texans OTAs, from Nick Scurfield of the team website.

Indianapolis Colts

Former Colts standout Dwight Freeney has signed with the San Diego Chargers.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars' decision not to sign Tim Tebow continues to be the "Great Debate," writes Vito Stellino.

Veteran linebacker Geno Hayes is thankful for a chance to play.

Tennessee Titans

Titans linebacker Moise Fokou has been charged for a DUI from February.

I asked Mike Rodak of ESPNBoston.com for an assessment of two defensive linemen the Jaguars recently claimed off waivers from New England: Kyle Love and Brandon Deaderick.

Here are Rodak's insights:

"Both Love and Deaderick joined the Patriots in 2010, Deaderick as a seventh-round pick and Love as an undrafted free agent. With injuries creating opportunities for playing time, both players began to emerge as rookies within the Patriots' 3-4 system, Love as a nose tackle and Deaderick at defensive end.

"When the Patriots transitioned to a 4-3 system in 2011, Love eventually pushed Albert Haynesworth out of a starting job at tackle, while Deaderick spent the first half of the season on the PUP list. Both players started in Super Bowl XLVI, with Deaderick filling in at defensive end for Andre Carter following a season-ending injury.

Last season, the Patriots tweaked their defense again, moving Rob Ninkovich from linebacker to defensive end and shifting Deaderick back inside to tackle. Love began the season as a starter alongside Vince Wilfork, but saw his playing time cut after suffering a mid-season knee injury, opening the door for Deaderick to get more reps.

"While Love's release has been tied to his recent diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, the circumstances surrounding Deaderick's termination remain unclear. As a rookie, he was briefly suspended prior to his first playoff game for reportedly missing a team meeting, but there were no known issues in his final two seasons in New England.

"With the Jaguars' defensive line in flux under first-year head coach Gus Bradley, both players project to have opportunities for playing time in Jacksonville. Given his versatility, Deaderick could compete with Tyson Alualu at defensive end (Red Bryant's position carried over from Bradley's defense in Seattle), or with offseason acquisitions Roy Miller and Sen'Derrick Marks on the inside. With his size (6-foot-1, 315 pounds), Love figures to have a role on first and second down as an interior run-stopper."

Houston Texans

The team signed outside linebacker Trevardo Williams, a fourth-round pick in this year's draft, to a four-year deal Thursday. The Texans have now signed five of their draft picks.

The Texans' director of college scouting, Mike Maccagnan, sat down with Nick Scurfield to give his assessment of nose tackle Chris Jones, a sixth-rounder out of Bowling Green.

The signing of Ed Reed gave the Texans defense something it has lacked the past couple of years, said Russell Baxter of ProFootballGuru.com in an interview with SportsRadio 610 Wednesday. “Even with the improved defense over the last two years, [the Texans] have never been a big takeaway team where they’ve gotten a ton of turnovers,” Baxter said. He called Reed "one of the great ball hawks of all time.”

Indianapolis Colts

Dwight Freeney ended his visit Thursday with the Chargers without a deal, Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego reports.

Former Colts center A.Q. Shipley welcomes the challenge of fighting for a starting spot with his new team, the Baltimore Ravens, writes Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com. “It’s been my life,” Shipley said. “I’ve had to work for everything I’ve ever had. When it comes to competing, I enjoy it and feel very confident.”

Jacksonville Jaguars

The team cut Montell Owens Thursday, reports Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. Owens played in two Pro Bowls as a special-teamer with the Jaguars.

The Jaguars claimed defensive tackle Kyle Love, who was waived by the Patriots Wednesday shortly after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, reports Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com. "Having consulted with leading authorities on the effects of Type 2 diabetes, we have every reason to believe that Kyle will, in the immediate future, be at 100 percent, and will be prepared to participate in training camp in a couple of months," said Richard Kopelman, Love's agent.

Tennessee Titans

Quickly adjusting to new circumstances is nothing new to Titans rookie corner Blidi Wreh-Wilson, writes John Glennon of The Tennessean.

Rookie offensive linemen Chance Warmack and Brian Schwenke had forged a bond well before they became teammates with the Titans. After last season, they worked out together for three months in Los Angeles in preparation for the NFL combine and draft, and the two became friends, writes Greg Pogue of Fox Sports Tennessee. "We have stayed pretty close," Schwenke said of Warmack. "It was exciting when I got picked. He texted me, and we are both really excited to be here."

