Espn on the ACF West and the draft

nychief · 04-14-2008, 05:05 PM

By Bill Williamson
ESPN.com

It's not a mystery how the AFC West has reached its current lopsided state.
Good drafting and bad drafting.

The San Diego Chargers have drafted well in recent years. They have transformed from a floundering franchise to a perennial Super Bowl contender through the draft, bringing in franchise cornerstones such as RB LaDainian Tomlinson, LB Shawne "roidman" Merriman and QB Philip Rivers (via a draft-day trade with the Giants involving Eli Manning).

While San Diego has been enjoying the fruits of a successful reconstruction process, the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders have struggled at critical points of the draft in the past half decade.

That's how the Chargers have become the clear rulers of the AFC West, with no legitimate signs of their dominance being threatened anytime soon. The Chargers have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. The other three teams are trying to find their way after a 2007 season in which the Chargers clinched the division crown with two weeks remaining and ended up with a four-game cushion in the standings.

"San Diego, player per player, is probably as good as anybody in the National Football League and is probably one of the top-five teams," said Denver coach Mike Shanahan, whose team was outscored 64-6 in two games against the Chargers last season. "Personnel-wise, I would say they're right at the top, No. 1. That's saying a lot."

The AFC West -- long regarded as one of the premier divisions in the game -- has crashed hard. The Broncos were 7-9 last season, only the second losing season in Shanahan's 13-season Denver reign. The Chiefs and Raiders both finished 4-12.
"It's no secret that San Diego is the team to catch," Oakland coach Lane Kiffin said.

This month's draft will be the first step for the three also-rans in the AFC West to try to catch up, Chargers-style. If there is a time for Denver, Kansas City and Oakland to reverse the trend, it is now. Oakland, in its usual top-10 area code, chooses fourth; Kansas City chooses fifth; and Denver rounds out the dirty dozen at No. 12.

The Chargers? Well, they'll be enjoying lunch and perhaps a nap while their AFC West contemporaries frantically try to catch up. The Chargers don't make their first-round pick until No. 27, just eight picks before the Chiefs pick in the second round (the Raiders traded the No. 34 overall pick to Atlanta in the DeAngelo Hall trade).

"You look how they [the Chargers] drafted," Kansas City coach Herman Edwards said. "They built their team through the draft. They are very talented."

Indeed, Edwards knows the Chargers' approach to building a roster is the way to go. It was just five years ago that the Chargers were a laughingstock, finishing 4-12 in 2003. But they took advantage of their favorable draft positions and are an elite team, competing, on paper, with New England and Indianapolis for the best roster in the league.

Since 2004, the Chargers connected on 14 players who are playing major roles. The 2004 draft was particularly terrific; standouts Igor Olshansky (defensive end), Nate Kaeding (place-kicker), Nick Hardwick (center) and Shaun Phillips (linebacker) were nabbed in Rounds 2 through 4 after the Rivers-Manning deal.

The next year, after Merriman was taken at No. 12, San Diego picked up standout defensive lineman Luis Castillo, blossoming receiver Vincent Jackson and return man Darren Sproles. In 2006, the Chargers' first two picks were cornerback Antonio Cromartie and left tackle Marcus McNeill, two players scouts believe will be longtime Pro Bowlers.

The Chargers have answered questions at every key position in the draft. The rest of the division? Not so much.

The Raiders have been the biggest draft-choice wasters of the division. In the past four drafts, Oakland earned the No. 1, No. 7, No. 7 and No. 2 overall picks. But the Raiders has gotten little bang out of those picks, a nasty trend they must halt this year if they are going to meet owner Al Davis' expectations.

Last year, Oakland took quarterback JaMarcus Russell with the first pick. The jury is still very much out. In 2006, instead of taking quarterbacks Matt Leinart or Jay Cutler, Oakland took Texas defensive back Michael Huff, who was the subject of trade talk earlier this offseason.

In 2005, Oakland traded its top pick to Minnesota in a package for WR Randy Moss, who took a vacation from being Randy Moss in his two years in Oakland. In 2004, the bad early-picking parade began with a bang in the form of offensive lineman Robert Gallery, who'll likely go down as the highest-paid guard never to make a Pro Bowl.

For Denver, the poor choices have been less dramatic. Still, they have been damaging.

