Jaguars' D-line most improved group in AFC South

h/t sharing story +NFL
By Marc Sessler
Around the League Writer
Original Story Published: April 9, 2014

As the dust begins to settle from free agency, Around The League explores how teams from each division have improved.

AFC West
» Division overview: Raiders moving up?
» Most improved position group

NFC West
» Division overview: Cardinals ascending
» Most improved position group

AFC South
» Division overview: Jaguars on the move
» Most improved position group

The offseason in the AFC South has been more about departures than arrivals.

Matt Schaub is gone from the +Houston Texans, and the +Tennessee Titans no longer house Chris Johnson or Kenny Britt. The division is in flux with the presence of two new coaches in Houston and Tennessee, but it's +Jacksonville Jaguar's second-year duo of Gus Bradley and general manager David Caldwell who have our attention.

The Jaguars aggressively raided the open market to upgrade their defensive end rotation with the signings of Chris Clemons and Red Bryant, two former +Seattle Seahawks who give Bradley a pair of reliable defenders already familiar with Jacksonville's scheme. Bryant is an upgrade over Tyson Alualu, who now shifts into spot duty after starting all 64 games of his four-year career. That's good depth.

Bryant remains a strong run defender while Clemons will split time with Andre Branch and Jason Babin on the edge as a "Leo" pass rusher. The concern for Clemons and Babin is age -- they're both on the wrong side of 30 and Bryant's not far behind -- but the Jaguars now have more flexibility and depth at the position than they have had in years.

It's also a sign that veterans who know Bradley yearn to play for him, another positive development for this growing squad.

Titans agree to 4-year deal with OT Michael Oher

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have agreed to a multiyear deal with offensive tackle Michael Oher, a former first-round draft pick who spent his first five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.

Titans general manager Ruston Webster called Oher "a big, strong, durable player" in a statement announcing the move Friday. Oher's contract reportedly is a four-year deal worth $20 million with $9.5 million guaranteed.

Oher tweeted that he's "extremely happy and excited to be a Titan (and) can't wait to do big things!!!" Oher also tweeted, "Wanna thank the Ravens organization and their great fans!"

The 27-year-old Oher should fill Tennessee's vacancy at right tackle created by the Titans' decision to waive David Stewart on Wednesday. Stewart had been Tennessee's starting right tackle since 2006.