AFC West Draft Review

Time to venture into the tragedy that is the AFC West.


Denver Broncos (2007 record: 7-9)
Number of picks: 9
Best pick: OT Ryan Clady (12th overall)
Sleeper Watch: FB Peyton Hillis (227th overall)
Analysis: The Broncos addressed their most pressing need, which was their aging offensive line, by selecting two very good lineman. In the first round they selected Ryan Clady from Boise St. Clady became the first player from Boise St to leave school as a junior, and to be drafted in the first round. Some might consider this a reach, but he has great potential in Denver's zone blocking scheme. In the third round they selected solid guard Kory Lichtensteiger, who will provide a solid anchor for the new line. In between the two they selected unknown receiver Eddie Royal from Virginia Tech. He compares in size and speed to that of Steve Smith, and many believe he could be a great threat. In between them and my sleeper, they took a bit of everything: cornerback, running back, defensive tackle, linebacker and a safety. This brings me to Hillis. Most people wouldn't consider a FB a sleeper, but with the Broncos success running the ball, a FB is essential. At 240 pounds, he could be a force for many years.
Grade: B-


Kansas City Chiefs (2007 record: 4-12)
Number of picks: 12
Best Pick: DT Glenn Dorsey (5th overall)
Sleeper Watch: WR Will Franklin (105th overall)
Analysis: With the most picks in the draft, the Chiefs greatly improved their team. They were overjoyed to have Dorsey fall to them at number five. Dorsey may have been the best player in the draft, and will be a great force, and a building block for the defence to build around. With the first rounder they received from the Vikings, they traded up and selected versatile offensive lineman Branden Albert. Albert can play either guard or tackle, and will help the Chiefs almost right away. At the top of the second round, they got a steal in CB Brandon Flowers. Flowers doesn't have great speed, but his coverage skills are underrated. Third round picks RB Jamaal Charles and TE Brad Cottam will provide solid depth, and S Dejuan Morgan could be a starter from day one. After this they drafted a wide receiver, another tight end, another cornerback, an offensive tackle and a defensive end. In the sixth round they drafted Franklin, who may be the best return man in the draft. His speed and agility could translate well at the wide receiver position as well. The Chiefs had the best draft of the year.
Grade: A+

Oakland Raiders (2007 record: 4-12)
Number of picks: 5
Best pick: RB Darren McFadden (4th overall)
Sleeper Watch: WR Chaz Schilens (226th overall)
Analysis: The Raiders wanted to make a splash, and did it with the drafting of McFadden. He adds speed, and has already led the Raiders to release Dominic Rhodes. McFadden may struggle to get carries however, as it is still a loaded backfield. Their next pick was at the top of the fourth round, and they selected a CB named Tyvon Branch. He has good work out numbers, and has good size for the position. Also in the fourth round, they selected speedy, but inconsistant WR Arman Shields. In the sixth they drafted workout warrior DE Trevor Scott. He is tall (6'5, 253), but could have more success as a linebacker. In Schilens they get great size (6'4) and speed and could be a great target for JaMarcus Russel. He will require a bit of work before he can be successful.
Grade: C

San Diego Chargers (2007 record: 11-5)
Number of picks: 5
Best Pick: CB Antoine Cason (27th overall)
Sleeper Watch: CB Dejuan Tribble (192nd overall)
Analysis: The Chargers are clearly looking for depth at the CB position. In Cason they get a guy who is a bit underrated, and with his size (6'0, 190) he will fill into the slot nicely. They waited til the third round to pick next, and they selected the guy who they think can replace Lorenzo Neal, Jacob Hester. He has RB size (5'11, 230), so he could be used both as a blocker and a complementary option for LT. Keeping with their trend of drafting small Texas school RBs, they took Marcus Thomas in the fifth round. Thomas will provide a nice back up for Tomlinson, and will split time with Darren Sproles. Tribble is a solid depth pick, but is kind of small at only 5'9. They selected an offensive lineman with their last pick, in what was a bit of an uneventful draft for the Chargers.
Grade: C-

To the NFC tomorrow, with the East on deck.

In other news, the Bears are apparently in QB search mode, and may be trying to snipe one away from the Buccaneers. Do you think the Bucs planned this? They only have six quality QBs on the roster. Chris Simms seems to be the one the Bears are after.