With the 2016 on tap at the end of this month, Bucky Brooks is breaking down the biggest areas of need for every team in the NFL, division by division. Below is his look at the AFC West.
Denver Broncos (10 total picks)
Biggest needs: quarterback, defensive tackle, inside linebacker.
Peyton Manning's retirement and Brock Osweiler's surprising departure leave the Broncos without a franchise quarterback. (The current depth chart consists of Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian.) Thus, general manager John Elway will need to take a long, hard look at the quarterback class to see if there is a developmental prospect capable of leading the team on a repeat run. Memphis' is squarely in the crosshairs as a mobile playmaker ideally suited to thrive in coach Gary Kubiak's scheme, but the team could also consider Mississippi State's and Michigan State's as Day 2 options. On defense, the loss of Malik Jackson leaves a huge hole in the middle, which could prompt Elway to consider Mississippi State's or Louisiana Tech's as possibilities on Day 1. Notre Dame's and Ohio State's could entice scouts in the second round.
Kansas City Chiefs (7 total picks)
» Round 1: Pick 28 overall
» Round 2: Pick 59
» Round 4: Pick 126
» Round 5: Picks 162 (from Seahawks) and 165
» Round 6: Pick 203
» Round 7: Pick 249
Biggest needs: outside linebacker, quarterback, safety.
The uncertain status of Justin Houston (who ) and the slow decline of Tamba Hali's play could force the Chiefs to investigate the pass-rusher market. Eastern Kentucky's could be in play on Day 1, if the team is comfortable with the character concerns. Boise State's or Utah State's -- versatile edge players with pass-rush ability -- could be in the mix on Day 2. The Chiefs are also in the market for a safety to complement Eric Berry in the deep middle. Ohio State's , West Virginia's and Florida's are options on Day 2, or the team could investigate Boston College's , Maryland's and William & Mary's as mid-round possibilities. The search for a developmental quarterback could lead Andy Reid to take an extended look at Mississippi State's or Louisiana Tech's at some point in the draft.
Oakland Raiders (8 total picks)
Biggest needs: defensive back, defensive tackle, inside linebacker.
Coach Jack Del Rio's mission to build a bully in the Black Hole could prompt the Raiders to have a defensive-minded draft haul. The D needs more playmakers in the secondary, which puts cover corners like Ohio State's and Houston's in the mix at No. 14. Or the team could look at Mississippi State's , Miami's or Alabama's as possibilities on Day 2. On the defensive line, the Raiders have a pretty formidable group in place, but the presence of an athletic defensive tackle would take the unit to another level. Louisville's , Mississippi State's , Mississippi's , Louisiana Tech's and UCLA's are intriguing options in the early rounds. Although finding an inside linebacker isn't a top priority, the Raiders could kick the tires on a tackling machine like Missouri's or Temple's as possibilities later in the draft.
San Diego Chargers (8 total picks)
» Round 1: Pick 3 overall
» Round 2: Pick 35
» Round 3: Pick 66
» Round 4: Pick 102
» Round 5: Pick 175 (compensatory selection)
» Round 6: Picks 179 and 198 (from Vikings)
» Round 7: Pick 224
Biggest needs: defensive line, safety, tight end.
The Chargers need a bit of a roster makeover to return to prominence in the AFC West. Having just ranked and , that unit should get some attention on draft day. At safety, the Chargers need to find a replacement for Eric Weddle to deter opponents from attacking between the hashes. Florida State's could be the pick at No. 3 overall, or the team could wait for an athletic traffic cop like Ohio State's or West Virginia's on Day 2. If the Chargers focus their efforts on re-tooling the defensive line, Ohio State's and Oregon's will garner interest at the top of the draft, but the team could also consider the likes of Louisiana Tech's , UCLA's and Mississippi State's early on Day 2. A desire to find a long-term replacement for veteran tight end Antonio Gates could put Arkansas' on the wish list for coach Mike McCoy.
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