2017 NFL Draft Reset: AFC West is on the move

Sep 21, 2017 - 7:45 PM Is bigger better for Broncos O-Line?



The Denver Broncos are bigger on their offensive line, but are they better?

With quarterback Tony Romo now unavailable except in the CBS broadcast booth, the Broncos are keenly focused elsewhere. The Broncos kept saying they were happy with their returning quarterbacks, Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch, of course. That's the way this poker game is played. We will never know the truth.

Regardless, the attention is definitely on other positions now.

There is no set answer at left tackle. One of the two possibilities at left tackle among players on the current roster is former Raiders tackle Menelik Watson, who is penciled in at right tackle, but must first avoid the injuries and inconsistency that plagued his four years in Oakland. Meanwhile, center Matt Paradis is not expected back until training camp after undergoing two hip surgeries.

No matter who ends up the starter at quarterback, if the reshuffled offensive line cannot protect Siemian or Paxton -- and can't generate more push off the snap -- the Broncos will have the same problems that dogged them last season.

Here is a closer look at where the Broncos are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, at No. 20 overall



THE BREAKDOWN

2016 finish: 3rd AFC West (9-7-0)



STATISTICS

TOTAL OFFENSE: 323.1 (27th)

RUSHING: 92.8 (27th)

PASSING: 230.3 (T21st)

TOTAL DEFENSE: 316.1 (4th)

RUSHING: 130.3 (28th)

PASSING: 185.8(1st)



TEAM NEEDS

--1. Left tackle: The Broncos don't have a natural fit for the position on the roster. As of right now, either Donald Stephenson or free agent Menelik Watson would get the nod, but this is still a position the Broncos are likely to try and fortify with a veteran pickup or via the draft.

--2. Slot receiver: Broncos head coach Vance Joseph indicated that Demaryius Thomas could see some slot work, and Emmanuel Sanders is an option to move inside when the Broncos go three-wide. But the Broncos' only natural slot receiver, Kalif Raymond, is a second-year player who saw most of his work on returns after joining the 53-man roster late last season.

--3. Tight end: The Broncos bring back Virgil Green, A.J. Derby and Jeff Heuerman, but the quality of tight ends in this year's class means that the Broncos might be able to find a better, more versatile option for their offense even as late as the third or fourth round.



KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 6)

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--DE Kasim Edebali: Not tendered as RFA by Saints; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--DT Zach Kerr: Not tendered as RFA by Colts; $3.25M/2 yrs, $500K SB/$1.5M guaranteed.

--G Ronald Leary: UFA Cowboys; $36M/4 yrs, $3.5M SB/$18.65M guaranteed, $5.35M injury only at time of signing.

--DT Domata Peko: UFA Bengals; $7.5M/2 yrs, $1M SB/$3.8M guaranteed.

--DE Bobby Richardson: FA; terms unknown.

--T Menelik Watson: UFA Raiders; $18.37M/3 yrs, $4M SB/$11M guaranteed, $5.5M injury only at time of signing.

PLAYERS LOST

--T Russell Okung: UFA Chargers; $53M/4 yrs, $10M SB/$25M guaranteed.

--OLB DeMarcus Ware: UFA/retired.

--LB Dekoda Watson: UFA 49ers; 3 yrs, terms unknown.

--CB Kayvon Webster: UFA Rams; $7.75M/2 yrs, $1M RB/$4.25M guaranteed.

--NT Sylvester Williams: UFA Titans; $16.5M/3 yrs, $2M SB/$8.5M guaranteed, $2.5M injury only at time of signing.



*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 20 overall).

Rob Rang (April 3 mock draft):

--Garett Bolles, T, Utah. On paper, the signings of former Raiders right tackle Menelik Watson and Dallas Cowboys guard Ronald Leary make up for the decision to let starting left tackle Russell Okung walk in free agency, but reality could prove different. Bolles is a work in progress after only starting one year at Utah and comes with some character red flags. He has the highest upside of any lineman in this class, however, boasting the light feet and competitive nature to project as a future standout left tackle.



Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):

--Ryan Ramczyk, T, Wisconsin. The Broncos have patched up leaks on the offensive line, but if Denver drafts Ramcyzk, it shouldn't take long for the Wisconsin product to separate himself as the best blocker on that line.



Agree? Disagree? Still shopping?

Based on the team's current status, there are our suggestions for that first pick. To double check or find another candidate check out NFLDraftScout.com's full mocks and ratings.





