AFC West Draft Grades

 Denver Broncos:

Rd. 1: Sylvester Williams DT: Good Value here. He could have went in the top 20 with many teams needing a DT. He fell right to the Broncos lap and they couldn’t pass him up. He helps add depth to this D-line who just recently signed Shaun Phillips to play DE.

Rd. 2: Montee Ball RB: They needed a RB who can come in and get reps right away. He is an experienced back and with the Broncos backs often injured he adds depth.

Rd. 3: Kayvon Webster CB: A bit of a reach. I had other players higher than him and other safeties higher. I think both safety and corner are needs and this is the only player they added to add depth. In such a deep class I think they missed out on some quality players.

Rd. 5: Quanterus Smith DE: Possible sleeper, an under the radar player because of his torn ACL a year ago. He won’t have much if any influence on this years defense, but in the future if all goes well I think he can become someone special.

Rd. 5: Tavarres King WR: He ranked as our 96th overall player so at pick 161 this was very good value. A vertical route runner who was productive at Georgia. He should become a better receiver with Peyton as his QB and could find a way into the offense as the 4th receiver and possibly the future if contracts can not be worked out with Decker or Thomas.

Rd. 6: Vinston Painter OT: This is a depth pick. He is big but only started one year at VaTech. I think he ends up playing guard but he must improve his strength.

Rd. 7: Zac Dysert QB: Built and compared to Big Ben, Dysert can move around the pocket. He is a player they will groom. With Peyton Manning at QB I do not think he has a shot a starting... but he should be able to learn how to play the position behind Peyton.

Overall Grade: B-

Kansas City Chiefs:

Rd. 1: Eric Fisher OT: Could not go wrong with the 1st pick. They decided to go with the more athletic of the two tackles atop the board. He will be an impact player right from the start.

Rd. 3: Travis Kelce TE: He is a good TE but I do not think he is better the Tony Moeaki or Anthony Fasano. He may find some playing time and at best adds depth to the position. I do think they could have gotten a player at a need position here like safety or D-line.

Rd. 3: Knile Davis RB: A fast explosive playmaker. He is big and fast and they need depth but he has a fumbling problem. He fumbles more than any RB in the draft.

Rd. 4: Nico Johnson LB: He should find some time next to Derrick Johnson. He adds depth to a position of need

Rd. 5 Sanders Commings CB: A position they do not need. They have 4 quality players. He adds depth in a pass heavy division.

Rd. 6: Eric Kush C: He has the ability to create competition at the position. He has played tackle and adds depth to the entire line. The question is can he play with this level of competition.

Rd. 6: Braden Wilson FB: He is big and built and is willing to hit. He is not afraid to lay blocks and is very physical.

Rd. 7: Mike Catapano DE: Could be a sleeper. He is from Princeton and he has the ability and size to see the field. He had a productive college career and can be a good pass rusher. He’s decent against the run but he will probably see time on passing downs in the future.

Overall Grade: C+

Oakland Raiders:

Rd. 1: D.J. Hayden CB: I like the decision to move down and draft the guy they wanted at pick #3. Hayden would have been the top corner selected if it was not for he life threatening injury. He is fast and has great ball skills and only question is whether he can play like he did before the injury. I love the pick.

Rd. 2: Menelik Watson OT: A very solid pick. He had the ability to go in the first round. The Raider 1st two picks were smart and allowed them the ability to draft value needs early.

Rd. 3: Sio Moore OLB: Another great value pick. He could have gone at the end of the first round. They drafted three needs and got value at them all.

Rd. 4: Tyler Wilson QB: A player who last year was looked at as a top QB. He was injured this year but he is a player who could possibly win the job over Matt Flynn. If not he could sit a year but I do think he will end up being the future of this team.

Rd. 6: Nick Kasa TE: They needed depth at the position and he can help. He is a big target and will see playing time.

Rd. 6: Latavius Murray RB: A big stocky back. He’s quick but not very fast.
Rd. 6: Mychal Rivera TE: Another TE who could find the field as a blocker. Another depth pick for a team that needed to find some more quality players.

Rd. 6: Stacy McGee DT: This being one of their biggest needs, I thought they may address it earlier. He is big and has the size you want but that’s about it. He is not very athletic or quick. He adds depth to a position that needs it.

Rd. 7: Brice Butler WR: He is big and has average speed, running in the 4.5 range. He needs to work on route running and consistently catching the ball.

Rd. 7: David Bass DE: Played well at Missouri Southern but in the shrine game he was not effective raising the question, will he be able to cut it in the NFL. He adds depth to a position that needs it.

Overall Grade: B-

San Diego Chargers:

Rd. 1: D.J. Fluker OT: He should start right from week 1. The offensive line lost most of their players and Fluker is a huge and strong right tackle who will be very good. He will help in both the pass and rush offense.

Rd. 2: Manti Te’o LB: Great value. Te’o fell to the second and he will also start right away. He fits perfectly in this defense and should be one of their best linebackers.

Rd. 3: Keenan Allen WR: A first round type player. He is big, and that is how Philip Rivers likes his receivers. Allen can catch and run, he should be a solid option in this offense.

Rd. 5: Steve Williams CB: A small but fast corner will likely play in the slot. He is not afraid to hit even though he is small. He adds depth to the position and may find the field.

Rd. 6: Tourek Williams DE: A player to add depth at the position. He is a powerful player and will have to work to see the field.

Rd. 7: Brad Sorensen QB: Just a depth pick. I think they could have gone somewhere else and went with more of a need player. I know it is the 7th round but atleast add depth somewhere they need.

Overall Grade: A-