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.
Denver Broncos:
Pick 1.5, Bradley Chubb, Edge N.C. State
Perhaps the potentially scariest addition to the division is the premier pass rusher of this draft falling the Broncos at #5. The addition of Chubb gives the Broncos another two headed passing rushing monster, similar to the days of DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller not too long ago.
What makes Chubb particularly special is that, although he isn’t expected to be an overly dominant pass rusher, he’s a strong force in the run game who sets the edge, and contains outside runs well. The Broncos defensive line ranked top 10 against the run in all spots but the one opposite Miller. Slotting Chubb in there should be an instant upgrade to an already dominant defense.
This division is starting to get seriously ridiculous with its talent on the edge. Between Justin Houston, Von Miller, Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and Melvin Ingram, Chubb should fit right in with the potential join this list of All-Pros and Pro Bowlers. A+
Los Angeles Chargers:
Pick 1.17, Derwin James, Safety FSU
People have compared this guy to now divisional rival Eric Berry, and those comparisons aren’t completely off base. James is a big athletic safety that can play all over the field. Which is a scary thought considering the Chargers didn’t have many holes in their secondary. The addition only gives them even greater flexibility with their rotation and coverage options.
The Chargers top 3 corners all graded in the top 15 of all corners last season by PFF. Tre Boston, their previous starting free safety is not expected to return this offseason. James will likely step right in, and should be an instant impact starter. Not that they needed much more as the Chargers ended last season ranked 4th in passer rating allowed.
Next: The best players available after Round 1
Chargers should easily challenge to be the best secondary in the league, barring any injuries of course. I give this addition a solid A+ rating.
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