Reid loves Smith, but Chiefs may seek QB



The Kansas City Chiefs' success over the last four seasons has the club entering the annual draft with a different perspective -- they aren't seeking immediate help to plug holes in the starting lineup.

"Not every team could say they could go out and play right now and play halfway decent," said Reid. "I think we're in a position where we could do that if we had to do it today without the draft. It's a tribute to our personnel guys.

"We're picking 27th ... you just want to make sure it's the right guy and best player."

A poor performance from Alex Smith in the Chiefs' loss in the playoffs to Pittsburgh has intensified the discussion of whether the starting quarterback is the man who can lead the team to ultimate success in the NFL postseason.

Head coach Andy Reid wants to see improvement from Smith in the coming season, but there's no doubt the head coach believes his quarterback has the ability to steer Kansas City to a championship.

"I love him; I love how he goes about his business," Reid said. "He's a self-driven guy. He's the first one in and the last one out. I think everybody knows that he's in charge. I think he's just a good football player. I'm very comfortable with him ... I wish I had him as a rookie.

"That doesn't mean that I don't challenge him with things. Can he continue to get better? Absolutely. I think we just keep surrounding him with good players, and he keeps on going."

So quarterback is on the need list heading into the draft, along with a running back to ease the loss of oft-injured Jamaal Charles and a defensive back to further improve the pass defense of a team that faces quarterbacks Philip Rivers and Derek Carr twice each.

Here is a closer look at where the Chiefs are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, at No. 27 overall



THE BREAKDOWN

2016 finish: T-1st AFC West (12-4)



STATISTICS

TOTAL OFFENSE: 343.0 (20th)

RUSHING: 109.3 (15th)

PASSING: 233.8 (19th)

TOTAL DEFENSE: 368.5 (24th)

RUSHING: 121.1 (26th)

PASSING: 247.4 (18th)



TEAM NEEDS

--1. Running back: The franchise all-time leading rusher Jamaal Charles is gone after dealing with knee injuries and surgeries over the last two seasons. Spencer Ware came out of nowhere in the second half of the 2015 season, and became the offense's top rusher posting 1,324 yards on 286 carries in 25 games. Ware also contributes in the passing game, catching 39 passes for 452 yards. But his rugged running style diminishes the chances of him being productive over 16 games - he played 14 games in the 2016 season, but over the last 10 games, Ware's longest run was 17 yards. Charcandrick West (1,329 offensive yards in 30 games) and C.J. Spiller are the other options heading into the draft, raising the position to the top of the K.C. list of needs.

--2. Cornerback: The Chiefs added four cornerbacks last year, but only one made a significant contribution: free agent Terrance Mitchell, who didn't show up on the active roster until the last week of November. Mitchell became a key contributor in the last quarter of the season and started against Pittsburgh in the playoffs. Among the three others added, rookie Eric Murray was moved to safety and Kenneth Acker and rookie D.J. White saw minimal snaps on defense. In his second NFL season, Steven Nelson did a solid job at slot cornerback, but third-year corner Phillip Gaines was up-and-down, coming off an ACL injury and surgery and appearing in 11 games. Going into his third season, Marcus Peters is one of the top young defensive backs in the league. But for the K.C. defense, it's a big drop in production after Peters.

--3. Quarterback: Salary cap considerations led the Chiefs to pass on an option year in backup Nick Foles' contract, leaving the Kansas City offense dangerously thin and inexperienced at the position. For three seasons (2013-15) Chase Daniel was there to back up Alex Smith, and last year it was Foles. Going into the draft, they have Tyler Bray, who has been around the team for four years, but has yet to take a regular-season snap and remains an unknown commodity.



KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 6)

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--S Eric Berry: Potential UFA; $78M/6 yrs, $40M guaranteed.

--DL Jarvis Jenkins: UFA; terms unknown.

--G/T Mike Person: UFA; $785K/1 yr.

--S Daniel Sorensen (RFA tendered at $2.746M with second-round pick as compensation); $16M/4 yrs.

--LS James Winchester: Potential ERFA; $4.45M/5 yrs.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--TE Gavin Escobar: UFA Cowboys; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--S Marqueston Huff: RFA tender of $1.797M rescinded by Ravens; terms unknown.

--DT Bennie Logan: UFA Eagles; $8M/1 yr, $1M SB/$7.68M guaranteed.

--RB C.J. Spiller: FA; $775K/1 yr.

PLAYERS LOST

--RB Jamaal Charles (released).

