2023 NFL Draft Grades: AFC West
With the 2023 NFL Draft complete, theScore's NFL editors hand out their initial grades for each team's incoming rookies.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Denver Broncos
Grade: C+
Not having a first-rounder because of the Russell Wilson trade really hurts - especially when you consider how he played in his debut Broncos season. Mims is an exciting playmaker. But if the Broncos are refusing to trade any of their receivers, as has been the company line so far, Sean Payton's first pick appears to be poised for a depth role on offense. On the other hand: Sanders, Moss, and Skinner are all good value at position groups who could provide immediate and much-needed defensive upgrades.
Kansas City Chiefs
Grade: B-
Not quite the draft class we've come to expect from the Chiefs, but solid nonetheless. Anudike-Uzomah is an excellent fit at a position of need on the edge - he was our pick for Kansas City in our final mock draft. Rice going over some of the other available receivers was a bit surprising, but his size and contested-catch ability will make him a nice fit with the speed already in the receiver room. Morris could make all the difference for this class. While most were probably hoping for an earlier pick to address the void at right tackle, he could compete to start right away.
Las Vegas Raiders
Grade: B
Raiders draft classes have a different feel with the new regime in place. There are still some mid-round swings that might come off confusing, but the approach at the top appears much improved. Wilson, a high-ceiling edge rusher going as high as No. 2 in mock drafts, could prove to be a major steal at No. 7. Getting Mayer in the second round is another value pick, as the Notre Dame standout was widely expected to go in the first. Smith will be an interesting name to watch. The Raiders are anything but settled on the back end, and it was a surprise to see the Georgia product still available so late in the fifth round.
Los Angeles Chargers
Grade: B
The Chargers had to come away from this draft with a receiver. They were one of the easiest teams to project in the first round with that in mind, but it's fair to wonder whether Johnston was the right pick. Another big body on the outside, he doesn't quite complement Mike Williams and Keenan Allen in the way a burner otherwise might have. Henley was a nice value pick at a position of need, but the rest of this class isn't the most exciting haul for a Chargers team on the cusp of contention. Major questions remain at tight end and in the secondary.