NFL team reports: AFC South breakout players

SN correspondents identify three players from each team who are poised to step up their games this season:
HOUSTON TEXANS
RB Arian Foster(notes). An undrafted rookie in 2009, he started the last two games last season and rushed for 216 yards and three touchdowns. Foster (6-1, 227) set a team record with 110 yards rushing in last week’s preseason game vs. Dallas. He has good strength and speed and fits well with the Texans’ one-cut nfl jerseys
system.
OLB Connor Barwin(notes). A 2009 second-round pick, he plays the right side in passing situations. He had 4 1/2 sacks as a rookie and added 10 pounds in the offseason. He is developing a nifty spin move and has learned to use his hands to ward off blockers.
WR Jacoby Jones(notes). Known as a punt returner until last season, he had a career-best 27 catches and averaged 16.2 yards with six touchdown passes. Jones (6-2, 210) is a third receiver with big-play ability. He has inconsistent hands, but the coaches want to get the ball a lot more than last season. They say he could score 10 touchdowns in 2010. —John McClain
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
TE Brody Eldridge(notes). The rookie has been selected to bolster run blocking in short-yardage and goal-line situations, but he has been a surprise as a receiver. Despite having only 13 career receptions at Oklahoma, Eldridge has shown reliable hands and the ability to get open downfield. He could be a factor in the two-tight end formations when defenses pay too much attention to All-Pro TE Dallas Clark(notes).
DT/DE Eric Foster(notes). He could emerge as a versatile component in the D-line rotation. Foster (6-2, 265) is undersized but active. He put steady pressure on the pocket in preseason, whether aligned at end or tackle in the nickel package. Coordinator Larry Coyer is looking for a player capable of playing multiple positions following the offseason release of Raheem Brock(notes).
RB Donald Brown(notes). The team needs more out of Brown, the 2009 first-round pick who was hampered by injuries as a rookie. Brown is a powerful runner and possesses breakaway speed. When given a chance in place of starter Joseph Addai(notes), he must capitalize. Brown also must improve in pass protection. —Mike Chappell
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
WR Mike Thomas(notes). The feeling going into camp was that the 5-8 Thomas, who set a team rookie record with 48 catches last season, would at least be the primary slot receiver in three-receiver formations. But he consistently asserted himself in camp and has a firm grip on reebok nfl jersey
the starting job opposite Mike Sims-Walker(notes). Thomas’ speed and elusiveness are two reasons the coaches are confident their offense will have multiple weapons to take the load off RB Maurice Jones-Drew(notes).
DT Terrance Knighton(notes). A 335-pound space eater, Knighton was the only rookie defensive lineman taken in the top three rounds of the 2009 draft to start every game. His presence and power looked so promising the Jaguars released two-time Pro Bowl DT John Henderson(notes) in the offseason. The coaches say Knighton is Henderson but with more hustle. Knighton got way too heavy before camp started, but his weight is back down to a manageable level and he again looks like a powerful pile-pusher.
LT Eugene Monroe(notes). Monroe got off to a slow start last year, hindered in part by a contract holdout. He now looks more like a tackle who can dominate, thanks to dropping about 15 pounds and playing in the 300-to-305 range. It has been a decade since the Jaguars had a force at left tackle (Tony Boselli), but Monroe seems poised to take a step toward being an elite NFL lineman. —Gene Frenette
TENNESSEE TITANS
WR Lavelle Hawkins(notes). It took Hawkins a few years to get comfortable, but he’s looking like a different player in his third NFL offseason. It could pay off for the Titans this fall. Hawkins, who has just 14 catches in two seasons, has been catching the ball consistently. He is shifty, and his improvement will get him on the field for many more opportunities in 2010.
OLB Gerald McRath(notes). The bad news is McRath is suspended for the first four games of the season. The good news is he’s on track to start and be a playmaker. McRath is fast and athletic. He has the ability to play in coverage and is a proven tackler. McRath made a mini-splash as a rookie last year but will be a much bigger factor in 2010.
DT Jason Jones(notes). No one ever has questioned Jones’ ability, but hisauthentic nfl jersey
health has held him back. In his first two NFL seasons, Jones has nine sacks in 20 games while playing in a rotation. This year, he has added some bulk, is stronger, and looks poised to make a big impact. If Jones can stay healthy, he should have a big season. He is not only good vs. the run but also has a knack for getting to the QB. —Jim Wyatt