2018 NFL Draft: How the AFC West changed during Round 1

The AFC West just got a little more scary with additions across the board that do nothing but help increase and maintain current team strengths.

The first round of the 2018 NFL Draft is officially in the books.

Looking over the changes to the AFC West so far certainly have me wondering how the Kansas City Chiefs will counter with their picks. The Raiders offense got better, Broncos defensive line added talent, and the Chargers secondary is also improved.

There are reports that the Chiefs attempted to trade up into the back end of the first round, but nothing came of it. With that now known, it would not be a surprise to see them attempt to trade up again to the top of the 2nd round. Personally, I hope they go cornerback with either Iowa’s Josh Jackson or Colorado’s Isiah Oliver.

But enough about that. Time to look over the AFC West’s additions from Thursday night.

Oakland Raiders:

The Trade

One of the more interesting happenings of the night. The Raiders decided to trade their 3rd round pick (79th overall) to the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver Martavis Bryant joining an already loaded squad. The Raiders already have Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson on the roster, and Bryant now comes in as one of the most physically talented receivers in the league.

There is cause for concern though with this trade. Bryant has already been suspended for a full season in 2016 for a substance abuse violation. Another violation could likely end his NFL career early. In 2017 after a year off, Bryant underperformed his previous expectations statistically with just 603 yards and 3 touchdowns. Bryant was also stirring trouble in the locker room calling out teammate Juju Smith-Schuster.

Perhaps a change of scenery will do him some good, and another offseason of preparation will help him return to form. Right now I grade this trade: C-.

Pick 1.15, Kolton Miller, OT UCLA

Moving on to the Raiders first round pick, Kolton Miller a tackle out of UCLA joins an already highly vaunted offensive line. Miller should be the eventual replacement for an aging Donald Penn, but now will slot in at the right tackle spot.

Right tackle has been a position of concern for the Raiders for a few seasons now, and the selection of Miller will help continue their O-line dominance for a while longer.

In 2017 the Raiders finished the season ranked 10th and 7th in run blocking and pass blocking  overall respectively by Football Outsiders. Running behind the right tackle they ranked 15th in adjusted line yards. In the pass game the right tackles for the Raiders gave up 10 sacks and 42 total QB hurries. That’s compared to 10 sacks and 57 total hurries given up by the rest of the line. Miller should be a solid addition that stays a staple on the Raiders line for years to come. As of today I give grade this: B.