It’s time to move on to the AFC South in the “Breakout Player” series. Every team in this division is ready to push for the division title, and they’ll need their young players to take steps to help make that happen.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Breakout Player: Ventrell Miller, LB

The Jacksonville Jaguars let All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd walk in free agency to sign with the Carolina Panthers. The move was puzzling, but looking at the Jaguars roster, it’s clear they want Ventrell Miller to step up.

Jacksonville drafted Miller with the 122nd pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he hasn’t seen consistent playing time yet. He missed his entire rookie year due to an Achilles injury and part of the 2024 season with an ankle injury. Health was a major reason Miller fell in the draft, and it’s impacted his career so far.

Miller played 702 snaps across three seasons. In 2025, he flashed why he was viewed as a “two-down” linebacker in the NFL, having 10 run stops in 220 snaps. The play strength is there for Miller to look dominant between the tackles; the question is, does he have the athleticism to truly be as dominant as Lloyd? Time will tell, but the opportunity is in front of Miller to outplay his draft position.

Houston Texans – Breakout Player: Jaylin Noel, WR

The Houston Texans let receiver Christian Kirk walk in free agency to sign with the San Francisco 49ers. Houston drafted Jaylin Noel with the 79th pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Noel was viewed as a slot receiver, but had the upside to return kicks.

In 2025, Noel showed why he was viewed as a kick returner, ranking ninth in kickoff return yards and fifth in punt return yards in the NFL. He didn’t have the same impact in the receiving game, having 292 yards, but he played just 221 passing play snaps.

With Kirk out of the picture, Noel has the chance to fully take over the slot position. The starting outside receivers will be Nico Collins and Jayden Higgins. The slot is up for grabs. Tank Dell is a candidate, but he’s still recovering from a devastating knee injury from the 2024 season.  The attributes Noel has primed him for the slot. Good short-area burst, works well over the middle, and he knows when to accelerate on certain routes.

Indianapolis Colts – Breakout Player: Justin Walley, CB

The Indianapolis Colts released Pro Bowl corner Kenny Moore after nine seasons with the team. It was made clear he wanted out, but it left a hole in the Colts’ secondary. Indianapolis has Charvarius Ward and Sauce Gardner for the outside corner positions, but in the slot, Justin Walley will have a shot to earn the starting role for 2026.

Walley was drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft, but tore his ACL in training camp last season. He’s on track to participate in the Colts’ offseason program. Coming out of Minnesota, Walley was 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds as a prospect. HE ran a 4.4. 40 at the NFL combine and had his best season of college in 2024. He was named to the second-team All-Big Ten and led Minnesota with 10 pass breakups.

The size, speed, and production were all there for Walley coming out. The problem was his technique throughout the reps. He’d get handsy and struggle to stay on the hips of receivers throughout routes. Still, the upside is all there for Walley to have a breakout season in 2026.

Tennessee Titans – Breakout Player: Marcus Harris, CB

Value is the name of the game when it comes to the NFL draft. Teams are trying to find options in the later rounds that could make an immediate impact. The Tennessee Titans didn’t get an immediate impact, but they got an eventual impact by selecting Marcus Harris in the sixth round of the 2025 draft.

Harris will likely be the team’s starting slot corner this season, and he should be after an impressive rookie campaign. In 342 snaps, Harris allowed 13 receptions for 151 yards and had four pass breakups. His ability to change directions lets him thrive in the slot, and he can match receivers at the top of the routes. He was just inconsistent in his ability to transition his hips and locate the football downfield, but with new head coach Robert Saleh, Harris can make a jump.

Titans fans know his name; it’s time for every NFL fan to prepare to hear it a lot more this season.