Identifying the biggest need for every AFC West team

theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest positional needs for all 32 NFL teams entering the 2017 draft, which will be held from April 27-29.

AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST

Denver Broncos

Biggest need: Offensive tackle

Other needs: Defensive end, tight end

The Broncos allowed 40 sacks last season and left tackle Russell Okung signed a four-year, $53-million deal with AFC West rivals the Los Angeles Chargers in March, creating a void. Donald Stephenson and Menelik Watson are shaky, inconsistent starters, and it's worth investing in a replacement to get the most out of the team's starting quarterback, whether it's Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch who earns the job.

Denver still possesses one of the NFL's premier defenses, but after Derek Wolfe, its production from the defensive end position tails off. Edge rusher DeMarcus Ware retired and the Broncos will likely need to replenish their stock at defensive end, since they lack depth outside of Wolfe and Jared Crick.

Although the team was working with an unproven quarterback in Siemian, it should be concerning that the Broncos received next to nothing from the tight end slot. Jeff Heuerman will need to prove why he was worthy of a third-round pick. If he falters, Denver will have little recourse to remedy this weakness.

Potential draft targets: It's a strong possibility that Wisconsin's Ryan Ramczyk and Utah's Garett Bolles will be available at No. 20. Either player would represent a massive upgrade over the team's current tackles. Alabama's Cam Robinson may also represent great value on Day 2, while Bucknell's Julie'n Davenport is advertised as the potential steal of the draft.

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Tennessee's Derek Barnett, Michigan's Taco Charlton, and Missouri's Charles Harris all could be available when the Broncos make their first pick, and are worth considering.

If the Broncos feel tight end is their most pressing need, Alabama's O.J. Howard and Miami's David Njoku are among the most talented players at their position in years.

Kansas City Chiefs

Biggest need: Running back

Other needs: Inside linebacker, cornerback

Though Jamaal Charles' production was hindered by numerous knee injuries, it's still jarring to see the Chiefs enter the upcoming campaign without him after his nine-year tenure. Spencer Ware was more than capable in his absence, but the Chiefs need to bolster their running game in order for their offensive scheme to work to its fullest capacity.

Derrick Johnson remains among the NFL's best inside linebackers when healthy. That caveat, though, is a glaring problem, with the 34-year-old recovering from a torn Achilles. And while Ramik Wilson is a solid second option, the Chiefs could use an influx of talent through the middle of the field.

Marcus Peters, on the cusp of becoming the NFL's best cornerback, could use some help from his teammates. Pairing another top talent with the All-Pro could make the Chiefs' secondary nearly impossible to take on.

Potential draft targets: Stanford's Christian McCaffrey is the every-down running back the Chiefs need in the wake of Charles' release. McCaffrey is an adept receiver, but if the Chiefs want a more bruising presence, it's possible LSU's Leonard Fournette will be available.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Florida's Jarrad Davis is exceptionally quick and boasts strong closing speed. He could be the next great inside linebacker for the Chiefs. If he's off the board, the Chiefs should consider Ohio State's Raekwon McMillan or Northwestern's Anthony Walker Jr. in the second round.

Michigan's Jourdan Lewis and Tennessee's Cameron Sutton are among the most pro-ready cornerbacks in the draft and would represent excellent Day 2 value for a veteran Chiefs squad.

Los Angeles Chargers

Biggest need: Guard

Other needs: Safety, offensive tackle

The Chargers' offensive line has rapidly deteriorated over the past two seasons, largely due to injury. However, incumbent starting guard Orlando Franklin is practically unplayable at this point, while Kenny Wiggins and Donovan Clark are sub-replacement-level options.

Eric Weddle's departure to Baltimore last year created a real void at safety, which the Chargers clumsily tried to rectify. Though Jahleel Addae and Dwight Lowery are capable, low-end starters, the team still has ample room to improve at this position.

Los Angeles signed injury-prone veteran tackle Russell Okung to a four-year contract this summer. The Chargers need to secure a player who will be a long-term asset and possible contingency plan in the event Okung or right tackle Joe Barksdale succumbs to injury.

Potential draft targets: Western Kentucky's Forrest Lamp is widely considered the best guard available and he'll surely be available when the Chargers are up at No. 7. Some analysts believe Lamp going No. 7 would be too high, and it's possible for the team to extract value later in the draft with Indiana's Dan Feeney and Pitt's Dorian Johnson likely available on Day 2.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

LSU's Jamal Adams is projected to be off the board by the Chargers' pick, but if he falls to No. 7, general manager Tom Telesco should do a full sprint to the podium. If not, Ohio State's Malik Hooker is a potential star in the league and would solve the Chargers' conundrum in the secondary.

Florida State's Roderick Johnson and Bucknell's Julie'n Davenport both represent great Day 2 value at tackle and should be circled on the team's draft board.

Oakland Raiders

Biggest need: Linebacker

Other needs: Running back, defensive tackle

Jelani Jenkins, Ben Heeney, Corey James, and Tyrell Adams will compete for starting inside linebacker slots after Malcolm Smith was signed by the 49ers and Oakland didn't retain Perry Riley Jr. this spring. With edge rushers Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin already on board, the Raiders need to find a great inside linebacker for their defense to realize its full potential.

Latavius Murray signed with the Vikings during free agency, meaning the Raiders now lack an every-down running back. Jalen Richard, DeAndre Washington, and Taiwan Jones will audition for more carries, but the Raiders should add another young, talented runner.

Oakland recently released defensive tackle Dan Williams, and the underwhelming duo of Justin Ellis and Darius Latham are penciled in as starters. General manager Reggie McKenzie will certainly be looking to upgrade at the position.

Potential draft targets: Alabama's Reuben Foster alarmed some teams during the combine due to an off-field incident, but if he's available at No. 24, the Raiders should rush to take him. Temple's Haason Reddick is also an option, while Northwestern's Anthony Walker Jr. is ready to start and will be a solid Day 2 choice.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Oakland can likely get its starting running back on Day 2. Oklahoma's Joe Mixon is off some draft boards due to assaulting a woman, but the Raiders are one of few NFL teams willing to select players with off-field red flags. Toledo's Kareem Hunt could be the steal of the draft and should also be on the Raiders' wish list.

Michigan State's Malik McDowell may have the most potential of any defensive tackle in the draft and should be another target for Oakland. McKenzie and his staff will likely also pursue Alabama's Dalvin Tomlinson and Florida's Caleb Brantley.