Last season, the AFC West did not disappoint.
The Broncos, led by touched on, Cooper is the more polished receiver of the two, but will the Raiders go the safer route or go for the higher ceiling and select White?
Potential Picks: WR Amari Cooper (Alabama), WR Kevin White (West Virginia)
San Diego Chargers
Biggest Need: Running Back
Although the Chargers could use some help on their offensive line, losing running back rankings, the Chiefs finished 27th in the league. On top of that, they lost center Rodney Hudson, a key piece of the line. Former first round pick Eric Fisher has also not lived up to potential thus far, so the Chiefs need to consider beefing up the line to protect Smith and create holes for Jamaal Charles.
Potential Picks: C Cameron Erving (Florida State), OT La’el Collins (LSU)
Denver Broncos
Biggest Need: Nose Tackle
The Broncos had a bit of a rough offseason, losing some key players. Julius Thomas left for Jacksonville, Orlando Franklin signed with a division foe, and Terrence “Pot Roast†Knighton left for the nation’s capital. Without Franklin, there is a need on the offensive line, but Knighton’s absence could prove to be a major deterrent to the solid Denver defense.According to our schedule-adjusted, per-play metrics, the Broncos had the 11th best overall defense and the 10th best rushing defense. “Pot Roast†was a major reason for that success. The current projected starter is the third-year, unproven Sylvester Williams.
The Broncos will be selecting at the tail end of the first round and should have a wide variety of options. It may be in their best interest to take the best player available or trade back to garner a few extra picks. Although, if a stud at defensive tackle falls to them, it would be hard to pass up the potential replacement for Knighton.
Potential Picks: DT Malcolm Brown (Texas), DT Eddie Goldman (Florida State)