With The First Pick
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NFL Team Needs: AFC West

By Larry McDaniel

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Over the course of the next few weeks, we will examine the needs of each team in the NFL. We’ll evaluate how deep the draft is at those positions of need, what players fit those needs, and where they are projected to be drafted. First up, the AFC West.

. . .

Kansas City Chiefs

Overview: As you can see, the Chiefs have some major needs. Their biggest three being center, nose tackle, and wide receiver. They enjoyed a 10-6 season in 2010, but if they want to continue with their progress, they must find players at center, wide receiver, and nose tackle. Their first and second string centers, Casey Weigmann and Rudy Niswagner are both free agents. Same goes for their two nose tackles, Ron Edwards and Shaun Smith. Dwayne Bowe emerged as a top 10 receiver in the league, but no one else stepped up opposite of him. The number two receiver position was so weak that, the Chiefs brought in Kevin Curtis to start in their playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Center

  • 1st Round – Mike Pouncey, Stefen Weisknewski
  • 2nd Round – John Moffitt, Rodney Hudson
  • 3rd Round – Jake Kirkpatrick

Wide Receiver

  • 1st Round – Julio Jones, Torrey Smith
  • 2nd Round – Jon Baldwin, Leonard Hankerson, Titus Young, Randall Cobb
  • 3rd Round  – Jerrell Jernigan

Nose Tackle

  • 1st Round – Phil Taylor
  • 2nd Round – Kendrick Ellis
  • 3rd Round – Sione Fua
  • 4th Round – Jerrell Powe, Ian Willams

. . .

San Diego Chargers

Overview: The Chargers don’t have many pressing needs. Their roster is stacked from top to bottom. They even sported the number one offense and defense in 2010. However, some of their key players are getting up their in age, and their skills are diminishing. They also need to bring in some more offensive line help, in order to get the running game going. The main positions the Chargers should be looking at are, defensive end, outside linebacker, and offensive tackle.

Offensive Tackle

  • 1st Round – Tyron Smith, Nate Solder, Anthony Castonzo, Gabe Carimi
  • 2nd Round – Derek Sherrod, Ben Ijalana, Marcus Cannon
  • 3rd Round – Jason Pinkston, Marcus Gilbert

Defensive End

  • 1st Round – JJ Watt, Cameron Jordan, Cameron Heyward
  • 2nd Round – Muhammad Wilkerson, Christian Ballard
  • 3rd Round  – Lawrence Guy, Jarvis Jenkins

Outside Linebacker

  • 1st Round – Akeem Ayers, Aldon Smith (Hybrid), Justin Houston
  • 2nd Round – Martez Wilson, Brooks Reed (Hybrid)
  • 3rd Round – Jeremey Beal, KJ Wright

. . .

Oakland Raiders

Overview: I’m not quite sure what the plan is for the Raiders. Coach Cable was let go a few weeks ago and Nnamdi Asmougha’s and Robert Gallery’s contracts were voided due to a clause. If they don’t resign, the Raiders will have huge holes to fill .They’re on the brink of becoming an above .500 team, so they’ll need another solid draft. Other positions of need are outside linebacker, center, and tight end. They could use someone to replace Kameron Wimbley, if he does not resign. The center position was an area of weakness that saw three different players play the position in 2010, and they lack depth at the tight end position. Zach Miller is often injured, so a player or two behind him would be nice. The Raiders traded their first round pick to the Patriots for, Richard Seymour last year, so they’ll have too fulfill their needs in the second round and after.

Offensive Center

  • 1st Round – No pick
  • 2nd Round – Stefen Weisknewski, John Moffitt, Rodney Hudson
  • 3rd Round – Jake Kirkpatrick

Corner Back

  • 1st Round – No pick
  • 2nd Round – Aaron Williams, Brandon Burton, Curtis Marsh, Curtis Brown
  • 3rd Round  – Johnny Patrick, Rashad Carichael

Defensive End

  • 1st Round – No pick
  • 2nd Round – Mason Foster, Nate Irving, Bruce Carter
  • 3rd Round – Kelvin Sheppard, Mark Herzlich, Dontay Moch,

. . .

Denver Broncos

Overview: This upcoming year will be a rebuilding one for the Denver Broncos. They have new pieces in the front office, on the sideline, and on the field. They’ll be switching back to the 4-3, so they’ll need to find players who fit the scheme. The positions that immediately come to mind are defensive end and defensive tackle. Their going to need someone to rush the passer opposite of Elvis Dumervil, and someone to penetrate from the 3-technique. Champ Bailey is also a free agent this offseason, and Brian Dawkins is is past his prime. The secondary needs immediate attention. I think the offense has enough pieces to where they can focus on getting the defense right via the draft. With a high pick in the NFL Draft, the Broncos can come away with some real difference makers.

Defensive Tackle

  • 1st Round – Nick Fairely, Marcel Dareus, Corey Liuget
  • 2nd Round – Stephen Paea, Drake Nevis, Marvin Austin
  • 3rd Round – Jarvis Jenkins, Terrell McClain

Corner Back

  • 1st Round – Patrick Peterson, Prince Amukamara, Jimmy Smith
  • 2nd Round – Aaron Williams, Brandon Burton, Curtis Marsh, Curtis Brown
  • 3rd Round  – Johnny Patrick, Rashad Carichael

Safety

  • 1st Round – Patrick Peterson (Position Change)
  • 2nd Round – Rahim Moore, Quinton Carter, DeAndre McDaniel
  • 3rd Round – Ahmad Black, Tyler Sash, Deunta Williams
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