The AFC South is led by big-name quarterback Deshaun Watson. Many think being the face of the division makes you the best player, but where does he truly rank on the AFC South top five players list? Heading into the 2020 season three teams have a serious shot at winning a division title. New additions have restocked the division with talent and set the stage for an interesting race in the 2020 season.
AFC South Top Five Players
Honorable Mentions
T.Y. Hilton – WR, Indianapolis Colts
Yannick Ngakoue – EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars
J.J. Watt – EDGE, Houston Texans
Kevin Byard – S, Tennessee Titans
DeForest Buckner – EDGE, Indianapolis Colts
Taylor Lewan – OT, Tennessee Titans
5.) Laremy Tunsil – OT, Houston Texans
Laremy Tunsil barely made this list heading into the 2020 season beating out some very talented players. Now, before you get upset about the highest-paid left tackle in the league being placed at five, understand that Tunsil is only a one-time pro-bowler, and has not made an all-pro team. Tunsil is definitely in the top tier at his position, however, being paid as the top left tackle in the league may have more to do with head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien than it does with Tunsil’s on the field play.
4.) Darius Leonard – MLB, Indianapolis Colts
Darius Leonard burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie winning Defensive Rookie of the year over talented rookies Derwin James and Bradley Chubb. Leonard drafted in the second round (#36 overall) was labeled as one of the draft’s worst picks coming out of South Carolina State. He quickly dispelled that notion and has not slowed down heading into year three. Already receiving 1st team all-pro honors, one pro-bowl appearance, and defensive rookie of the year, Leonard could not have scripted a better start to his career.
3.) Derrick Henry – RB, Tennessee Titans
Derrick Henry did his very best to dispel the idea that running backs no longer matter in the modern-day NFL. Henry rushed for a league-leading 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns in the regular season. However, his work didn’t stop there as Henry helped lead the Titans to knock out Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the first round as the sixth seed in the AFC. He followed that up by taking out the number one seeded Baltimore Ravens led by unanimous MVP Lamar Jackson. After rushing for over 180+ yards in both games and helping to lead his team to the AFC championship game, Henry earned his spot as a top-five player in the division.
2.) Deshaun Watson – QB, Houston Texans
Deshaun Watson plays the most valuable position in the game and plays it as well as you can. Watson garnered early MVP chatter last season as he put together another incredible season. Heading into the 2020 season, the Texans have serious question marks about their roster, the one question mark they don’t have is Deshaun Watson. As long as he is a Houston Texan, they will always have a chance to be in the playoffs.
1.) Quenton Nelson – OG, Indianapolis Colts
Big Q. You cannot ask for a better start to an NFL career than what Quenton Nelson has done. He is a two-time pro-bowler and two-time first-team all-pro in two pro seasons. There is a reason most casual NFL fans know his name regardless of the fact that he plays on the offensive line. His demeanor on the field is terrifying, his production is incomparable. Quenton Nelson is starting a hall of fame career and we as NFL fans are lucky that we get to watch him as the years go on.
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