The NFL Draft is simply a few weeks away. With that in thoughts, let’s look across the AFC West on the foes of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and their draft wants.
Denver Broncos
High three wants: QB, EDGE, S
When the Broncos launched security Justin Simmons, they misplaced their greatest ball hawk within the secondary. It was a transfer to release cash but in addition created an enormous gap on protection. With an enormous hole between their first and third-round draft choose, they could possibly be stretched skinny in terms of security assist.
Minnesota’s Tyler Nubin is not going to be there at choose 76, however Georgia’s Javon Bullard or Washington State’s Jaden Hicks must be obtainable. Bullard has extra upside than Hicks, however each gamers could be difference-makers on protection.
Pressuring the opposing quarterback can also be a priority the Broncos must additional asses by means of the draft. Drafting a younger EDGE rusher and growing him for a number of years is perhaps the Broncos’ route. The Broncos had 42 sacks final season, which was twenty second in all the NFL. With many Day 3 draft picks, the Broncos might want to discover some diamonds within the tough if they need affect gamers for the 2024 season.
The Broncos’ No. 1 goal is a quarterback, which could come right down to both Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix. Final week, I wrote about what Penix Jr. may appear like in Broncos colours.
2024 NFL Draft Picks
Spherical 1: Decide 12
Spherical 3: Decide 76
Spherical 4: Decide 121
Spherical 4: Decide 136
Spherical 5: Decide 145
Spherical 5: Decide 147
Spherical 6: Decide 203
Spherical 6: Decide 207
Should see X put up
Las Vegas Raiders
High three wants: OT, CB, QB
Everybody is aware of the Raiders must draft a quarterback, however there are different wants for this upcoming season. By deciding on Aiden O’Connell final season and signing Gardner Minshew II, it may virtually be argued a waste in the event that they have been to make use of their first-round draft choose on quarterbacks not named Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels.
Defending the quarterback is the Raiders’ prime precedence, and they’re going to add safety on this upcoming draft. With Jermaine Eluemunor signed to the New York Giants, Thayer Munford Jr. is in line for the beginning proper sort out. Munford has been a swing sort out for the Raiders since being drafted in 2022. Munford might need the scale you need for a sort out, however he lacks motion and is gradual.
The Raiders ought to use their first-round draft choose on a nook. With the thirteenth total choose, they’re in a primary spot to draft one of many higher corners on this draft, corresponding to Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell.
2024 NFL Draft picks
Spherical 1: Decide 13
Spherical 2: Decide 44
Spherical 3: Decide 77
Spherical 4: Decide 112
Spherical 5: Decide 148
Spherical 6: Decide 208
Spherical 7: Decide 223
Spherical 7: Decide 229
Should see X put up
Los Angeles Chargers
High three wants: WR, DT, CB
With the Chargers holding the fifth total choose on this yr’s NFL Draft, all of us assume they’ll draft a large receiver with that choose — however what in the event that they determined to commerce again? The Chargers have extra holes to fill than we’re led to imagine.
A staff that needed to make strikes to release cap house may additionally commerce again within the first spherical to realize extra capital to construct by means of the draft.
A difference-maker at defensive sort out is required for the Chargers. Sebastian Joseph-Day was in all probability the most effective defensive sort out from final season, and Joseph-Day now performs for the Tennessee Titans.
I’d not be shocked if the Chargers traded again within the first spherical to move on a large receiver to draft a defensive sort out — Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton — or, my favourite, Texas’ Byron Murphy II. Even Flordia State’s Braden Fiske can be a great participant to draft within the second spherical.
The Chargers desperately must cease the run, and solely having Poona Ford at defensive sort out is not going to do the trick.
2024 NFL Draft picks
Spherical 1: Decide 5
Spherical 2: Decide 37
Spherical 3: Decide 69
Spherical 4: Decide 105
Spherical 4: Decide 110
Spherical 5: Decide 140
Spherical 6: Decide 181
Spherical 7: Decide 225
Spherical 7: Decide 253
