NFL Draft Grades: AFC West

Denver Broncos

Round 1
1 - OT Ryan Clady, Boise State (12)
Round 2
2 - WR Eddie Royal, Virginia Tech (42)
Round 3
/ -
Round 4
3 - OC Kory Lichtensteiger, Bowling Green (108)
4 - CB Jack Williams, Kent State (119)
Round 5
5 - RB Ryan Torain, Arizona State (139)
6 - DT Carlton Powell, Virginia Tech (148)
Round 6
7 - LB Spencer Larson, Arizona (183)
Round 7
8 - SS Josh Barrett, Arizona State (220)
9 - FB Peyton Hillis, Arkansas (227)

The Denver Broncos definitely picked up some talented players but as a whole weren't as impressive as hoped. Yet they still managed to pick up a replacement at left tackle for retired Matt Lepsis, is Boise St tackle Ryan Clady. The All American tackle is a very athletic tackle that possesses good movement a long the line to neutralize the speed rushers, and while he may not be a road grading run blocker, he gets it down in pass protection and will definitely help Jay Cutler stay on his feet. In round 2 they picked up the smaller speedy Eddie Royal of VT. Not many people seem to like this pick, but considering former 4th round pick from UCF, wide receiver Brandon Marshall has stepped it up and is the taller red zone threat, Eddie Royal complements him very well and can thrive in the slot. Round 4 were two small school picks; however, both were very nice selections. One was Bowling Green center Kory Lichtensteiger, who is a very tough, very hard nosed player that is the definition of a nasty offensive lineman, playing with a mean streak; even with minimal upside, he has potential with heart like his. Next was Jack Williams, who I had as a sleeper heading into the draft. Williams is a solid man to man corner back, and with time to learn under Dre Bly, Dominique Foxworth, and Champ Bailey, he should adjust well in nickel and dime roles early on. Now moving too some bigger schools in round 5 going for running back depth in Arizona St.'s Ryan Torain who is a bruiser that can really wear down a defense and make way for the speedy backs along with his goal line abilities, and of course, Carlton Powell of Virginia Tech; who is a decent under tackle that is strong and can make some plays on the run. With Niko Koutouvides set to currently start for the Broncos
at middle linebacker, 6th round pick and inside linebacker, Spencer Larson will provide some depth and who knows? If he plays well enough he may get some playing time in the middle. The Broncos capped their draft off with a fantastic 7th round. Landing a very tall with good size (6'3, 233 lbs.) very fast (4.3 second 40 yard dash) free safety in Josh Barrett who fell likely due to the fact he lost his job as a senior, but played like an All American safety as a junior, then arguably the most complete fullback in the draft in Peyton Hillis who can run, catch, and of course block. Not a bad draft, with some nice pickups, but leaving a little to be desired, not addressing middle linebacker earlier.

Grade: C

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Kansas City Chiefs

Round 1
1 - DT Glenn Dorsey, Louisiana State (5)
2 - OG Brandon Albert, Virginia (15)
Round 2
3 - CB Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech (35)
Round 3
4 - RB Jamaal Charles, Texas (73)
5 - TE Brad Cottam, Tennessee (76)
6 - FS DaJuan Morgan, North Carolina State (82)
Round 4
7 - WR Will Franklin, Missouri (105)
Round 5
8 - CB Brandon Carr, Grand Valley State (140)
Round 6
9 - OT Barry Richardson, Clemson (170)
10 - WR Kevin Robinson, Utah State (182)
Round 7
11 - DE Brian Johnston, Gardner-Webb (210)
12 - TE Mike Merritt, Central Florida (239)

In terms of overall talnet brought in through the draft, there was nobody more impressive then KC, and why not, with 12 picks? Round 1 was a very nice way to open up the festivities for the Chiefs front office on draft weekend, by having arguably the best defensive player in the entire draft in LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey slip to them at #5, and I commend them for taking him and not passing solely because tackle isn't their biggest need; he is a high motor player who plays through injuries and is an intimidating force for QB's. Coming back in the middle of the 1st trading up two spots to select Virginia guard Brandon Albert who will likely play left tackle for them (according to Carl Peterson) in his first year. He is a road grating run blocker and should improve in pass blocking greatly. Another first round graded player in early round 2 with Brandon Flowers, cornerback of VT was a sound pick. With an old group of corners, they added both youth, and very good depth, who may step in early as a rookie. Round 3 was excellent for the Chiefs picking arguably the fastest running back in the draft with Jamaal Charles who has light speed and a real knack for home run plays on a consistent basis. Then three picks later selecting the massive (6'8 - 270 lbs.) tight end, Brad Cottam, of Tennessee who is really balanced tight end that can block very well and proved to be a decent pass catcher this past year. Finishing the third round with another former 1st round graded player in NC State's DaJuan Morgan. A very talented free safety that has very good jumping ability as well as a good ability to read plays in the secondary. Landing Mizzouri wide out, Will Franklin in round 4 could be a very nice receiver to pair with Dwayne Bowe, a very good overall receiver with a good blend of size and speed. Lastly, was a guy on everyones sleeper list, Brian Johnston of Gardner Webb. Don't dub him the next Jared Allen (small school defensive end, high motor, good pass rusher) just yet, but he has all the potential in the world to be a starter, and fell much farther then he should have. As whole, it is hard to say that the Chiefs didn't have the best draft on paper this year; know it's up to the players to make it happen on the field.

