Jamal Adams, Jeffery Simmons, Jonathan Taylor, Colts, Jaguars, Texans, Titans –

Colts

• According to an ESPN poll, Colts RB Jonathan Taylor was voted the fifth best RB in the NFL.
• An AFC scout believes that Taylor will show how dynamic he is when fully healthy: “Still explosive – he was banged up last year. The Colts have been slow to get him into it. But right now he’s probably the best combination of size and straight-line speed.” (ESPN)

Jaguars

The Jaguars experienced one of the most disappointing slumps at the end of the 2023 season after winning the division the year before and entering the season with higher expectations. Jacksonville HC Doug Pederson mentioned how painful last season was and explained that they are using that as motivation for this year.

“It will be a long time before we get back to meaningful games and start playing in September,” Pederson said via Michael Baca of NFL.com: “But I think that’s the same drive and motivating factor for our players. The way we finished is not our fault. And no matter what you go through as a football team, everyone experiences adversity.”

“There will always be injuries, but you can’t make excuses. You have to play football. We have to learn from it, roll up our sleeves in training camp, work hard and just take it one game at a time.”

• According to an ESPN poll, Jaguars OLB Josh Hines Allen was voted the eighth best edge rusher in the NFL.
• A veteran defensive coach was impressed with Hines-Allen’s development last season: “He has developed tremendously as a player – more decisive, better angles and shots. Played with more power. He has a really nice cross chop that he has perfected. He and Travon Walker will be a force next year.” (ESPN)

Texan

• According to Aaron Wilson, the Texans have signed DE Jerry Hughes to a one-year, $2.6 million contract with $1.3 million guaranteed, including a $650,000 signing bonus.
• Wilson adds that $650,000 of his $1.6 million base salary is guaranteed and he can earn up to $350,000 in roster bonuses per game.

Titans

• The Titans signed S Jamal Adams to a one-year veteran salary contract with $1.125 million guaranteed. (Ari Meirov)
• According to another ESPN poll, the Titans DT Jeffery Simmons was voted the fourth best DT in the NFL.
• A chief NFL scout said the following about Simmons: “When he’s focused and making a lot of plays, he’s hard to block. I think he’s going to have a great year, similar to (Justin) Madubuike in the same Baltimore scheme last year.” (ESPN)