AFC west Draft Grades

[oaklandhater]

http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2...8291462064439/

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Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa receives his jersey from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the San Diego Chargers with the third overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft on April 28, 2016 in Chicago. Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI | License Photo
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 this eekend. But waiting is no fun. As such, let's take a take 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 NFL draft.

AFC West Draft Grades: 2016 NFL 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 that Lynch used so effectively with the Tigers. Lynch requires patience, however, which means that Mark Sanchez might be the 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 might 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 three 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 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 up 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 other players 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 that 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 because of his length and power. Another versatile defender, Jatavis Brown -- a Combine snub -- could surprise, as well.

Grade: B+

[oaklandhater]

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...e74954377.html

Kansas City Chiefs: C
▪ 2. (37) Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State

▪ 3. (74) KeiVarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame

▪ 4. (105) Parker Ehinger, G, Cincinnati

▪ 4. (106) Eric Murray, CB, Minnesota

▪ 4. (126) Demarcus Robinson, WR, Florida

▪ 5. (162) Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford

▪ 5. (165) Tyreek Hill, WR, West Alabama

▪ 6. (178) D.J. White, CB, Georgia Tech

▪ 6. (203) Dadi Nicolas, DE, Virginia Tech

The Chiefs drafted for need, and landed some good athletes. That certainly applies to their first two picks, Jones and Russell, who both fit the team’s profile under general manager John Dorsey and coach Andy Reid; they are plus athletes who check all the physical boxes. A pair of tradedowns landed the Chiefs the some extra picks, which they used to select Russell — a physically-gifted corner with toughness — Ehinger, a technically-sound lineman with good size, and Murray, a fluid corner with toughness and a knack for forcing fumbles. They also added a pro-style quarterback in Hogan, another intriguing cornerback in White and a talented return man with some significant character concerns in Hill. The consternation that pick caused among Chiefs fans on social media alone would warrant a lower overall grade if the rest of the draft wasn’t as solid as it was. Nicolas is lean but he’s very quick off the ball and has some upside as a pass-rushing outside linebacker

Oakland Raiders: A
▪ 1. (14) Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia

▪ 2. (44) Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois

▪ 3. (75) Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

▪ 4. (100) Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

▪ 5. (143) DeAndre Washington, RB, Texas Tech.

▪ 6. (194) Cory James, LB, Colorado State

▪ 7. (234) Vadal Alexander, G, LSU

The Raiders added a big piece to their secondary by adding Joseph, an aggressive, fast ball hawk to a secondary that has already added Sean Smith and Reggie Nelson this offseason. He has injury concerns and size concerns, but there’s little doubt about the talent. Ward checks the physical boxes, but he has a lot to learn about playing 3-4 defense. Calhoun is an excellent value pick who will add to a increasingly imposing Oakland defense. The Raiders also traded up to get Cook, a nice value pick who adds depth behind Derek Carr. They also landed LSU guard Vadal Alexander in the seventh round, which is much lower than he was widely expected to go.

Denver Broncos: A
▪ 1. (26) Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

▪ 2. (63) Adan Gotsis, DT, Georgia Tech

▪ 3. (98) Justin Simmons, S, Boston College

▪ 4. (136) Devontae Booker, RB, Utah

▪ 5. (144) Connor McGovern, G, Missouri

▪ 6. (176) Andy Janovich, FB, Nebraska

▪ 6. (219) Will Parks, S, Arizona

▪ 7. (228) Riley Dixon, P, Syracuse

John Elway did it again. He improved one of the league’s worst quarterback situations dramatically by leapfrogging the Chiefs and Cardinals for Lynch, a gifted quarterback who is raw but has lots of upside. Elway’s ability to rectify their quarterback situation almost earns the Broncos an “A” on its own, but Denver selected some other intriguing players. Gotsis is a big, strong interior player who will add depth at a position that lost a stud in Malik Jackson to free agency. Simmons is a height-weight-speed guy who could contribute early, while Booker is diminuitive, but productive.

