AFC West Notebook: Cooper a huge asset for Carr; Rivers stays put
Welcome to a special draft edition of theScore's AFC West Notebook.
Denver Broncos
Is Sambrailo ready to start? Out of the nine players selected by the Broncos, only second-round pick Ty Sambrailo is needed to start immediately. Whether or not he can fill the hole at right tackle will determine how Denver did at the draft, says Mike Klis of 9News.
Ray promises no issues. Shane Ray slid down boards after being cited for marijuana possession days before the draft. The Broncos took a chance on him and Ray has declared they won't regret it.
Siemian an unnecessary pick. Jeff Legwold of ESPN wasn't a fan of the Broncos taking quarterback Trevor Siemian in the seventh round. He's coming off an ACL injury and he should have been someone they might have signed as an undrafted free agent.
Draft grade. theScore's NFL Staff liked the needs Denver filled with its selections and how they targeted players that were scheme fits.
Kansas City Chiefs
Peters oozes confidence. First-round pick Marcus Peters doesn't lack confidence. The corner told members of the media he will do whatever it takes to protect his island.
Conley could be a steal. The Chiefs moved up in the third to take receiver Chris Conley, a player that stood out in the combine. Arrowhead Pride feels he could find himself in a starting role by Week 1 thanks to his intelligence and potential to pick up Andy Reid's playbook.
Chiefs may regret not drafting more offensive linemen. Adam Teicher of ESPN thinks Kansas City should have drafted more offensive linemen. Mitch Morse, a second-round pick, figures to earn the starting center job, but the Chiefs still have holes to fill on the rest of the line.
Draft grade. theScore's NFL Staff believes the Chiefs took several players who could contribute right away.
Oakland Raiders
Raiders focused on adding weapons for Carr. The theme of the draft for the Raiders was clear: put quarterback Derek Carr in a position to succeed. Taking receiver Amari Cooper and tight end Clive Walford with two of their first three picks was evidence of that.
Harper reunited with Carr. Receiver Josh Harper didn't hear his name called at the draft, but he may have landed in an excellent spot with Oakland. Harper and Carr were teammates at Fresno State, allowing the wideout a shot to make the roster if he can reignite his chemistry with Carr.
Edwards a curious pick. The Raiders certainly need an additional pass rusher, but Bill Williamson of ESPN thinks choosing Mario Edwards with the 35th pick was perplexing with Randy Gregory and Preston Smith still on the board.
Draft grade. theScore's NFL staff were impressed with the way Oakland aided Carr with its picks.
San Diego Chargers
Chargers make bold move for Gordon. A running back hadn't been taken in the first round since 2012, but the Chargers placed high value on Melvin Gordon. After Todd Gurley went at No. 10, San Diego moved up to take Gordon at 15, leaving them with only five draft picks. Something that Bolts from the Blue thinks could be costly, given how many holes this team has.
Rivers stays put. Many speculated Philip Rivers would be dealt at the draft, but as of now he's still a Charger. Rivers provided some hope to Charger fans on Friday, saying he would listen to anything regarding extension talks.
Perryman relies on instincts and explosiveness. Linebacker Denzel Perryman can't wait to hit the field with his Charger teammates and he told Chargers.com his instincts are something he can't explain. "Honestly, I can't explain it. It is something I was born with."
Draft grade. It's tough to evaluate a team that only had five picks, but theScore's NFL Staff believes Gordon and Perryman were solid choices.