NFL Draft: Biggest Needs AFC West Edition with FA Breakdown
It’s officially NFL Draft Day and excitement is in the air (at least by me)! The intel on potential draft picks are flying higher than ever. For now, we’re going to jump into the AFC West and dissect some of the moves they’ve already made, and moves they could make in this year’s draft!
If you’ve missed all of the other draft pieces we’ve discussed be sure to click on the divisions and let me know how you’re feeling about your favorite team’s options!
For now, let’s jump into the newly relocated LA squad…
NFL Draft: Los Angeles Chargers
If you haven’t been paying much attention to the Chargers this off-season, you haven’t missed much. The only automatic impact player they’ve brought in was former Broncos OT Russell Okung.
Russell will fill a huge void that was missing on the Chargers offensive line, and the lack of improvements on paper aren’t too concerning. This is a team that’s full of talent but the issues of health have plagued them.
Biggest Needs: Safety
The Chargers need an impact player that can hopefully start out of the gate and luckily for them, that’s obtainable at the seventh overall pick. A lot of who will fall to them depends on the craziness that could happen with the first couple selections
Draft: Possible Pick: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
Quite possibly the most raw athlete I’ve seen in years. Talent like Jamal Adams and Malik Hooker don’t come around too often so to have both of them in the same draft class is exciting for all football fans to say the least.
NF: Draft: Denver Broncos
The Broncos brought in a couple giants to fill their offensive weak spots that came about last season. They signed former:
- Cowboys OG Ronald Leary
- Raiders OT Menelik Watson
However, this doesn’t fill the void completely, and that’s still their major problem.
Biggest Needs: Offensive Line
Denver’s offensive line needs a corner stone, and the loss of Russell Okung, mentioned earlier, is a key reason why. Luckily for the Broncos, where they pick is prime for offensive lineman.
Now this will all depend on preferences when it comes to a specific lineman that the Broncos like, but Cam Robinson, Ryan Ramczyk, and Forrest Lamp are all great options.
However, there is another first round lineman I haven’t discussed yet in this draft class…
Draft: Possible Pick: Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
Another great tackle in this draft class who could make an immediate impact on the way a team can manage the rock. Almost every team in the NFL could use a guy like this blocking for their quarterback.
NFL Draft: Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have been the talk of the U.S. after the reinstatement of running back Marshawn Lynch! I think I speak for every NFL fan when I say, Lynch is an absolute gem! (I may be a little bias but pretty much every time he opens his mouth I laugh hysterically.)
Also, they’ve added a couple more offensive weapon with former:
- Packers TE Jared Cook
- Vikings WR Cordarrelle Patterson
Now the skill positions of Oakland go as follows:
- Quarterback: Derek Carr
- Running Back: Marshawn Lynch
- Wide Receivers: Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree
- Tight End: Jared Cook
Also, add in the fact that the Raiders offensive line is outstanding and this may be one of the most dynamic scoring machines in the NFL next season.
Biggest Need: Defensive Athletes
With the offense being that loaded, I don’t see how they could justify bringing in another stud, so to the defense we go.
The Raiders can be flexible with their draft picks and it’ll honestly just come down to the personal preference they desire.
Draft: Possible Pick (1): Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
We’ve talked about Jarrad Davis before, but the leadership he provides off and on the field is bar none in this NFL Draft class. He’d be a great addition by every team.
Draft: Possible Pick (2): Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut
A physical monster like Melifonwu could fall all the way to the second round, but I’m telling you now, this guy is going to be an absolute stud barring an injury.
NFL Draft: Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs were close last season to getting over the hump, but the lack of fire-power on offense is what brought them to a halt. This off-season, they’ve brought on return man and plug-n-play type athlete in C.J. Spiller. Spiller went through a handful of teams last season with no real place to call home.
On the defensive side, Kansas City brought in former Eagles DT Bennie Logan in hopes to fill the void left by Dontari Poe. Logan had 2.5 sacks last season in thirteen games, so we’ll see if he can turn it up a notch in this up-coming season.
Biggest Need: Offensive Playmaker
Last season, it seemed the only way the Chiefs found the end-zone was through the abilities of Tyreek Hill. Without another playmaker, this offense is prone to sputter. If they focus in on another athlete, it could be a big opportunity to take pressure off hill while developing another weapon.
Draft: Possible Pick: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
Mahomes isn’t ready to start at the moment, but the abilities he can bring to a franchise in the future may be worth the wait. If you put him under a guy like Alex Smith, someone who’s experienced in waiting his turn, it could be a great learning experience for him.
Another possible pick if he falls this far or a trade up is in place could be John Ross.
Next: NFC North - NFL Draft Preview
Enjoy the NFL Draft and stay tuned to Fantasy CPR for all the fantasy football news and analysis!