2024 NFL Draft Grades: AFC West
With the 2024 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
Grade: D+
Look, we understand the Broncos needed a quarterback. We agree. But taking Nix at No. 12 is next-level desperation. But Denver did some good things later in the draft, including landing Franklin in the fourth round after the Oregon receiver got some first-round hype. Still, it's tough to look at this class with anything but skepticism when the Broncos did what they did at the top. The strange start to the Sean Payton era continues.
Grade: B+
Worthy being connected to the Chiefs in the predraft process felt like everyone trying to will it into existence. Sure enough, the Super Bowl champs (and the best quarterback on the planet) came away from the first round with the fastest receiver in NFL combine history. Suamataia was another player connected to Kansas City as a possible second-round pick, so landing him to fill the team's need at left tackle makes the early selections even more impressive. Keep an eye on Hicks, too. The Washington State product ranked as theScore's No. 2 safety in the draft, and he could push for a key role sooner rather than later. This is another Chiefs draft haul that makes you wonder how the rest of the league keeps allowing this to happen.
Grade: B-
In his first draft with the Raiders, new general manager Tom Telesco clearly followed the approach of picking the best player available. That made for a surprising pick with Bowers at No. 13. However, it's tough to argue with adding such a unique playmaker - the Georgia tight end was the No. 6 player on theScore's prospect rankings. Powers-Johnson was also a great value pick in the second round, as he was widely considered a first-round talent. Vegas' haul as a whole is impressive and far better than what we've grown used to seeing from the team in the draft. But we're still docking the Raiders points for not aggressively going for a quarterback, even with Spencer Rattler available on Day 3. Going into a season with Gardner Minshew as your starter won't cut it.
Grade: B+
Many hoped the Chargers would get Justin Herbert a superstar receiver with the No. 5 pick, but Jim Harbaugh likes to build through the trenches. And when an elite tackle prospect like Alt is on the board, it's tough to argue against the move. Los Angeles circled back on the receiver spot with McConkey on Day 2 before upgrading the linebacker position with Colson, a standout defender for Harbaugh at Michigan. There's really nothing not to like about the first draft under the organization's new leadership. This group could go a long way toward helping the Chargers return to playoff contention.