AFC West – Draft Grades 2011

Denver Broncos – The Broncos got my favorite player of this draft class in Von Miller.  Miller is a pass rushing machine who will team with Dumervill and give John Fox a pair of pass rush threats on both sides.

In a draft that was considered weak at safety, Rahim Moore was clearly the top of the list.  He is rangy and athletic and pairing him with one of the leagues all time great safeties in Brian Dawkins is an immediate upgrade for that unit.

The Broncos added depth in later rounds.  Two intriguing prospects we like are Julius Thomas who is a former basketball player and could develop into a fine pass catching TE.  Orlando Franklin, who was also taken in the second round is a big, nasty dude who should find his way into the starting lineup eventually.

With nine picks and six on defense can you sense there is a new sheriff in town!

Grade: B+

San Diego Chargers – The Chargers had needs on defense, particularly along their line.  Corey Liuget is a big, tough guy who will add needed youth, versatility and depth along the line.

Marcus Gilchrist is another versatile player who will be an immediate contributor in the Chargers secondary.

The remaining players taken will add depth and should contribute to specials, but none stands out as projected major contributors.

Grade: C+

Oakland Raiders – With no first round pick thanks to the Richard Seymour trade the Raiders elected to stay and wait until the 48^th pick to choose a player.

Yes the Raiders drafted Steve Wiesniewski!  No not that one, his nephew!  Like his uncle, he is tough, smart and strong as an ox.  He should replace Robert Gallery who is expected to leave in free agency.  They also added another tough blocker in Joseph Barksdale in round 3 who is projected at right tackle.

The Raiders also added depth to their secondary in speedy Demarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa.  Unfortunately for Raider Nation neither can replace Nnamdi Asomugha if he departs in free agency.

Grade: C

Kansas Chiefs – The Chiefs made huge strides in 2010.  Unfortunately they took some chances in this draft on players with a lot of off the field questions.  Look at the stress the Cowboys are under with Dez Bryant as an example of the risks in taking players with off the field issues.

With their first round pick the Chiefs took Jonathan Baldwin out of Pittsburgh.  Talent is not the issue with Baldwin.  Will Baldwin turn out like Larry Fitzgerald or Antonio Bryant?

Rodney Hudson addresses a major need on the offensive line.  Hudson can play either guard or center and brings quickness and toughness and more importantly, youth to the Chiefs line.

The Chiefs really need a playmaker on D and Justin Houston fits that bill to a “T”.  Houston would have heard his name called in round 1 if he didn’t have character issues.  If he stays out of trouble he will be a steal in round 3.

Again, this is not a question of talent; it is a question of the types of guys you are comfortable taking.  On talent and need this draft could be an “A”, but the Chiefs are building a good program so why rock the boat unnecessarily?

Grade: D+