A sampling of Thursday's chat:

Kevin (Jacksonville, FL): I've read a lot of opinions from writers saying that [Alan] Ball will start opposite from [Dwayne] Gratz this year. However, every thing I've read about Ball is that he is not very good. Is it that much of a longshot for [Marcus] Trufant to be the starter?

Paul Kuharsky: I'd root for one of the seventh-rounders to shine early. Trufant is on the tail end of a nice career. More a nickel option at this point.

chris (montgomery al): Who do you forecast as the starting offensive line for Indi? and why is everyone saying that they can not end with the same record or better than last year?

Paul Kuharsky: Tougher schedule. Far different expectations. No [Bruce] Arians. Don't have the rallying cry of win for our sick coach. I'd guess line will be, L-R, [Anthony] Castonzo, [Donald] Thomas, [Khaled] Holmes, [Hugh] Thornton, [Gosder] Cherilus. Probably wishful thinking with the two rookies.

frank (milwaukee): what do you think the titans secondary ends up looking like opening day? assuming [Michael] griffin and [Bernard] pollard are starters at saftey whats George Wilson's role?

Paul Kuharsky: Wilson is the third safety. They can play a three-safety nickel package. They can (and should) get Pollard off the field in passing downs and sub Wilson in. They'll find a way to use three. Houston uses three all the time. [Devin] McCourty and [Blidi] Wreh-Wilson outside, [Alterraun] Verner inside.

ted (chicago): did Ben Tate's off year/injuries last season negate his trade value this year before his contract expires? should the texans have traded him when second round draft pick rumors were circulating?

Paul Kuharsky: They were never looking to trade him. If they had traded him, who would be filling in for [Arian] Foster if he's hurt?

To read the whole thing, please head here.

With the second pick in the first round, the Jacksonville Jaguars got themselves a rock of an offensive tackle in Luke Joeckel.

What did they get with the first pick of the second round?

A team in dire need of cornerstones might have found one for the defense in Johnathan Cyprien, the strong safety out of Florida International.

Initial reports out of Jacksonville are very solid. It’s obviously early, but Cyprien could be the linchpin of a young secondary that grows up together, helping slow the run and cover the sort of tight ends who are increasingly posing matchup issues around the league.

“The thing we really enjoyed about evaluating him was his football instincts," said DeWayne Walker, the Jaguars' defensive backs coach. “Some guys, they have that halo effect where they kind of feel the game, and he has a real good feel for the game.

"We’re going to have to smooth him out, and we’re going to have to polish him up a little bit. At the same time, he definitely brings a lot of good tools to the table.”

Not too may years ago, the AFC South had a major dearth of quality safeties. Gradually, the position has gotten better. If Cyprien can be an impact guy, he and free safety Dwight Lowery can make the position one of the Jaguars’ most solid.

Cyprien comes across as a polite, confident young man eager to learn and to prove himself. He grew up admiring Sean Taylor, Troy Polamalu and Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas, who went to the same high school and ranks as a friend who has offered a great deal of encouragement.

A late bloomer at North Miami Beach (Fla.) High School, Cyprien dreamed of playing at Texas, but had just two scholarship offers -- from Central Michigan and FIU. He stayed in Florida, and a big senior season in college turned him into a borderline first-round pick.

The Jaguars surely could have gotten good value by trading out of the 33rd position in the draft, but stayed put and jumped on him.

“It’s a big position, a big role in this defense,” Cyprien said. “You’re allowed to do a lot of things. You’re allowed to have a lot of fun. I’m planning on having a lot of fun playing that position.

“I guess you could say it could be hard for a rookie to be a leader. I wouldn’t define it as that, personally. I’m just taking it head on.”

Of eight picks in the draft, the Jaguars spent five on defensive backs: Cyprien in the second round; UConn cornerback Dwayne Gratz in the third; Florida free safety Josh Evans in the sixth; and New Mexico State cornerback Jeremy Harris and Appalachian State cornerback Demetrius McCray both in the seventh.

The Jaguars have a handful of guys with experience for the kids to look to.

Marcus Trufant, a 10-year veteran corner, played on coach Gus Bradley’s defense in Seattle, and could be the nickelback. Another free-agent cornerback, Alan Ball, has played five seasons, but struggled in Houston last year. Safety Chris Prosinski, a fourth-rounder from 2011, should be a backup at best with Cyprien on board. Mike Harris could be a nice nickel candidate in his second season.

