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 Draft Day Needs: AFC West
by Chris Brophy
23/4/2008
Denver Broncos: The Broncos run defense went to pot last season and a big body in the middle of the D-line is a massive need. They could well be a team interested in trading up to get one of the top two DT prospects that likely won’t last past pick #9. If they choose to stand pat, then offensive tackle becomes an option because they are likely to get value for the position at #12 and with the retirement of Matt Lepsis, it might prove a better option than what they are currently planning to do (move Chris Kuper to LT).
They could also look at linebacker in the early rounds, but it might be more of a secondary consideration, and will probably depend on how the picks above them transpire. Can you ever rule the Broncos out of taking a running back early? They always love to add bodies at the position in their never-ending attempts to make anyone and everyone a 1000 yard rusher.
Despite adding some veterans at WR recently, I could see some lower round picks spent at the position as well as possibly at safety.
Kansas City Chiefs: I could just write “everything” here and move on but that would be a little unfair. Of all the needs, I would have to say offensive line is the most major need. Their once great unit got old and retired/moved on at roughly the same time, leaving little else, and they should be able to pick a stud at #5 who can start from the get go. Who that body is depends on where Jake Long goes, but either Ryan Clady, Brandon Albert or Long is likely to be in a Chiefs uniform next season.
After gaining OL help, getting some impact in the middle of their D-line should be next on the agenda, quickly followed by wide receiver in an attempt to help out Brodie Croyle with more targets and take some pressure of the superb Tony Gonzalez.
More OL bodies and possibly a cornerback should come in the lower rounds.
Oakland Raiders: With the loss of Warren Sapp to retirement and Chris Clemons to free agency, defensive line is something the Raiders must get help for early in this draft. Imagine the son of Hall Of Fame Raider DE Howie Long (Chris) coming to the franchise with pick #4. It’s very possible.
If Long is off the board or if old Al just can’t help himself, running back could get a major addition in the playmaking stakes with Darren McFadden dressing in Silver and Black. Even if that doesn’t happen, another runner to team up with Justin Fargas is likely at some point. A playmaker at the wide receiver position also needs to come on board reasonably early.
Lower down, linebacker and offensive line should see some minor additions.
San Diego Chargers: Not lots of screaming needs for the all round solid Chargers but the most pressing need appears to be ORT where a job is open so the top pick could well go here to hopefully form a pair of bookends with Marcus McNeil.
With Michael Turner running off with the Falcons free agency money, it’s likely a runner will come on board to be LT’s stand in for pre-season and blow outs. The one other place the Chargers might make a move reasonably early is at linebacker as they have just lost Stephen Cooper for the first four games of the season and depth could use a boost.
Lower down, the Chargers really can just go for BPA and stock up on depth.
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