Saturday, April 20, 2013

AFC West Draft Preview

With a week until the NFL Draft, we're taking a look at what to expect from all 32 teams come Draft Day, including some recommended blogs to read and folks to follow on Twitter.

2012 Record: 13-3

Draft Picks: 28, 58, 90, 125, 161, 234

Recommended Blogs/Twitter: Mile High Report

Draft Preview: Denver probably should have gone to the AFC Championship game last season and Peyton certainly still has it. The Broncos had a monster free agency period, landing Wes Welker, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Louis Vasquez along with retaining LT Ryan Clady. Their only hiccup was losing Elvis Dumervil, which puts them in the market for a defensive end. They have some other needs on defense, primarily at safety. The Broncos have traded down in 2 of the last 3 years, and with only 6 picks in the draft I wouldn't be surprised if they traded back out of the first round if someone is looking to move up for a QB.


2012 Record: 7-9

Draft Picks: 11, 45, 76, 110, 145, 179, 221

Recommended Blogs/Twitter: The Chargers don't even have fans on the internet.

Draft Preview: San Diego has needs on both the offensive and defensive lines as well as outside linebacker and safety. It's hard to see one of the top tackles making it to #11, but San Diego has shown a willingness in the past to trade up for guys they want (Ryan Mathews, who they moved up 16 spots to get). If they want one of the top 3 OTs, they're probably going to have to get ahead of Arizona.


2012 Record: 4-12

Draft Picks: 3, 66, 100, 172, 176, (205), 209

Recommended Blogs/Twitter: You don't want to read about the Raiders. Neither do I.

Draft Preview: Oakland is picking in the first round for the first time since 2010. As hard as that is to believe, it's really not a shock they're in this kind of position. They are feeling the full effects of the terrible contracts Al Davis signed guys to and are in really bad salary cap shape. The Raiders cleaned house this offseason and chances are most people can't name more than 3 of Oakland's 22 starters. Oakland needs help at pretty much every position, including a quarterback unless they are going to bank on the unproven Matt Flynn as the answer.


2012 Record: 2-14

Draft Picks: 1, 63, (96), 99, 134, 170, (204), 207

Recommended Blogs/Twitter: Arrowhead Addict

Draft Preview: The Chiefs are under new management and made moves this offseason to retain their top free agents (LT Branden Albert and WR Dwayne Bowe) along with trading a second round pick for former 49ers QB Alex Smith. The acquisition of Smith gives the Chiefs a capable starting quarterback but they are still in the market for a long-term solution so it wouldn't be surprising to see them take a quarterback in the mid rounds of the draft. The Chiefs seem to be settling in on Texas A&M tackle Luke Joeckel with the #1 overall pick and may still trade Albert to acquire more picks.

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