Given the uncertainty at the position, I rank the Jaguars’ cornerback group as the most competitive unit in the division.

If Jacksonville is going to be any good on the back end, it’s likely to be because of the draft class’ contribution.

“I think it’s fun for all of us,” Walker said. “These guys were needed. We’re going to be pretty young. It’s fun for all of us to get this group and develop it and prove people wrong …

“Being able to talk with them about the league, these guys are pretty mature. Coach Bradley, [defensive coordinator] Bob Babich, all of our coaches do a good job saying the right things to these guys to get them acclimated. So I think all of our rookies, not only the rookies in the secondary, have come into a situation where we are here to help them, we are here to develop them to be competitive football players.”

Walker, who was the head coach at New Mexico State from 2009 to 2012, where he posted a 10-40 record, left in January to join Bradley's staff. Previously, Walker coached defensive backs for the Washington Redskins, New York Giants, New England Patriots and at Cal. He was also defensive coordinator at UCLA.

The assistant coach is a straight shooter who has been telling the rookies about the identity he wants his players to have, Cyprien said. They need to be sound in the techniques they are taught, and they should all look the same on tape.

“I think it’s a challenge for him, I think it’s good for him,” Cyprien said of the influx of youth in the secondary. “I know we have him excited, because we just want to run around, and we’re hungry to learn and we’re asking a lot of questions.”

Reading the coverage...

Houston Texans

At 23rd, Matt Schaub is only three slots ahead of Jake Locker in these quarterback rankings from Will Brinson of CBS Sports.

The Texans officially added running back Deji Karim and center Tyler Horn, says Tania Ganguli of the Houston Chronicle.

The Texans have the 10th best front office in the NFL, says Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.

Indianapolis Colts

Chuck Pagano participated in a conference call with season-ticket holders and Mike Chappell from the Indianapolis Star has highlights. He said he thinks fifth-round nose tackle Montori Hughes is “going to be special.”

Chappell doesn’t think Dwight Freeney would be a good fit in San Diego.

Andrew Luck and some teammates visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, says Chris Widlic of Wishtv.com.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Gus Bradley is really pleased with what he’s seen from longtime center Brad Meester so far, says Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union.

Undrafted receiver Tobais Palmer has emerged already as a player to watch for the Jaguars, says Ryan O’Halloran of the Times-Union.

Bradley was happy with the end of Week 1 of OTAs, says John Oehser of Jaguars.com.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans added a couple of veteran free agents, says John Glennon of The Tennessean. Greg Jones has middle linebacker experience and should provide a cushion behind often-injured Colin McCarthy. Running back Alvester Alexander will be fourth on the depth chart at best.

Kevin Walter is proud of the work ethic he brings to the Titans receiving corps, he said in this video with Amie Wells of Titansonline.com. Receivers coach Shaun Jefferson told rookie Justin Hunter to emulate Walter.

At his best, defensive tackle Tyson Alualu has been a solid player.

The Jacksonville Jaguars haven't seen his best often enough, partly because he has dealt with a bad knee for much of his time since they drafted him out of Cal 10th overall in 2010.

Gus Bradley and the new defensive staff are making a big change with Alualu for his fourth season. Per John Oehser, Alualu is moving to end.

From Oehser:

Alualu said he mostly will either play on the tight end side of the defense, or the back side of the defense head up over the offensive tackle on that side. He said believes playing outside works more to his strengths -- taking on double teams with the tight end and stopping the run -- than playing inside.

That leaves the Jaguars with newcomers Roy Miller and Sen'Derrick Marks as the top tackles, and injury-prone D'Anthony Smith and second-year man Jeris Pendleton as the top candidates for depth.

If the new Jaguars coaches think Alualu can be more effective outside, then it's a good move. But it reflects poorly on the pick by former GM Gene Smith back in 2010. A stout, penetrating defensive tackle can be worth the 10th pick in the draft. A run-stopping end? Not so much.

Alualu told Oehser playing end should also mean less wear and tear on his knee, so that could be a factor in the move as well.

The move also expands the question about Jeremy Mincey. Jason Babin is expected to be the Leo, rush end and Andre Branch should wind up working there, too. Mincey could wind up playing behind Alualu, at best.