The Broncos are hurting from poor draft classes in the middle of the decade. From the 2003-05 drafts, just three players remain in classes that featured 2003 first-round bust George Foster, a right tackle, and third-round reach running back Maurice Clarett. The former Ohio State star never even played in a preseason game in 2005. Denver has gotten better in the draft in the past two years but needs to replenish a roster that has suffered from weak classes.

Of the three sub-.500 teams in the AFC West, Kansas City has had its good moments in the draft. Consider first-round picks such as Larry Johnson, Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali and Dwayne Bowe.
But the Chiefs have not had consistently fruitful drafts, and that has cost them depth. In 2005, they went 84 picks between Johnson and punter Dustin Colquitt. In 2004, their top pick was in the second round, and they lost big when defensive tackle Junior Siavii lasted just two seasons. The Chiefs have gotten old. The result is a team with many holes.
It could be long road for the lacking three to catch up with the Chargers via this draft. Here's a quick look at the needs of each AFC West team:

Denver: Defensive tackle, linebacker, safety, offensive line, receiver, kicker, punter.

Kansas City: Quarterback, receiver, offensive line, defensive tackle, cornerback.

Oakland: Offensive line, defensive line, receiver, safety.

San Diego: Not much.

"We just have to keep getting better like everyone else," said Chargers coach Norv Turner, clearly being kind to the rest of the division.

Heading into the draft, it is clear that the Raiders, Chiefs and Broncos have to reel in both impact and future talent if they have any chance of making this a balanced division again.

Bill Williamson covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

82 comments on "Draft hits and misses have shaped AFC West hierarchy"

Mediafreak187 (6 hours ago)
The worst thing to happen to the Chargers last year was winning the division. Why? Because it validated A.J. Smith's move to get Norv Turner as their head coach. Had the AFC west produced a decent sparring partner for the team we may not have seen their improbable AFC championship game appearance. Now, its only a matter of time before the Chargers crash and burn. Talent can only get a team so far. Coaching does help.

angelgr89 (6 hours ago)
Im not too sure the Raiders need safety help after picking up the Giants best safety(sad to see Gibril Go). Raiders need O-line help and a DT to stop the run. The Broncos have the best QB in the Division but need help on both lines and receiver. Chargers are dominant but need to put tape over Philip River's mouth and get rid of Merriman's ego and then they will be good to go

RomanJedi (6 hours ago)
The Broncos have needs for sure, but they are NOT very far from being able to compete with the Chargers. Cutler is the class of the division at QB and soon, he will be able to carry the team.

LSUDaRealTigers1 (7 hours ago)
The Chiefs haven't been the same since Willie Roaf went down with injuries and retired. they need to trade up get Jake Long, and everything else will fall into place for at least a .500 season.
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Inside NFL

The chic pick entering '07, Mike Nolan's 49ers cratered instead. What did Nolan learn and can his team rebound? Mike Sando

Terrell Owens' career numbers rank among the all-time best. But is the Cowboys' receiver worth all the hype? Third and Short

Lawrence Tynes chose football. Brother Mark Tynes chose drugs and is now in prison. How did their paths diverge? Ben Houser

Chris Simms is one of a rare breed: He's a QB drafted by an NFC South team. But reinforcements might arrive soon. Pat Yasinskas

As we approach the 2008 draft, let's look back at the class of 2005 and review every team's performance. Scouts Inc.

In 1998, Indy drafted Peyton Manning No. 1. San Diego settled for Ryan Leaf, whose flameout affected four teams. Mike Sando
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88TG88 · 04-14-2008, 05:38 PM

Sounds about right.

ChiefsCountry · 04-14-2008, 05:57 PM

Basically all those years the Chiefs, Donks and Fade kicked the Chargers ass allowed them to get to where they are now.

teedubya · 04-14-2008, 06:56 PM

The ACF has always been tough.