--RB Knile Davis: UFA Steelers; $775K/1 yr.

--QB Nick Foles: UFA Eagles; $27.5M/5 yrs, $3M SB/$7M guaranteed; final three years can void.

--DT Dontari Poe: UFA Falcons; $8M/1 yr, $7.5M guaranteed.





*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No.27 overall).

Rob Rang (April 3 mock draft):

--Zach Cunningham, ILB, Vanderbilt. The Chiefs have some massive shoes to fill up the middle with nose tackle Dontari Poe walking in free agency and 34-year-old linebacker Derrick Johnson recuperating from his second season-ending Achilles tear over the past three years. The 6-foot-3, 234-pound Cunningham - a two-time first team All-SEC defender who led the conference in tackles last season - has the length, awareness and speed to help immediately.



Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):

--Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida. When healthy and on the field, Davis was one of the best linebackers in the country with his combination of explosive traits and power. It wouldn't take long for him to carve out a leadership role on the Kansas City defense.



Agree? Disagree? Still shopping?

Based on the team's current status, there are our suggestions for that first pick. To double check or find another candidate check out NFLDraftScout.com's full mocks and ratings.





Chargers really a team on the move



The Los Angeles Chargers were a team on the move this offseason, and that goes beyond moving from San Diego.

Stung by consecutive last-place finishes and a combined nine wins the past two seasons, the Chargers unveiled their vision of spring cleaning.

Shown the door include these starters from last year -- linebacker Manti Te'o, left tackle King Dunlap, wide receiver Stevie Johnson, right guard D.J. Fluker and cornerback Brandon Flowers.

The Chargers' revolving door wasn't just spitting players out. Russell Okung, the former Bronco, will replace Dunlap at left tackle. Safety Jahleel Addae and running back Branden Oliver were retained.

And in possibly the team's most important move, the franchise tag was slapped on pass-rusher Melvin Ingram. The outside linebacker will be paired with Joey Bosa, the NFL defensive rookie of the year, for the foreseeable future.

Head coach Anthony Lynn is anxious to see what the pair can do in new coordinator Gus Bradley's fresh 4-3 alignment.

"Knowing Gus's system and attacking style that we are going to play, those are two really good options," Lynn said. "You really can't slide the line in protection one way because the other guy is just as good. That is going to help our defense a lot."

Among the things still on Lynn's wish list is an impact player at safety.

"There are some good safeties coming out," Lynn said. "I like Jamal Adams (LSU). I like (Jabrill) Peppers (Michigan). He could be a nice safety in the National Football League. Obi (Melifonwu), the young man from Connecticut, has a nice presence down in the box as a strong safety. (There are) some talented safeties.

"(Peppers) plays so many positions, I believe if you put him at one position he can be a superstar. It is just that simple. He has been a superstar his whole life. I don't think it is going to stop because of the National Football League."

After missing the playoffs six of the last seven years, and now posing as the second-tier team in Los Angeles behind the populist Rams, the Chargers very much need to get back to postseason play in the first year and the second stint in L.A.

Here is a closer look at where the Chargers are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, at No. 7 overall.



THE BREAKDOWN

2016 finish: 4th AFC West (5-11)



STATISTICS

TOTAL OFFENSE: 356.8 (14th)

RUSHING: 94.4 (26th)

PASSING: 262.4 (8th)

TOTAL DEFENSE: 347.1 (16th)

RUSHING: 97.9 (10th)

PASSING: 249.2 (20th)



TEAM NEEDS

--1. Offensive line: Russell Okung fills a big void with the release of left tackle King Dunlap. But the Chargers could also be seeking to upgrade the right tackle spot. Joe Barksdale as missed but one start in two seasons, but he's also been beat too much on the edge. Inside, the right guard spot must be addressed with the D.J. Fluker not being brought back. The Chargers do have some depth inside, but that doesn't mean they won't be looking to upgrade the roster, especially with new coach Lynn Anthony's preference for running the ball.

--2. Wide receiver: Keenan Allen is an emerging star -- if he can stay on the field. That has been an issue for two straight seasons so can the Chargers really count on him to be availability with regularity in 2017? There fingers are crossed but the will also look for some more depth. Tyrell Williams became a 1,000-yard receiver last year and that was a pleasant surprise. But there isn't much behind him, especially with Stevie Johnson not being retained.