Reading the coverage…

Houston Texans

In a radio interview, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips offered a bit about the health status of linebackers Brooks Reed and Daryl Sharpton, says Tania Ganguli of the Houston Chronicle.

The Texans added Deji Karim to their roster, and he will compete with four undrafted rookies for the No. 3 running back job, says Ganguli.

A detailed, technical look at D.J. Swearinger’s coverage techniques and capabilities that delves into shuffle vs. backpedal, from Brett Kollmann of Battle Red Blog.

Indianapolis Colts

An update on the Colts and the salary cap from Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.

There is no discernable disconnect between Chuck Pagano and Pep Hamilton with regard to using Andrew Luck in read-option situations, says Kyle Rodriguez of Colts Authority. There is an old video of a Hamilton interview that was interpreted as new in one write-up, causing some confusion.

Projecting the impact of draft picks with Tyler Brooke of Stampede Blue.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Veteran safety Dwight Lowery is already doing a lot to help his rookie partner, Johnathan Cyprien, find his way on the field, says Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union.

Justin Blackmon is responding to Gus Bradley just the way Bradley hopes he will, says Vito Stellino of the Times-Union.

Undrafted quarterback Jordan Rodgers is out until training camp after having a sports hernia repaired, says Stellino.

Details on what unfolded for Jimmy Smith and landed him in jail, from Stellino.

The Jaguars claimed former Patriots defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick off waivers, says O’Halloran.

Tennessee Titans

Bernard Pollard brings encouraging words to a defense desperately in need of an edge, says David Climer of The Tennessean.

“The Titans waived tackle Matt Sewell, one of two undrafted free agents from Canada on the team’s roster, The Tennessean reports. “The move came with a transaction wire notation that Sewell had left the team.”

What’s the future hold for Karl Klug at a more competitive defensive tackle spot? John Glennon of The Tennessean considers.

To which I say: I don’t see Klug getting a look outside. As Glennon points out, Klug’s best characteristics make him best operating in tight quarters, not out in space.

Some thoughts on Lavelle Hawkins signing with the Patriots from Mike Rodak and Mike Reiss at ESPN Boston. I contributed.

Today, I set out to sketch out a list of the 10 most competitive position groups in the AFC South.

Putting them in order was more difficult than coming up with the list, but after some juggling, I feel pretty good about what’s below. I’m sure you’ll offer me input on what’s out of order, shouldn’t be included or should be.

The more overall uncertainty and the less sure we are of a starter or starters right now, the higher I ranked a spot.

10. Jaguars quarterbacks -- Blaine Gabbert would really have to blow this opportunity and Chad Henne would really have to have a good camp for Gabbert not to be the opening-day starter, I believe. Undrafted rookie Matt Scott could make the team as a third option, and if things go poorly for the veterans and the rookie shows well, he could get a chance at some point.

9. Titans interior offensive line -- Michael Roos is a lock at left tackle, Andy Levitre is a lock at left guard and Chance Warmack is a lock at right guard. David Stewart should be the starter at right tackle, though he’s coming off a broken leg and has a bad ankle. Center could be a good battle between fourth-round draft pick Brian Schwenke and Fernando Velasco. There will be huge battles for the interior backup slot(s), where the Titans loaded up with Rob Turner and Chris Spencer. (If they signed Eric Winston to fight with Stewart, this position would move up some.)

8. Titans defensive tackles -- Sammie Hill and Jurrell Casey are locks, and Mike Martin should rank third. If they keep five, who are the other two out of Karl Klug, Antonio Johnson, DaJohn Harris and Zach Clayton? Ropati Pitoitua is an end, but comes from a 3-4 in Kansas City and will also get a look inside, so he could factor in here, too.

7. Texans right side of offensive line -- I think they would have been fine sticking with Derek Newton, but he’s not healthy. He had major knee surgery and offensive line coach John Benton said during the draft that Newton’s status is up in the air. Enter Brennan Williams, a third-round pick out of UNC that the Texans feel could be fine as the starter. At right guard, Brandon Brooks could displace Ben Jones in a potentially nice battle of second-year players.

