Denver fans have surely thought, analyzed, overanalyzed, gut-trusted, and over-over-analyzed this year’s draft haul. We have a good idea for what new talent the Broncos will have to work with in the event of a season.
Unfortunately, as is always the case, the Broncos division rivals in the AFC West also got a chance to stock up on some new talent. Seeing as how six of Denver’s games will always be against these teams, it’s worth taking a look at some of the personnel directions in which these teams are headed.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Chiefs executed a worst to first move in the AFC West between 2009 and 2010. The team’s success this past year came from its young, athletic roster starting to click with head coach Todd Haley’s intense coaching philosophy. Haley restored an aggressive speed to the Chiefs defense, special teams, and running game. Firming up depth in the secondary, and the passing game, this off-season will help the Chiefs continue that upward momentum.
Clone Pick: Jonathan Baldwin, WR (Pittsburgh) – The Chiefs know exactly the one player on the roster the team would like to replicate. Dwayne Bowe is THE threat in the passing game. When Bowe was contained, so was the Chiefs aerial attack, and that created some problems this past season. Baldwin provides the Chiefs with another big receiver, and could bring the KC passing attack up to the level of its ground game.
“Kinda Makes Sense†Pick: Ricky Stanzi, QB (Iowa) – Only one team in the AFC West can be fully confident with its quarterback situation, and that team is not Kansas City. While Matt Cassel started showing his deserved starter status in 2010, there should still be some questions on whether he truly is a franchise quarterback. Ricky Stanzi won’t be expected to challenge Cassel for the starting job…at least not yet. Cassel’s durability remains a question though, and ultimately Brody Croyle doesn’t appear to be a firm number two.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 
The Norv Turner Era in San Diego just doesn’t make sense. The defense is always solid, the offense has all the trappings of a scoring machine, yet somehow San Diego seems to under-perform so egregiously in the first half of seasons that the team must always rally to make the playoffs. This past season the rally fizzled, and the Chargers spent much of the season viewing special teams as a major liability. If there’s one unit you can definitely provide a talent upgrade for in the draft it’s special teams.
Defcon 3 Picks: The Chargers selected Corey Liuget, DT (Illinois), Marcus Gilchrist, DB (Clemson), and Jonas Mouton, LB (Michigan) with their first three picks. That is three players for each of the three defensive levels. Liuget will likely be the one with a chance to start. However, Gilchrist could see considerable time with so many pass-oriented offenses in the league. Mouton gives added depth at linebacker but will likely be a big special teams contributor.
“Exception to the Rule†Pick: Vincent Brown, WR (SDSU) – It’s shocking to see the Chargers grab a receiver who isn’t a giant. For the past few years the San Diego receiving corps has rivaled most professional basketball teams in terms of average height. Now here’s Brown coming in at 5’11â€, 187 lbs. I guess the Chargers finally realized you can’t fit 6’5â€, 240 lbs. dudes into the slot.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Just when you thought Al Davis was finished…the 2010 Raiders happen. The team finally gets competitive again finishing 8-8, and then Davis fires the coach. Well, the outlook has yet to improve for Oakland. Quarterback still appears to be a moving target as the Raiders didn’t have a chance to select any high-rated prospects as their first pick came midway through the second round.
Expecting the Worst Picks: The Raiders used their first four picks to select two offensive linemen, and two defensive backs. Stefen Wisniewski, OL (Penn St.) & Joseph Barksdale, OL (LSU) will be expected to fill and strengthen the O-line. Wisniewski may be an attempt to replace Robert Gallery who likely won’t return. Demarcus Van Dyke, DB (Miami) & Chimdi Chekwa, DB (Ohio St.) could come in handy if Nnamdi Asomugha also leaves town. Both defensive backs have great speed, but unless one proves to be as good as Patrick Peterson is supposed to be, neither would be able to replace Asomugha.
Pining for Bo Jackson Pick: Taiwan Jones, RB (EWU) – No, Taiwan Jones is not built like Bo Jackson, but that kind of speed is something Al Davis has become addicted to for the past two decades. Sure, running back is not a position the Raiders are hurting at with Darren McFadden improving each season, but Jones does have that big play speed. Perhaps the idea is McFadden and Jones get defenses so gassed that Oakland can go the majority of the game without having to throw the ball.
As a whole, the AFC West is bound for improvement in the coming seasons. Kansas City is doing all the right things, the Chargers will likely remain competitive, and Oakland looks like a competitor at the beginning of each season.
It’s all extra motivation for the Broncos to REALLY start to get it right this year.
Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @Aerys_Broncos and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.
DHFÂ Home
