2021 NFL Draft: Reviewing the AFC West’s improvements from Round 1

The AFC West got a lot harder for the K.C. Chiefs after day one of the NFL draft. The Chiefs traded away their first round pick at No. 31 overall to the Baltimore Ravens for offensive tackle Orlando Brown. Given the trade, the Chiefs were silent on the opening night of the 2021 NFL Draft. However, with the Denver Broncos, L.A. Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders utilizing a first round pick, the division is getting more difficult.

While the Chiefs wait to make a impact on their roster in day two, let’s look at how the team’s AFC West rivals helped their teams.

DEN 1.09: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

The Denver Broncos started the day off as a prime landing spot for Aaron Rodgers, given the rampant rumors. However, after a reported deal fell through, they stayed to make their selection at pick nine.

With their first round pick, the Broncos decided that they wanted to fix up their secondary with star cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Surtain II is one of the better cover cornerbacks in the draft, and the Broncos have been searching for a way to neutralize the likes of Tyreek Hill and Henry Ruggs III. With the selection of Surtain, he gives the Broncos a cornerback who can lockdown the weapons that they will face throughout the year.

LAC 1.13: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

The Los Angeles Chargers got their successor to Philip Rivers in Justin Herbert last spring, and they need to protect him at all costs. Adding offensive line help has to be their top priority and they delivered.

Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater is going to allow the Chargers to open up the run game even more while also allowing Herbert to have more room and time in the pocket. Giving Herbert more time to throw and find the better read is going to be a crucial part of the Chargers game plan.

Slater, who played both left tackle and left guard for Northwestern, also offers a level of versatility to their offensive line that counts for depth for their weak offensive line. Slater is going to cause problems with his elite pass protection. Given the Chiefs weaker pass rush, the Chargers could end up becoming one of the toughest games of the season for the Chiefs.

LVR 1.17: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

The Las Vegas Raiders fans should be very disappointed in their team’s front office. The Raiders have been known in previous years to reach for players, but even with that in mind, they shocked me.

Alex Leatherwood has some upside, but there are still a lot of problems with his game. As a tackle prospect, he is extremely raw and offers below average upside. Leatherwood has below average agility, lateral quickness, and pass protection which makes him a very poor fit at the tackle position. Given those limitations, he could transition into the guard position.

The Raiders released or traded much of their offensive line this of-season, and with that, Leatherwood could turn into an important interior player. However, even if he sees a decent rookie year, it’s still a very rich pick at 17.