6. Titans wide receivers -- Nate Washington got himself in the doghouse with his work late last year, and he’s pricey. But it would be hard for the team to part with him yet as the Titans are an injury away from potential depth issues. If second-round pick Justin Hunter takes off early, he could start ahead of Washington at Z opposite Kenny Britt at X. Kendall Wright is the primary slot guy. Also in the mix for snaps: Damian Williams, Kevin Walter and maybe even Michael Preston.

5. Colts offensive line -- Anthony Castonzo is the left tackle, Gosder Cherilus is the right tackle. The three spots in between them and the depth will see a lot of competition. Donald Thomas should win a guard spot and I’d think third-rounder Hugh Thornton could as well. They will battle with incumbent left guard Joe Reitz and incumbent right guard Mike McGlynn. Fourth-rounder Khalid Holmes could push Samson Satele out of the center spot.

4. Colts inside linebackers -- If Jerrell Freeman is as good as he was last season, he’s certain to start. A healthy Pat Angerer should make a strong bid to retake his old job, but the competition could be really good with Kavell Conner trying to stay in the lineup and newcomer Kelvin Sheppard in the mix as well.

3. Texans linebackers -- Rookies Sam Montgomery and Trevardo Williams have a chance to win the strongside linebacking spot, which would mean Brooks Reed moves inside. Or Reed could stay on the strongside setting up Darryl Sharpton vs. Tim Dobbins to slug it out for the Mike spot inside next to Brian Cushing. This will be a good one to monitor for sure. The injury histories of Sharpton and Dobbins could be at play. Can they both stay on the field for their reps to compete?

2. Colts nose tackle -- What a revamp the Colts have put together here. The guys who can play inside were limited last year. Now there are plenty: His knee healed, Josh Chapman is the favorite at nose tackle right now. Also available are Aubrayo Franklin, rookie Montori Hughes, Brandon McKinney (once healthy) and versatile veteran Ricky Jean Francois, who can play inside or out.

1. Jaguars cornerbacks -- This gets the top slot because there is the most uncertainty. I don’t have much faith in Alan Ball based on what he did with his chances in Houston last year. Mike Harris has one year of experience, playing some as the team’s nickel. Dwayne Gratz should be a starter. There is room for seventh-rounders Jeremy Harris and Demetrius McCray to carve out roles. [UPDATE: Apologies for initially forgetting Marcus Trufant, the recent veteran addition. If he's competing for much more than nickelback, the team's got even bigger secondary issues than feared.]

Reading the coverage…

Houston Texans


Texans rookie safety D.J. Swearinger moonlights as a rapper, says John Brannen of the Houston Chronicle.

The war of words over an engagement ring that Mario Williams wants back has escalated, says David Barron of the Chronicle.

Despite the rave reviews they offered about him during his rookie camp audition, the Texans didn’t offer Collin Klein a contract, says Tania Ganguli.

Indianapolis Colts

Las Vegas thinks the Colts are going to take a step back, says the Indy Star.

At least publicly, Chuck Pagano and Pep Hamilton don’t appear to be on the same page about Andrew Luck running some read-option, says Brad Wells of Stampede Blue.

To which I say: I’ll believe they intend to use any when I see it. I think Hamilton’s getting it out there so defenses put it on their lists of things they have to consider when preparing for Indianapolis.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars found iPads in their lockers Monday when they started OTAs, writes Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. It’s the way the league is moving, and the team will be able to get information like film and notes about practice to players more quickly.

“(Jimmy) Smith is one of the top three players in team history, but there was plenty of legitimate suspicion that he spent his last NFL years in denial about his addictions. His post-football life certainly confirms that. What (Justin) Blackmon needs to see is a mug shot of Smith, with a stern reminder that that can be him in 10 years if he's not careful.” Gene Frenette’s column from the Times-Union.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have two Canadians -- offensive tackle Matt Sewell and defensive tackle Stefan Charles -- on their roster fighting for a chance, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

A familiar face is back in Nashville, and Antonio Johnson is now part of the Titans’ roster makeover, says Wyatt.

Maurice Jones-Drew thinks the media is blowing Justin Blackmon's four-game suspension out of proportion.

In making such a claim I believe he’s doing a disservice to Blackmon.

A four-game suspension under the league’s policy against substance abuse is a big deal, a sign of a growing issue. It’s not something to be casually dismissed as being about the media.

I believe Jones-Drew’s response to Blackmon’s situation is nothing short of irresponsible. He said the reaction’s been “out of control.”