--3. Defensive end: The Chargers are ditching their 3-4 alignment in favor of new coordinator Gus Bradley's 4-3 approach. But to implement it, Bradley is going to need some more defensive ends. This position needs more talent and bodies as the team makes the switch. Some outside linebackers, like Joey Bosa, can drop down and play end. But there is only one true defensive end, Darius Philon, on the roster.



KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 6)

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--SS Jahleel Addae: Potential UFA; $22.5M/4 yrs, $2M SB/$3.5M guaranteed, $2M injury only at time of signing.

--QB Kellen Clemens: UFA; $1.08/1 yr, $80K SB.

--RB Branden Oliver: Not tendered as RFA; terms un known.

--DT Tenny Palepoi: Not tendered as RFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--NT Damion Square: UFA; $4M/2 yrs, $1.22M SB.

--G/T Kenny Wiggins: Not tendered as RFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--LS Mike Windt: UFA; $4.41M/4 yrs, $620K guaranteed.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--RB Kenjon Barner: Not tendered as RFA by Eagles; terms unknown.

--T Russell Okung: UFA Broncos; $53M/4 yrs, $10M SB/$25M guaranteed.

PLAYERS LOST

--WR Jeremy Butler: Not tendered as ERFA/Bills; $625K/1 yr.

--T King Dunlap (released).

--CB Brandon Flowers (released).

--G/T D.J. Fluker (released).

--LB Brock Hekking (released/failed physical).

--WR Stevie Johnson (released).

--LB Manti Te'o: UFA Saints; $5M/2 yrs, $600K SB.

--RB Danny Woodhead: UFA Ravens; $8.8M/3 yrs, $2.25M SB/$4.25M guaranteed, $1M injury only at time of signing.



*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 7 overall).



Rob Rang (April 3 mock draft):

--Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State. The Chargers won big with Joey Bosa a year ago and could see another Buckeye as an ideal replacement for Eric Weddle, whom the club clearly missed in 2016. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Hooker possesses the range and ball skills to complement the Chargers' small but physical cornerbacks.



Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):

--Malik Hooker, FS, Ohio State. Despite not being able to work out pre-draft due to injury, Hooker is absolutely worth a top-seven selection with his ability to impact the game in the deep half of the field. He is the playmaker the Chargers have been hoping to add on the back end.



Agree? Disagree? Still shopping?

Based on the team's current status, there are our suggestions for that first pick. To double check or find another candidate check out NFLDraftScout.com's full mocks and ratings.





Raiders focus on roster amid franchise move



Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio insists he and general manager Reggie McKenzie are working their plan so diligently that even news of a move to Las Vegas did not change the process.

Not that Del Rio didn't have some conflicting feelings with the news that the Raiders, by a 31-1 vote of NFL owners, were granted permission to relocate to Las Vegas and vacate their home of the past 22 years and for 45 of their 58 years of existence.

Del Rio grew up in nearby Hayward a Raiders fan, and getting the job to become head coach in 2016 was a homecoming. The Raiders will play 2017 in Oakland, and perhaps 2018 and 2019 as well, although plans could change for those seasons based on the reception they get from the home fans.

The Raiders, 12-4 in 2016, made the playoffs for the first time since 2002. The season came crashing down during a Week 16 win over Indianapolis when quarterback Derek Carr went out with a broken right fibula. Losses to Denver in the regular-season finale and Houston in a wild-card game followed, dashing Super Bowl dreams.

Carr will be fine; Del Rio said he'll have no limitations when the offseason program begins on April 17 and organized team activities a month later.

So the offseason for the Raiders will be to find a way to upgrade the NFL's 26th-ranked defense while sustaining their offensive production.

But instead of going that way in free agency, the Raiders instead added four offensive players in tight end Jared Cook, wide receiver/return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson, tackle Marshall Newhouse and reserve quarterback EJ Manuel, before bringing in their first defender in outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins (Miami).

The only one of their own free agents to come back was long snapper Jon Condo. Everyone else walked, including leading rusher Latavius Murray, who signed with the Vikings.

The Raiders waited for the first wave to pass in free agency, unlike the two previous years when big-ticket strikes included center Rodney Hudson, defensive tackle Dan Williams, guard Kelechi Osemele, linebacker Bruce Irvin and cornerback Sean Smith.

Big the first week of April was a visit from home-grown running back Marshawn Lynch, of Beast Mode fame with the Seattle Seahawks. Lynch retired last year but said he might unretire to play for the Raiders -- and only the Raiders. Under terms of his existing contract, Lynch would be in line for a $9 million salary and cap hit in 2017, and he would be due a base salary of $7 million in 2018 and could potentially earn an additional $3 million roster bonus. Seahawks general manager John Schneider said an agreement between the two teams won't be an issue, noting he formerly worked with McKenzie when both were with the Packers.