04-14-2008, 05:05 PM
nychief MVP Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: NYC Casino cash: $6889466	Espn on the ACF West and the draft By Bill Williamson ESPN.com It's not a mystery how the AFC West has reached its current lopsided state. Good drafting and bad drafting. The San Diego Chargers have drafted well in recent years. They have transformed from a floundering franchise to a perennial Super Bowl contender through the draft, bringing in franchise cornerstones such as RB LaDainian Tomlinson, LB Shawne "roidman" Merriman and QB Philip Rivers (via a draft-day trade with the Giants involving Eli Manning). While San Diego has been enjoying the fruits of a successful reconstruction process, the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders have struggled at critical points of the draft in the past half decade. That's how the Chargers have become the clear rulers of the AFC West, with no legitimate signs of their dominance being threatened anytime soon. The Chargers have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. The other three teams are trying to find their way after a 2007 season in which the Chargers clinched the division crown with two weeks remaining and ended up with a four-game cushion in the standings. "San Diego, player per player, is probably as good as anybody in the National Football League and is probably one of the top-five teams," said Denver coach Mike Shanahan, whose team was outscored 64-6 in two games against the Chargers last season. "Personnel-wise, I would say they're right at the top, No. 1. That's saying a lot." The AFC West -- long regarded as one of the premier divisions in the game -- has crashed hard. The Broncos were 7-9 last season, only the second losing season in Shanahan's 13-season Denver reign. The Chiefs and Raiders both finished 4-12. "It's no secret that San Diego is the team to catch," Oakland coach Lane Kiffin said. This month's draft will be the first step for the three also-rans in the AFC West to try to catch up, Chargers-style. If there is a time for Denver, Kansas City and Oakland to reverse the trend, it is now. Oakland, in its usual top-10 area code, chooses fourth; Kansas City chooses fifth; and Denver rounds out the dirty dozen at No. 12. The Chargers? Well, they'll be enjoying lunch and perhaps a nap while their AFC West contemporaries frantically try to catch up. The Chargers don't make their first-round pick until No. 27, just eight picks before the Chiefs pick in the second round (the Raiders traded the No. 34 overall pick to Atlanta in the DeAngelo Hall trade). "You look how they [the Chargers] drafted," Kansas City coach Herman Edwards said. "They built their team through the draft. They are very talented." Indeed, Edwards knows the Chargers' approach to building a roster is the way to go. It was just five years ago that the Chargers were a laughingstock, finishing 4-12 in 2003. But they took advantage of their favorable draft positions and are an elite team, competing, on paper, with New England and Indianapolis for the best roster in the league. Since 2004, the Chargers connected on 14 players who are playing major roles. The 2004 draft was particularly terrific; standouts Igor Olshansky (defensive end), Nate Kaeding (place-kicker), Nick Hardwick (center) and Shaun Phillips (linebacker) were nabbed in Rounds 2 through 4 after the Rivers-Manning deal. The next year, after Merriman was taken at No. 12, San Diego picked up standout defensive lineman Luis Castillo, blossoming receiver Vincent Jackson and return man Darren Sproles. In 2006, the Chargers' first two picks were cornerback Antonio Cromartie and left tackle Marcus McNeill, two players scouts believe will be longtime Pro Bowlers. The Chargers have answered questions at every key position in the draft. The rest of the division? Not so much. The Raiders have been the biggest draft-choice wasters of the division. In the past four drafts, Oakland earned the No. 1, No. 7, No. 7 and No. 2 overall picks. But the Raiders has gotten little bang out of those picks, a nasty trend they must halt this year if they are going to meet owner Al Davis' expectations. Last year, Oakland took quarterback JaMarcus Russell with the first pick. The jury is still very much out. In 2006, instead of taking quarterbacks Matt Leinart or Jay Cutler, Oakland took Texas defensive back Michael Huff, who was the subject of trade talk earlier this offseason. In 2005, Oakland traded its top pick to Minnesota in a package for WR Randy Moss, who took a vacation from being Randy Moss in his two years in Oakland. In 2004, the bad early-picking parade began with a bang in the form of offensive lineman Robert Gallery, who'll likely go down as the highest-paid guard never to make a Pro Bowl. For Denver, the poor choices have been less dramatic. Still, they have been damaging. The Broncos are hurting from poor draft classes in the middle of the decade. From the 2003-05 drafts, just three players remain in classes that featured 2003 first-round bust George Foster, a right tackle, and third-round reach running back Maurice Clarett. The former Ohio State star never