"The media just blows it out of proportion," Jones-Drew said, per an Associated Press report. "A lot of people make several mistakes. If you're that age and you have that amount of money, how would you act? If you answer that question truthfully, you can go from there."

For a guy who’s got a regular gig on Sirius-XM Radio, who serves as the face of the franchise on a national level and who has the ability to be charming and disarming, I’m amazed at how consistently Jones-Drew misses the mark on big issues.

He was critical of Jay Cutler not playing in the 2010 NFC Championship Game, but then sprinted away from his comments, telling people he was joking, but apologizing and shifting blame to the media. He disrespected the Jaguars new coach last year, failing to communicate directly with Mike Mularkey about how he wouldn’t be reporting to OTAs. Then Jones-Drew failed to gain an inch as a result of a purposeless holdout that stood no chance of helping him or his team.

As for his casual response to Blackmon’s suspension:

There are plenty of first-round picks in the NFL who can qualify as young and newly rich who don’t get into repeated trouble with alcohol (and, perhaps, something else we don’t know about). At that age and with that amount of money, a high percentage of them have managed not to get suspended for four games. That’s what they did. Though he wasn't as highly drafted as Blackmon, that's what Jones-Drew did, by the way.

The media didn’t sign up for a collective bargaining agreement that spells out what has to be done to earn a four-game suspension.

The media didn’t get itself placed in the first phase of the NFL’s policy and program for substances of abuse. Or commit the violation necessary to be placed in the second phase. Or commit the violation required in order to earn the four-game suspension for a violation once in the second phase.

The media isn’t missing four games, hurting the team MJD is supposed to be leading.

The media isn’t costing itself nearly $220,000 or triggering a clause in Blackmon’s contract that enables the Jaguars to cut him at any point going forward without being on the hook for any further money.

As a member of the media, I’m admittedly, inherently, get defensive when things are blamed on the media that aren’t the media’s fault. (We are hardly without sin. The volume on Tim Tebow? That's us. Blackmon's problems? That's Blackmon.) If Blackmon drove drunk and injured an innocent bystander, I wonder if MJD would put that on reporters and columnists.

Full disclosure: Jones-Drew and I don’t get along. He hasn’t cared for much of what I’ve written about him. He and his agent and his loyalists and maybe even some team brass will see this blog post as piling on.

That’s the price that comes with seeking to hold a star player accountable for comments that often are not well thought out. He’s an excellent football player. When he chimes in on topics like this one, I feel like he's often trying to pass the buck rather than showing a belief in the importance of personal accountability.

At least Jones-Drew said that Blackmon has something to prove going forward.

"We're going to see what kind of character he has," Jones-Drew said.

It’s good to know there is a point at which MJD will stop shifting blame and defending a teammate in the wrong.

For the sake of everyone involved, I hope it doesn’t get worse for Blackmon. Another misstep means a year suspension and would probably be the end of him as a member of the Jaguars.

Another Jaguars receiver had troubles that started in a similar fashion. Things wound up far worse for Jimmy Smith: He just got sentenced to six years in prison for drug possession and weapons charges.

Justin Blackmon spoke to the Jacksonville media Monday and addressed the violation of the league's substance-abuse policy that resulted in his four-game suspension.

He said a lot of the right things, just as he’s said after alcohol-related issues in the past.

He was bluntly asked if he has drinking or had a substance abuse problem.

“No, I would say I don’t,” he responded. “Out of this whole thing one of the main things I would say that I had a problem with was just making a poor decision, making a selfish decision at that and not thinking about the long-term of it and just thinking about at the time. If you want to ask if I have a problem? I have a problem with making a poor decision.”

He’ll lean on his support group headed by general manager David Caldwell and Jaguars coach Gus Bradley.

“(They) have been very supportive ever since they’ve been here,” Blackmon said. “I’ve been going in and talking to them almost every day so having them there, having the teammates here that I have here have been very supportive here and it feels good to have people I can lean on and talk to.”

Blackmon was a player on the rise at the end of the 2012 season, but he has really hurt himself with the four-game suspension. If he receives another violation, he’s out a year and his job security will plummet or disappear.

He no-commented when asked if he would be going into any sort of rehab or if it was necessary.

Here’s hoping he’s willingly doing whatever he needs to make sure the decision-making he’s talking of gets better before it’s too late for him.

