Inside the War Room: AFC West
by Luke Paul Chandler
In their bi-weekly column, writers Luke Paul Chandler and Dave Gardner will be describing each team’s last draft class, top needs and draft strategies all the way up until the draft. Today, Dave takes a look at the AFC West.
By Luke Paul Chandler
Denver Broncos
Draft Strategy
With head coach Mike Shanahan firmly in charge now, after the oust of general manager Ted Sundquist, there is no one left to take the fall for if the Broncos draft poorly again in 2008. Shanahan will pull the trigger on character concern players, and that likely won’t change in 2008. The team needs to invest several picks on their special teams units, losing both their kicker and punter in the offseason . To kick in Denver, one needs powerful directional kicking skills. Denver needs to add depth to its receiving corps, scouting players like Malcolm Kelly who are physical blockers too. Also, look for Denver to add some size and depth at defensive tackle.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round picked in parentheses): Jarvis Moss (DE-1), Tim Crowder (DE-2), Ryan Harris (OT-3), Marcus Thomas (DT-4). Grade: D+
- Comments: The Broncos spent big to draft Moss, who missed a big chunk of time due to a hip injury. He has upside has a pass rush specialist, along with Thomas, although Thomas keeps getting in trouble with the law. Ryan Harris could push to replace to Matt Lepsis as the left tackle, and is a good fit for Denver’s blocking scheme with his quickness. Crowder was looked at a possible starter at left end, but failed to provide solid results. The team drafted heavily on the defensive line, yet the team still has glaring needs there.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: S Nick Ferguson (Houston), WR Javon Walker (Oakland)
- Key Additions: OLB Boss Bailey (Detroit), WR Keary Colbert (Carolina), MLB Niko Koutivdes (Seattle), C Casey Wiegmann (Kansas City)
- Top Remaining Needs: Wide Receiver, Defensive End, Offensive Tackle, Punter, Kicker.
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Kansas City Chiefs
Draft Strategy
The Chiefs need as much talent as possible, especially on the offensive line. With heavy needs all over the line, look for them to draft more athletic lineman to fit their zone scheme. If Jake Long falls in the first to the Chiefs, he’s a lock to man the spot once held down by future Hall of Famer Willie Roaf. At Center, the Chiefs need a smart lineman who directs traffic, such as Arizona State’s Mike Pollak. The Chiefs are also desperately thin at cornerback, but thankfully this draft is deep there. Look for them to take an aggressive man cover style player, like Patrick Lee of Auburn, in the mid to later rounds. At quarterback, the team will look to add a strong armed player to compete with Brodie Croyle. Chad Henne of Michigan is tops of their list.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round picked in parentheses): Dwayne Bowe (WR-1), Turk McBride (DT-2), Tank Tyler (DT-3), Kolby Smith (RB-5), Justin Medlock (K-5), Herbert Taylor (OT-6), Michael Allan (TE-7) Grade: B-
- Comments: General manager Carl Peterson put together a sturdy draft class in 2007. Bowe was an instant splash, and a viable threat in the passing game. McBride and Tyler both saw limited in action, but looked to show flashes. They may end up being top backups who provide good depth, which the team sorely lacks on the defensive line. Running behind a broken offensive line, Kolby Smith looked like he could be a viable backup to Larry Johnson in 2008. Smith has good vision and cutback ability. Allan spent most of his season on the practice squad, though he could be looked as a backup tight end now that Jason Dunn has been released. Overall, the Chiefs found depth players in this draft, but only gained one starter.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: LB Keyaron Fox (Pittsburgh), CB Benny Sapp (Minnesota), TE Kris Wilson (Philadelphia)
- Key Additions: OLB Demorrio Williams (Atlanta), WR Devard Darling (Baltimore)
- Top Remaining Needs: Quarterback, Offensive Tackle, Cornerback, Guard.
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Oakland Raiders
Draft Strategy
The Raiders draft on very basic principles on both sides of the ball: an aggressive downfield passing attack on offense, and a blitz heavy, press man coverage defense. Al Davis spent heavily in free agency to fix his pass defense, but his pass rush and passing game both need work. The team’s pass rushers must be pure hybrids, heavier defensive ends able to handle two gap responsibilities in their pseudo 3-4 like Virginia’s Chris Long, and outside linebacker/defensive end tweeners like Auburn’s Quentin Groves. At defensive tackle, they also need players who penetrate the backfield, like Auburn’s Pat Sims.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round picked in parentheses): JaMarcus Russell (QB-1), Zach Miller (TE-2), Quentin Moses (DE-3), Mario Henderson (OT-3), Johnny Lee Higgins (WR-3), Michael Bush (RB-4), John Bowie (CB-4), Jay Richardson (DE-5), Eric Frampton (S-5), Oren Neal (RB-7), Jonathan Holland (WR-7). Grade: C
- Comments: The Raiders were all over the board during the 2007 Draft. Davis gained two starters, Russell and Miller, though neither were impact players as rookies. The impulses were evident, as the team released Moses in training camp, only activated Bowie for one game all season, and cut Frampton in preseason. If Mario Henderson can contend for the starting left tackle job, and Russell blossoms as expected, the grade could go up. Like always with the Raiders, it’s a gamble.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: RS Chris Carr, QB Josh McCown (Miami), WR Jerry Porter (Jacksonville)
- Key Additions: DE Kalimba Edward (Detroit), DT William Jospeh (New York Giants), C John Wade (Tampa Bay), WR Javon Walker (Denver), S Gibril Wilson (New York Giants)
- Top Remaining Needs: Defensive End, Kick Returner, Inside Linebacker, Offensive Tackle, Running Back, Defensive Tackle.
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San Diego Chargers
Draft Strategy
San Diego has turned into a deep team in the past few years, and because of that flexibility, aren’t afraid to let free agents walk when their contracts are up. The team needs to find a smart cornerback to take over the nickel-back role vacated when Drayton Florence departed for Jacksonville. The Jaguars defensive backs have to be able to step up in run support since the team runs quarters coverage on most plays. Their best value for that is likely Virginia Tech’s Brandon Flowers or Iowa’s Charles Godfrey. At safety, despite the presence of promising second year veteran Eric Weddle, the Chargers will still look to bring competition on board. If they go early for a free safety, DaJuan Morgan of NC State fits their needs best. A big need is to draft a running back who could take over for starter LaDainian Tomlinson, should his knee troubles follow him into 2008. Head coach Norv Turner is known to wear out his running backs, so adding a sturdy, patient one cut runner like Matt Forte’ of Tulane will be hard to pass on early in Day 2.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round picked in parentheses): Craig Davis (WR-1), Eric Weddle (S-2), Anthony Waters (ILB-3), Scott Chandler (TE-4), Legedu Naanee (WR-5), Brandon Siler (ILB-7). Grade: B
- Comments: Smith traded away a good portion of their picks to acquire safety Eric Weddle in the second round. Weddle played mostly on passing downs in 2007, and will likely be given the first shot at the free safety job. He still made mistakes, but has the reaction skills needed to play in their quarters pass coverage. The two gems could end up being Waters and Siler, whose playing time increased heavily by season’s end.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: CB Drayton Florence (Jacksonville), RB Michael Turner (Atlanta)
- Key Additions: ILB Derek Smith (San Francisco)
- Top Remaining Needs: Fullback, Cornerback, Inside Linebacker, Safety.
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Contact Luke at Luke@newerascouting.com.