even played in a preseason game in 2005. Denver has gotten better in the draft in the past two years but needs to replenish a roster that has suffered from weak classes. Of the three sub-.500 teams in the AFC West, Kansas City has had its good moments in the draft. Consider first-round picks such as Larry Johnson, Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali and Dwayne Bowe. But the Chiefs have not had consistently fruitful drafts, and that has cost them depth. In 2005, they went 84 picks between Johnson and punter Dustin Colquitt. In 2004, their top pick was in the second round, and they lost big when defensive tackle Junior Siavii lasted just two seasons. The Chiefs have gotten old. The result is a team with many holes. It could be long road for the lacking three to catch up with the Chargers via this draft. Here's a quick look at the needs of each AFC West team: Denver: Defensive tackle, linebacker, safety, offensive line, receiver, kicker, punter. Kansas City: Quarterback, receiver, offensive line, defensive tackle, cornerback. Oakland: Offensive line, defensive line, receiver, safety. San Diego: Not much. "We just have to keep getting better like everyone else," said Chargers coach Norv Turner, clearly being kind to the rest of the division. Heading into the draft, it is clear that the Raiders, Chiefs and Broncos have to reel in both impact and future talent if they have any chance of making this a balanced division again. Bill Williamson covers the NFL for ESPN.com. 82 comments on "Draft hits and misses have shaped AFC West hierarchy" Mediafreak187 (6 hours ago) The worst thing to happen to the Chargers last year was winning the division. Why? Because it validated A.J. Smith's move to get Norv Turner as their head coach. Had the AFC west produced a decent sparring partner for the team we may not have seen their improbable AFC championship game appearance. Now, its only a matter of time before the Chargers crash and burn. Talent can only get a team so far. Coaching does help. angelgr89 (6 hours ago) Im not too sure the Raiders need safety help after picking up the Giants best safety(sad to see Gibril Go). Raiders need O-line help and a DT to stop the run. The Broncos have the best QB in the Division but need help on both lines and receiver. Chargers are dominant but need to put tape over Philip River's mouth and get rid of Merriman's ego and then they will be good to go RomanJedi (6 hours ago) The Broncos have needs for sure, but they are NOT very far from being able to compete with the Chargers. Cutler is the class of the division at QB and soon, he will be able to carry the team. LSUDaRealTigers1 (7 hours ago) The Chiefs haven't been the same since Willie Roaf went down with injuries and retired. they need to trade up get Jake Long, and everything else will fall into place for at least a .500 season. More NFL Headlines Herschel Walker's 'truth': multiple identity disorder Broncos reach agreement with Chiefs WR Parker Pacman will file for NFL reinstatement on Tuesday Sources: Upshaw at work trying to fortify position Reports: Dolphins negotiating with left tackle Long • Top 10 draft steals in NFL history • Carucci: Seeking this year's Joe Thomas • Kirwan: Draft's top offensive linemen • Mock draft: Experts play GM for a day Inside NFL The chic pick entering '07, Mike Nolan's 49ers cratered instead. What did Nolan learn and can his team rebound? Mike Sando Terrell Owens' career numbers rank among the all-time best. But is the Cowboys' receiver worth all the hype? Third and Short Lawrence Tynes chose football. Brother Mark Tynes chose drugs and is now in prison. How did their paths diverge? Ben Houser Chris Simms is one of a rare breed: He's a QB drafted by an NFC South team. But reinforcements might arrive soon. Pat Yasinskas As we approach the 2008 draft, let's look back at the class of 2005 and review every team's performance. Scouts Inc. In 1998, Indy drafted Peyton Manning No. 1. San Diego settled for Ryan Leaf, whose flameout affected four teams. Mike Sando ESPN.com: Help \| PR Media Kit \| Sales Media Kit \| Report a Bug \| Contact Us \| News Archive \| Site Map \| ESPN Shop \| Jobs at ESPN \| Supplier Information Copyright ©2008 ESPN Internet Ventures. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information/Your California Privacy Rights are applicable to you. All rights reserved.
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04-14-2008, 05:38 PM	#2
88TG88 don't tell me about collage Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Los Angeles Casino cash: $10009184	Sounds about right.
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04-14-2008, 05:57 PM	#3
ChiefsCountry The Insider Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lake of the Ozarks Casino cash: $1938752	Basically all those years the Chiefs, Donks and Fade kicked the Chargers ass allowed them to get to where they are now.
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04-14-2008, 06:56 PM	#4
teedubya Most Valuable Poster Join Date: Oct 2003 Casino cash: $9470002	The ACF has always been tough.
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