Here is a closer look at where the Raiders are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, at No.24 overall.



THE BREAKDOWN

2016 finish: T-1st AFC West (12-4)



STATISTICS

TOTAL OFFENSE: 373.3 (6th)

RUSHING: 120.1 (6th)

PASSING: 253.2 (13th)

TOTAL DEFENSE: 375.1 (26th)

RUSHING: 117.6 (23rd)

PASSING: 257.5 (24th)



TEAM NEEDS

--1. Running back: With Latavius Murray signing with Minnesota in free agency, the Raiders need a power back to go along with second-year players Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington, both of whom had exciting first seasons as complementary players. Both are 5-foot-8 and not likely to be first-and-10 runners.

--2. Inside linebacker: Malcolm Smith, who played inside and outside, signed with the 49ers, and Perry Riley Jr. remains unsigned. The Raiders had Zach Brown in for a visit (he signed with Washington) and would hope to find a player with enough agility and athleticism to avoid being a liability in coverage as well as having the ability to stop inside runs.

--3. Cornerback: Rangy starters David Amerson and Sean Smith man the outside and are hoping for better seasons after being inconsistent in 2016. What the Raiders need, however, is a quick-footed corner, smaller, who can guard slot receivers and help with crossing routes and short patterns.



KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 6)

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--LS Jon Condo: UFA; $1.08M/1 yr, $50K SB/$300K guaranteed.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--TE Jared Cook: UFA Packers; $10.6M/2 yrs, $2.5M RB/$5M guaranteed.

--LB Jelani Jenkins: UFA Dolphins; $1M/1 yr, $100 SB.

--QB EJ Manuel: UFA Bills; $800K/1 yr.

--T Marshall Newhouse: UFA Giants; $3.5M/2 yrs, $500K guaranteed (RB 3/20).

--WR-KR Cordarrelle Patterson: UFA Vikings; $8.5M/2 yrs, $2.5M SB/$5M guaranteed.

PLAYERS LOST

--S Nate Allen: UFA Dolphins; $3.4M/1 yr, $2M SB/$3.4M guaranteed.

--LB Daren Bates: UFA Titans; $6M/3 yrs, $500K SB/$1M guaranteed.

--CB DJ Hayden: UFA Lions; $3.75M/1 yr, $1M SB/$2.25M guaranteed.

--WR Andre Holmes: UFA Bills; $5.15M/3 yrs, $1.65M SB/$2.45M guaranteed.

--DT Stacy McGee: UFA Redskins; $25M/5 yrs, $4M SB/$9M guaranteed, $2.75M injury only at time of signing.

--RB Latavius Murray: UFA Vikings; $15M/3 yrs, $1.8M SB/$8.55M guaranteed, $5.15M injury only at time of signing.

--TE Mychal Rivera: UFA Jaguars; $3.25M/2 yrs, $750M guaranteed.

--LB Malcolm Smith: UFA 49ers; $26.5M/5 yrs, $7M SB/$13M guaranteed, $1.5M injury only at time of signing.

--S Brynden Trawick: UFA Titans; $4.75M/2 yrs, $3M guaranteed.

--T Menelik Watson: UFA Broncos; $18.37M/3 yrs, $4M SB/$11M guaranteed, $5.5M injury only at time of signing.



*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 24 overall).

Rob Rang (April 3 mock draft):

--Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State. The Raiders' rise to the playoffs is directly attributable to its explosive offense, but if the club is to take the next step - and remain a consistent post-season threat - help must be on the way for a defense that surrendered an average of 375 yards per game, 26th in the NFL. In his post-season wrapup, head coach Jack Del Rio stressed the need to create more disruption on the interior, which is exactly what the 6-foot-5, 285-pound McDowell does best.



Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):

--Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State. Running back isn't the No. 1 need on the roster, but if Oakland is one of the several teams who have Cook rated as the top back, the value would make sense. No offense to DeAndre Washington or Jalen Richard, but unless Marshawn Lynch comes out of retirement, Cook would be the best back on the roster immediately.



Agree? Disagree? Still shopping?

Based on the team's current status, there are our suggestions for that first pick. To double check or find another candidate check out NFLDraftScout.com's full mocks and ratings.



--Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. TSX team insiders contributed to this article.