San Diego Chargers: A
▪ 1. (3) Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

▪ 2. (35) Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas

▪ 3. (66) Max Tuerk, C, Southern Cal

▪ 4. (102) Joshua Perry, LB, Ohio State

▪ 5. (175) Jatavis Brown, LB, Akron

▪ 6. (179) Drew Kaser, P, Texas A&M

▪ 6. (198) Derek Watt, FB, Wisconsin

▪ 7. (224) Donavon Clark, G, Michigan State

The Chargers did a nice job finding value and filling in needs. They desperately needed defensive-line help, and they opted to go with Bosa instead of DeForest Buckner. Bosa plays hard, is super-productive and should bring some much-needed edge to the Chargers’ defensive front. The Chargers also landed a really nice player in Henry, a field-stretching tight end who can replace Antonio Gates one day. Tuerk has terrific athleticism for an interior offensive lineman and has lots of upside, though he’s a bit underpowered. Perry is a run-stopper with plus intangibles, while Brown is an intriguing hybrid with nickel skills.

[Deberg_1990]

Hogan is going to be the backup QB??

[oaklandhater]

http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/04/30/nfl...picks-analysis

Kansas City Chiefs: B-

First pick: Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State (No. 37)

Other notable picks: KeiVarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame (74); Demarcus Robinson, WR, Florida (126); Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford (162)


The Chiefs traded out of the first round, joining the Patriots as the only team not to make a selection on Thursday. They scored Jones on Friday, a defensive lineman with an All-Pro ceiling but an inconsistent motor. What will they get out of Russell? He was terrific in 2013, missed ’14 due to an academic issue and struggled with an injury last year. Robinson is a wild card, too—he served several suspensions during his time at Florida but is a dangerous playmaker in the open field. Hogan may not have been able to hand-pick a better spot; he is a solid fit for Andy Reid’s offense and could bump Aaron Murray from the backup role. Count this draft as a missed opportunity to get younger at linebacker. Sixth-rounder Dadi Nicolas has a long way to go before he can be an impact pass rusher in the NFL.​ —CB

Oakland Raiders: B+

First pick: Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia (No. 14)

Other notable picks: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State (75); Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State (100); DeAndre Washington, RB, Texas Tech (143)


May as well start with Cook, even if he is almost certainly no better than a backup for the near future. It came as a surprise when Oakland pulled the trigger, but it makes sense: the Raiders were working with an extra sixth-rounder, Cook’s contract will be about $1.6 million cheaper for 2016 than Matt McGloin’s, and the ex-Spartan could drum up his own trade market with a strong preseason or two. The Raiders’ first pick, Joseph, came off the board higher than expected (and possibly higher than deserved), yet there is no question he upgrades the secondary if he stays healthy. Calhoun is a better player right now than second-rounder Jihad Ward, a developing talent. Think of Washington as a younger, more explosive Roy Helu option out of the backfield. GM Reggie McKenzie’s lone regret may be failing to address the cornerback spot.​ —CB

Denver Broncos: B+

First pick: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis (No. 26)

Other notable picks: Justin Simmons, S, Boston College (98); Devontae Booker, RB, Utah (138); Connor McGovern, G, Missouri (144)


Denver put an end to its off-season-long quarterback conundrum by moving up to nab Lynch, who still found himself available 24 picks after Jared Goff and Carson Wentz landed 1-2. He (eventually) should be a nice fit within the Gary Kubiak offensive scheme; it’s probably Mark Sanchez’s team in Week 1. Second-rounder Adam Gotsis will help replace Malik Jackson—he is coming back off an injury but has definite starter qualities. Simmons, Booker and McGovern are the types of picks that can help keep a team on top. Booker actually may wind up as the Broncos’ starting running back before all is said and done, despite John Elway’s recent financial commitment to C.J. Anderson. Elway did not find a linebacker he liked in the draft. Simmons and Will Parks (sixth round) may help fill the gap, allowing Denver to get creative with multiple safeties. ​—CB

San Diego Chargers: B+

First pick: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State (No. 3)

Other notable picks: Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas (35); Joshua Perry, LB, Ohio State (102); Derek Watt, FB, Wisconsin (175)


The Chargers kept the Bosa pick hush-hush right up until the moment they made it. There is no denying his talent, so this all comes down to whether or not he is as comfortable playing in a 3–4. Henry was a huge get: Ladarius Green left via free agency, Antonio Gates is on his last legs and Henry was this draft’s top TE. Perry and fifth-rounder Jatavis Brown provide talent to an underperforming linebacking corps. The Ohio State product is a good bet to find his way into the starting lineup at some point. Philip Rivers did not get any tackle help during the draft, but Tuerk, if he’s 100%, will stabilize the center spot. Interesting, though, that the Chargers took a lineman coming off injury despite being ravaged by their own health setbacks in recent years. Why is Watt, a fullback, on the notables list? Well, because he blocked for Melvin Gordon in college. Was this a pick made purely to help Gordon bounce back from a bad rookie year?​ —CB

