Post Draft Preview: AFC West


Now that the NFL Draft is over, we're moving closer to the start of the new NFL Season. It seems a good time to take a look at these teams, post draft, to see where they're at. Over the next eight weeks, I'll be looking at one division at a time. Today, it's the AFC West.

Kansas City Chiefs
Key Draft Picks: Mecole Hardman, WR, Darwin Thompson, RB, Juan Thornhill, S
About: The Chiefs were the talk of the NFL in 2018, putting up a near historic offense on the way to the AFC Championship. They lost that game, as the team's lack of defense was a problem that couldn't be overcome. Still, Patrick Mahomes looks like the real deal, but can the team weather the storm. The Chiefs saw a number of solid veterans leave this off-season, mainly on defense. But they also lost center Mitch Morse, and it's hard to account for how that loss could impact them. In addition, the Chiefs will have to see what life is like without Kareem Hunt. While he was released close to the end of the regular season in 2018, this will be a real test. The team drafted Thompson late, and signed Carlos Hyde, but it is likely Damien Williams that gets the first crack at significant work. In addition, with the legal issues still surrounding Tyreek Hill, the receiving corps is in flux. Rookie Hardman will help with depth, and the Chiefs still have Sammy Watkins and tight end Travis Kelce. I think the Chiefs will have trouble replicating what they did in 2018.

Los Angeles Chargers
Key Draft Picks: Jerry Tillery, DT, Easton Stick, QB
About: It's easy to forget that the Chargers had the second best record in the AFC in 2018. They kind of flew under the radar, but had one game broken their way they might have been the AFC's top seed. And this off-season has been relatively stable for the team, which has its key offensive pieces in place and will have Hunter Henry back at TE this season. The team did a nice job addressing needs and adding depth in the draft, and as long as they stay healthy, the Chargers should be a force to be reckoned with. I actually think they could quietly ascend to the top of the division, as they nearly did last year.

Denver Broncos
Key Draft Picks: Noah Fant, TE, Dalton Risner, OT, Drew Lock, QB
About: The Broncos started the season with promise, but it quickly faded to a 6-10 finish. The team re-made itself a lot this off-season, including completely changing its quarterback room and adding a new coaching staff. The Broncos still have a lot of young talent on offense in the skill positions, and the additions of Risner and Ju'Wan James ought to improve the offensive line. In addition, Joe Flacco and Lock give the Broncos a new focus moving forward at the most important position. Meanwhile, the hope is Fant gives the Broncos a young weapon at TE to join the young core of WRs and RBs already on the roster after the 2018 draft. The future feels bright, but there is a huge range of outcomes for this team.

Oakland Raiders
Key Draft Picks: Clelin Ferrell, DT, Josh Jacobs, RB, Johnathan Abram, S
About: The Raiders, under first year coach Jon Gruden, didn't have the magical season they'd hoped. And they continue to make over the team. Amari Cooper is in Dallas and Khalil Mack is in Chicago, and both made the playoffs while the Raiders finished in the cellar of the AFC West. But this has been a busy off-season. The Raiders traded for Antonio Brown and made big splashes in the draft, including drafting Josh Jacobs to be their new featured back. But is it enough? It feels like the range of outcomes for the Raiders is similarly broad. This could all work out, and the team could be a force to be reckoned with. Or it could all come off the rails in spectacular fashion. Time will tell.

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