» NFC Eight in the Box: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Who is one highly drafted or highly paid player from each AFC South team who needs to show something during the remainder of the offseason?

Houston Texans: I can’t find a highly paid or highly drafted player who could be in jeopardy. Shiloh Keo was a fifth-round draft pick in 2011 and ranked as a Wade Phillips favorite. Keo played in every game last year, even seeing time as the often-used third safety when Quintin Demps fell out of favor. But Keo is limited, primarily because he’s slow. The Texans replaced Glover Quin with Ed Reed, which doesn’t really affect the bottom of the safety depth chart. Demps is an unsigned free agent who won’t be back. Second-round pick D.J. Swearinger will be the third safety. Keo and Eddie Pleasant are the fourth and fifth safeties now, and the team had five on the roster at the end of last season. But a good player at the back end of another position could prompt them to keep just four, which could put the limited Keo in jeopardy if he doesn’t perform well in camp.

Indianapolis Colts: A team that didn’t have a true nose tackle option last season because of injuries and personnel deficiencies will have a glut this summer if everyone remains healthy. Now they have Aubrayo Franklin and 2012 fifth-rounder Josh Chapman, who’s back from the knee injury that kept him out last year. They also have new fifth-round draft pick Montori Hughes as well as Ricky Jean Francois, a versatile lineman who can man the middle on occasion. I don’t expect Martin Tevaseu to stick, and if the rest of that pack remains healthy, one player who will need to have a solid camp to make his case to stay is Brandon McKinney, who’s due $1 million this year. Brought in as a free agent from Baltimore last year, he too is coming off a serious knee injury. He’s expected to be ready for camp but could have already lost some ground in organized team activities and minicamp.

Jacksonville Jaguars: While the Texans don’t have a highly paid or highly drafted veteran who could be in trouble because they have drafted well and their roster is solid, the Jaguars don’t really have one because they are young and largely unproven. They already parted with an expensive guy who wasn’t worth his contract in strong safety Dawan Landry. Tight and Marcedes Lewis ($4.2 million base this year) and defensive tackle Tyson Alualu ($1.8 million) are overpaid based on recent production, but the Jaguars have money and don’t have promising replacements for either.

Tennessee Titans: I don’t think right tackle David Stewart is in jeopardy. But he’s coming off a down year when he committed too many penalties, is recovering from a broken leg, has an ankle that seems to be a lingering concern and is due a $5 million base salary. I’m not sure Mike Otto or Byron Stingily, the team’s two primary backup tackles, are starting-caliber guys. But the team did visit with free agent Eric Winston, who worked with offensive line coach Bruce Matthews in Houston. If Winston remains on the market and Stewart doesn’t look ready to bounce back, perhaps the Titans would still consider adding Winston and allowing him to slug it out with Stewart. That could be an epic battle.

Houston Texans

The team signed sixth-round draft pick Chris Jones, a nose tackle out of Bowling Green, reports the Houston Chronicle's Tania Ganguli.

J.J. Watt took to Twitter last night to dispel Internet rumors that he had been in a car accident and broken both of his legs.

Evan Silva of Rotoworld.com ranked his top 150 players for fantasy, and Arian Foster was surprising left out of the top six.

Indianapolis Colts

The team has six of its seven rookie draft choices under contract heading into this weekend's minicamp, reports the Indianapolis Star's Mike Chappell. The lone exception is first-round pick Bjoern Werner.

Chappell takes a closer look at third-round pick Hugh Thornton, who had to deal with the murder of his mother and sister when he was growing up.

Brad Wells of Stampede Blue isn't a fan of the trade that sent A.Q. Shipley to the Ravens for a 2014 conditional draft choice.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Are the Jaguars the most stable NFL franchise in Florida? (subscription required)

In his mailbag, John Oehser details how he expects the Jaguars will use fifth-round pick Denard Robinson.

Tennessee Titans

A video report from Baptist Sports Park as rookies report for minicamp.

The Titans' secondary may employ a pressing, more aggressive style this season, writes The Tennessean's John Glennon. “Overall this year as a defense, we’ll have a little bit more of an aggressive mentality,” cornerback Jason McCourty said. “I think part of that for us as cornerbacks will be getting up at the line of scrimmage and pressing, getting our hands on the wide receivers."

The team shook things up at the running back position, waiving Jamie Harper and signing free agent Jalen Parmele.