Denver Broncos: Grading each draft in the AFC West

The Denver Broncos have now won five straight AFC West division championships and we just know that teams are trying to catch up.

We all watched closely as the Broncos executed their draft plan last week, picking up what they hope is a brand new franchise quarterback in Paxton Lynch.

But we also want to take a look around the division and see what the other teams are doing as they try to keep pace with Denver.

Here are our grades for each team in the AFC West.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs were arguably a top five team in the league last year and had it not been for a horrible choke in Week 2 to the Broncos at home, the Chiefs would have been 14-2 with the best record. Now, to put that into perspective they had the easiest schedule in the league. With that said, the Chiefs also had a pretty great draft.

The Chiefs were able to snag playmakers Chris Jones and KeiVarae Russell early. Both of these players have the ability to come in immediately and make an impact for this team.

The Chiefs also made a great decision in drafting two wideouts Demarcus Robinson and Tyreek Hill. These two picks really impressed me with the Chiefs coaching staff and shows that they are ready to listen to their fan base and film. The Chiefs are known for having the worst quarterback to wide receiver connection in the NFL as a year ago they went a whole season without a touchdown for a wide receiver. Still blows my mind. Both these players have some character issues and want the ball. This is EXACTLY what this team needed to turn the position around.

Chiefs: Draft Grade B

Oakland Raiders

I never thought I would say this, but the Raiders had a strategic and well thought out draft. For once, it seems like the Raiders actually selected players they needed and can build a team around, rather than drafting flare, speed and raw talent like we saw for decades under Al Davis. The Raiders earned a high grade because of their selection of safety Karl Joseph at 14th overall, Jihad Ward, Shilique Calhoun and surprise pick Connor Cook.

If Karl Joseph wasn’t a question mark coming off a nasty ACL injury, then the Raiders would be upgraded to an A grade. Karl is a great player and could be a Charles Woodson like NFL talent. Jihad Ward was one of my sleeper picks for the Broncos and I was very high on him hoping he would join Super Bowl champs. Jihad has incredible versatility and athleticism and if used right, he can be a major asset.

Shilique Calhoun was an incredible and consistent talent for Michigan State and could be a real star at defensive end for the Raiders. Most look at the Connor Cook selection as a crazy, or interesting pick, but as a coach I would’ve made a similar decision. By drafting a rookie quarterback in the middle of the draft, instead of bringing in a veteran quarterback, it tells Carr that the team is all is and that there is no real NFL ready quarterback in position to steal his job. The only way Carr loses his job is to injury.

Finally, a Raider draft that makes sense.

Raiders: Draft Grade B+

AROUND COVER32

First & Ten: Odds for the top ten Super Bowl contenders

NFL Draft: The five worst picks of 2016

Power Rankings: Ranking the 2016 class of quarterbacks

Power Rankings: Where each team stands after the draft

San Diego Chargers

After a horrendous year filled with late game meltdowns that led to a (4-12) record and the third overall pick, I believe the Chargers will have a quick turnaround from last year. This team is filled with great talent and a great coaching staff with a strong and dedicated fan base. With their first four picks Joey Bosa, Hunter Henry, Max Tuerk and Joshua Perry, they have four immediate starters in the NFL. That’s extremely rare.

Not only did they draft starters in this draft, but they filled major needs and gaps that had to be addressed in this division in particular. Joey Bosa is by far the most NFL ready and can come in a make an immediately impact on this sad, sad defense. The Chargers were incapable of stopping teams late in games, or making any game changing plays for that matter. Hunter Henry was a huge need as Antonio Gates is probably in his last season.

Max Tuerk gives the Chargers poor offensive line versatility and help in a division with now three great pass rushers (Von Miller, Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa). Joshua Perry also is a decent addition to the defense that was arguably the worst in the league. Because of the poor level of competition at that position for this team, he has a real chance at being a majority starter. Overall the Chargers did the best in the division, which shouldn’t be a shock as they had the third overall pick.

Chargers: Draft Grade A-

Denver Broncos

It’s hard to get higher than a B with the second to last pick in the draft. Relatively speaking, for how late they selected they might have had the best draft. John Elway still has yet to fail in the War Room since his tenure started and with another ring on his finger, I doubt it ends this year.

The Broncos got their quarterback of the future with Paxton Lynch. Sanchez will start this year, but with four years under the coaching staff’s belt with a 6’7’’ quarterback, the transition to Paxton Lynch will be seamless and easy helping him develop quickly. The Broncos did draft some question marks due to injury in Adam Gotsis and Devontae Booker. However, if both recover to 100%, they will be great addition and future starters for this team… mark my words.

The best picks for the Broncos came late in the draft with Connor McGovern and punter, yes punter, Riley Dixon. Connor is the most athletic lineman in the draft. He played almost every position on the O-line and was the strongest player in the draft. Wow, talk about a steal at the guard position. Also the Broncos current punter Britton Colquitt is a salary cap nightmare scheduled to make over $4 million this year after his worst year in the league. A new punter is exactly what this team need both on the field and on the cash flow statement. Not to mention, he is 6’4’’ so maybe we will see a tackle, or two?

Broncos: Draft Grade B-

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