[dj56dt58]

Reid and Dorsey's history speaks for itself so I give this draft an A

[oaklandhater]

The Star hated our draft lol

[BryanBusby]

The Raiders got an A? Lol

They reached for a smallish guy that will rack up penalties and injuries, reached the next round, drafted a QB that the GM didn't want and took a UDFA range back to follow that up. Yeah, okay.

[oaklandhater]

Originally Posted by dj56dt58

Reid and Dorsey's history speaks for itself so I give this draft an A

wasn't his drafting part of what got him fired in Philly ?

[staylor26]

@ the "Chiefs missed an opportunity to get young at LB". Does that idiot not know we drafted two ILB's last year and had an UDFA stick?

[Cmd'r&Chief]

In Dorsey We Trust... A+

[oaklandhater]

AFC West Grades for 2016 NFL Draft: Solid hauls all around


http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/n...2016-nfl-draft

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

[jd1020]

I saw this draft as being nothing but depth additions so I can't give it much more than a C, but that's just me. I don't see a starter among the picks unless they boom instead of bust.

[Why Not?]

Originally Posted by staylor26

@ the "Chiefs missed an opportunity to get young at LB". Does that idiot not know we drafted two ILB's last year and had an UDFA stick?

I'm sure he doesn't. The only thing worse than mock drafts are draft grades. Same idiots who got everything wrong on the mocks judging the draft picks who will need several years to be properly evaluated.

[oaklandhater]

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/po...fl-draft-class

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos

Thumbs up. The Broncos secured the guy they hope is the quarterback of the future in Paxton Lynch -- they traded up five spots in the first round to do it after they believed the Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns were trying to move in front of them to take Lynch. Second-round pick Adam Gotsis, a former Australian rules football player, was a bit of a reach, but has enormous potential. But the Broncos found top-shelf value on the third day with Utah running back Devontae Booker in the fourth round, who will push to play immediately, and Missouri guard Connor McGovern in the fifth round. A punter -- Syracuse’s Riley Dixon -- in the seventh might have been a reach. -- Jeff Legwold | Grading the Broncos

Kansas City Chiefs

Thumbs up. The Chiefs deserve credit for accumulating some extra draft picks. They entered the draft with seven picks, including two in the top 125. They parlayed that into nine picks and five of the top 126 choices. The draft is a percentages game and they increased their chances of finding more good players. They also addressed a shortage at cornerback by drafting three. -- Adam Teicher | Grading the Chiefs

Oakland Raiders

Thumbs down. Early on, it seemed the Raiders were bent on drafting players with knee issues, though they did address needs at safety and pass-rushing. Still, they did not draft a pure middle linebacker and, instead of finding a serviceable backup quarterback late in the draft, they took the fourth-ranked QB in Michigan State’s Connor Cook, even though they already have a franchise starter in Derek Carr. Looking at it through the prism of having to fill immediate needs with players who can contribute immediately, it’s a head-scratcher of a draft. -- Paul Gutierrez | Grading the Raiders

San Diego Chargers

Thumbs up. Once again, GM Tom Telesco stayed true to his nature by making solid and sensible selections that filled team needs throughout the draft. But he missed a good opportunity to swing for the fences in passing on Myles Jack. The UCLA product’s knee issues have been well documented, but Telesco had a chance to have first-round pick Joey Bosa and Jack on the same defense. Instead, he took the top tight end on the board in Hunter Henry in the second round, and the Jacksonville Jaguars moved up to select Jack a pick later at No. 36. There’s no shame in taking Henry, a complete tight end who could serve as the eventual replacement for Gates. However, Telesco had a chance to hit home run by securing an explosive playmaker like Jack. Instead, he settled for a solid base hit. -- Eric D. Williams | Grading the Chargers

[oaklandhater]

Originally Posted by jd1020

I saw this draft as being nothing but depth additions so I can't give it much more than a C, but that's just me. I don't see a starter among the picks unless they boom instead of bust.

Jones and Russell have the best chance to start for whatever its worth.