AFC West Grades for 2016 NFL Draft: Solid hauls all around
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AFC West Grades for 2016 NFL Draft: Solid hauls all around
By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
April 30, 2016 6:59 pm ET
Grading an NFL Draft immediately after it occurs is akin to giving your compliments to the chef based on the menu. It will take at least three years before we can truly assess how the 32 NFL teams fared over the weekend. But waiting is no fun. As such, let's take a look at which teams appear to have done the best job of filling needs and building for the future via the seven rounds of the 2016 draft.
Denver Broncos
You have to admire John Elway's aggression in trading up to nab Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch. The strong-armed and athletic passer is also a terrific schematic fit in Gary Kubiak's offense, which calls for lots of bootlegs and some of the quick screens which Lynch used so effectively with the Tigers. Lynch requires patience, however, which means that Mark Sanchez may be the Day 1 starter for the Broncos in 2016.
Patience could be the operative word with the rest of Denver's class, which featured several players coming off injury, including second round defensive tackle Adam Gotsis (ACL) and running back Devontae Booker (meniscus). Third round safety Justin Simmons may wind up making the most immediate impact for the Broncos, though Lynch, Gotsis and Booker all have legitimate starting talent, once ready. Of Denver's Day 3 picks, athletic guard Connor McGovern stands out as a good schematic fit and punter Riley Dixon will be given every opportunity to make the roster.
Grade: B
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have won big with freakishly athletic big man Dontari Poe and general manager John Dorsey is hoping to duplicate that success with similarly long and agile defensive lineman Chris Jones, who can play or out in a three man front. Offering similar versatility is Notre Dame's KeiVarae Russell, who could help at cornerback opposite last year's Rookie of the Year, Marcus Peters or slip inside to play safety.
Either way, Russell's athletic and physicality are NFL-caliber as is Minnesota corner Eric Murray, who popped off tape. Perhaps the most intriguing selection for the Chiefs, however, were wideouts Demarcus Robinson and Tyreek Hill. Each come with character red flags but Andy Reid's history as a player's coach and the leadership in the locker room in Kansas City could unlock their undeniable talent. Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan is going to make this roster as a fifth round pick, taking the place of Chase Daniels as Alex Smith's primary backup.
Grade: B+
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders pulled off one of the major surprises of the first round with safety Karl Joseph at No. 14 overall. Joseph warranted this high of a pick, as he is a fierce hitter, with terrific ball skills and is the consummate locker room guy but he is coming off a torn ACL, potentially impacting his ability to play right away. Oakland gambled on upside in the second round with former wide receiver and safety turned defensive lineman Jihad Ward, who really turned heads at the Senior Bowl.
Third rounder Shilique Calhoun was a three-time All-American defensive end at Michigan State. His burst, agility and refined hands could make him a very effective edge rusher in the NFL too.
Much will be made of the selection of Connor Cook in the fourth round. Rather than an indictment on youngster Derek Carr, this could be an example of Reggie McKenzie following in the footsteps of Ron Wolf in Green Bay, who was known for investing in young quarterbacks in the hopes of developing them and peddling them for future picks. Vadal Alexander's stock slip in 2015 because he played out of position at right tackle but Oakland's seventh round selection could prove a "surprise" if slid back inside at guard, where his lack of agility would be mitigated.
Grade: B
San Diego Chargers
Chargers general manager Tom Telesco fooled us all with pre-draft reports that the club was focusing on another player but instead taking the safer route with the pro-ready Joey Bosa at No. 3 overall. Bosa projected best as a traditional 4-3 defensive end but it was his versatility, power and instincts which will be put to great use by defensive coordinator John Pagano.
Expect to see Bosa line up wide as a stand-up rusher as well as drop down to a defensive end and even slip inside to defensive tackle on passing downs. He lacks the burst and bend most associate with a pick this high but there is little bust factor with a player this polished. It is easy to be excited about San Diego's next three moves, as well, as the club found a true complement (and eventual replacement) for Antonio Gates with the sure-handed Hunter Henry in the second round, arguably the draft's most versatile offensive lineman in Southern Cal's Max Tuerk in the third and Do-Everything linebacker Joshua Perry, who was overshadowed a bit by all of the talent at Ohio State but could flourish in Pagano's scheme due to his length and power. Another versatile defender Jatavis Brown - a Combine snub - could surprise, as well.
Grade: B+
Joey Bosa can line up all over the place for the Chargers. (USATSI)
Topics: Adam Gotsis, Alex Smith, Chris Jones, Chris Jones, Chris Jones, Chris Jones, Connor Cook, Connor McGovern, Demarcus Robinson, Devontae Booker, Eric Murray, Hunter Henry, Jatavis Brown, Jihad Ward, Joey Bosa, Joshua Perry, Justin Simmons, Karl Joseph, KeiVarae Russell, Kevin Hogan, Max Tuerk, Paxton Lynch, Riley Dixon, Shilique Calhoun, Tyreek Hill, Vadal Alexander, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, NFL, NFLDRAFT