AFC West Draft Needs: Broncos need options at QB; Raiders, Chargers eyeing talent up front
theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest positional needs for all 32 NFL teams entering the draft.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Denver Broncos
Biggest need: Quarterback
Other needs: Defensive line, inside linebacker
The entire NFL world knows the predicament the Broncos find themselves in with their quarterback position. They're unlikely to find their future starter in this draft, but they are certain to bring in at least one passer in order to give themselves options for next season.
The team's vaunted defense took several big hits in free agency, losing defensive end Malik Jackson and linebacker Danny Trevathan. While there are options for their replacements on the roster, their best option could be to use the first few rounds of the draft to retool the defense with talented, but cheap options to balance out the big money their superstars on that side of the ball are now making.
Potential draft targets: By virtue of their Super Bowl win, the Broncos aren't in position to draft a franchise-caliber passer in this year's draft. However, there are plenty of options in the mid-rounds that could entice Denver. Connor Cook, Cardale Jones, and Dak Prescott all have their flaws, but could provide competition to Mark Sanchez. With their first-round pick, the Broncos could look to bolster their defensive line. Chris Jones, Sheldon Rankins, and Robert Nkemdiche could all be available and would help the team continue to rush the passer from the trenches.
Kansas City Chiefs
Biggest need: Cornerback
Other needs: Wide receiver, defensive line
The Chiefs did an unbelievably good job at retaining their free-agent talent this offseason, despite having little cap room to do so. However, they were unable to hold onto cornerback Sean Smith, meaning they now need to find a running mate for their outstanding first-year cornerback Marcus Peters. They'll likely use a first-round pick to try and capture one of the draft's premier talents at the position.
Jeremy Maclin was exactly what the Chiefs needed on the outside, finally giving the team a legitimate receiving option. However, there is still little depth or talent behind him. Alex Smith showed at times last season that he can play more aggressively when given targets he knows are capable of making plays, so the Chiefs should use an early pick to give him another weapon.
Potential draft targets: This year's draft appears to have five corners that are held above the rest, and while Jalen Ramsey, William Jackson, and Vernon Hargreaves are almost certain to be gone by the time the Chiefs pick at 28, Eli Apple or Mackensie Alexander could still be on the board. If Laquon Treadwell somehow falls to the end of the first, he'd be an excellent fit in Kansas City. But if not, either Sterling Shepard or Tyler Boyd make sense in the second round.
Oakland Raiders
Biggest need: Defensive line
Other needs: Linebacker, cornerback, running back
The Raiders revamped their roster with an impressive haul in free agency, picking up guard Kelechi Osemele, linebacker Bruce Irvin, safety Reggie Nelson, and the aforementioned Sean Smith. However, Oakland's roster was never going to be completely turned around overnight, with the team still in need of a further influx of talent - especially on the defense.
Khalil Mack is a budding superstar in the league, but he provided 15 of the team's 38 sacks in 2015. Irvin will help in this area, but Oakland needs to add more talent to their defensive line to stop teams honing in on and double-teaming Mack too often. In the center of the defense, the Raiders must add competition for 2015 fifth-rounder Ben Heeney. Their inside linebackers were a weak point last season and they can't allow their new additions to be stunted by such a limited unit.
Potential draft targets: The Raiders should have a multitude of options in the middle of the first round. Inside linebacker Reggie Ragland plays with a Raiders-like ferocity and could be a natural fit, or an impact defensive tackle like Chris Jones or Jarran Reed should be there at 14. With such a deep draft, however, the Raiders could wait until the second or third round to add a defensive lineman, where intriguing talents such as Javon Hargrave and Sheldon Day should be available.
San Diego Chargers
Biggest need: Defensive line
Other needs: Safety, offensive line, wide receiver
With the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles both set to take quarterbacks with the first and second overall picks, respectively, the Chargers now have the luxury of picking the best non-QB available with the third overall selection.
The Chargers' offensive line was a mess last season, but that was due more to injuries to nearly every starter than it was poor play. However, the Chargers will likely address that need later in the draft, as they're in a prime position to add a much-needed cornerstone to their defense with their first-round pick.
Eric Weddle left in free agency, leaving the team without one of its few playmakers. Outside of Corey Liuget, San Diego simply doesn't have the type of players on the defensive line that can consistently collapse the pocket and free up space for their talented linebacker corp.
Potential draft targets: While Laremy Tunsil is maybe the draft's best player, the Chargers have recently handed out contracts to both their tackles, so it makes more sense for them to fix a major need and add defensive end DeForest Buckner.
The former Oregon standout's outstanding size and ability to rush the passer would finally net San Diego a difference-maker up front in their 3-4 defense. If not Buckner, the Chargers could again address a major hole by selecting defensive back Jalen Ramsey, who may be the ideal replacement for Weddle.