Grade: A-

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Oakland Raiders

Round 1
1 - RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas (4)
Round 2

Round 3

Round 4
2 - CB Tyvon Branch, Connecticut (100)
3 - WR Arman Shields, Richmond (125)
Round 5

Round 6
4 - DE Trevor Scott, Buffalo (169)
Round 7
5 - WR Chaz Schilens, San Diego State (226)

The Raiders draft was short and sweet to say the least. They only had 5 picks and used them on just the type of players they like. Round 1 was (in my opinion) a very obvious pick to have been made with Darren McFadden. Most still question it, however, he is a perfect compliment (with his speed) to current starter Justin Fargas (with his bruising style), and together, form a very nice "thunder & lightning" type of duo. Not too mention, Darren McFadden has some versatility and dynamic ability to his game, being able to throw, catch, and of course run. After finally being put on the clock again in round 4, they selected Connecticut cornerback Tyvon Branch, who may come in and contribute right away, but will be a dominant gunner on special teams, blazing down the field and causing a ruckus. He is an overly athletic and player that has all the physical tools, and although he isn't the best in coverage, the guy can play. Eventually trading up with Jacksonville brought them Arman Shield, the speedy (but slightly undersized) receiver out of Richmond. He had a season ending knee injury which hurt his stock, but he is a fearless route runner that goes over the middle with no concerns and makes plays; really played well and became known after Richmond played Vanderbilt this year. Rounds 6 and 7 were again used on small school Division 1 players. Defensive end Trevor Scott of Buffalo, who is extremely raw at the defensive end position, having played tight end the first three years of his collegiate career, and only playing one year of end due to lack of depth, but used his quickness to his advantage showing good pass rushing skills. The other, is Chaz Schilens, wide receiver from San Diego State. Chaz has great size, standing at 6'4, 225 lbs. which should make for a decent red zone option, but he also has some explosiveness to him for such a large receiver. His blocking abilities and straight line speed make him a nice pick in round 7 for the Raiders. With such a small amount of picks, it is hard to really give the Raiders a quality grade, but taking into account they traded their 2nd round pick for cornerback DeAngelo Hall, picking up Darren McFadden; it improves their grade slightly.

Grade: C+

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San Diego Chargers

Round 1
1 - CB Antoine Cason, Arizona (27)
Round 2

Round 3
2 - FB Jacob Hester, Louisiana State (69)
Round 4

Round 5
3 - RB Marcus Thomas, Richmond (166)
Round 6
4 - CB DeJuan Tribble, Boston College (192)
Round 7
5 - OT Corey Clark, Texas A&M (234)

With not many picks, yet again, for an AFC West team, the Chargers still had a decent draft. Picking up Cason is a very good pick and those who have seen him play, just know immediately that he could be a good one; with all the ball skills, the on field awareness, the ability to read the quarterback, along with solid speed, he has it all. Moving on to somewhat of a head scratcher in round 3 where the Chargers traded up to select fullback/running back tweener Jacob Hester of LSU. While most think it was an unnecessary pick, the true hard nosed football player who will give you his all on every play, no matter where he lines up, type player is all but extinct in todays NFL, and Jacob Hester is that kind of player exactly. He can be versatile if used right, and considering Norv Turner's offensive background, that shouldn't be a concern. The plan will likely be to develop Hester into Ladanian Tomlinson's backup as well as a reliable set of hands, as he definitely will not be used as a true fullback in the NFL at his size. In rounds 5, 6, and 7, the Chargers picks up some more depth. In round 5, they selected UTEP running back Marcus Thomas, who has good size, decent overall speed; but gets too flashy at times with his moves and is prone to fumbling due to his style of carrying the ball. Then in round 6 getting DeJuan Tribble who is highly undersized, and doesn't have the elite speed to make up for it, but is good in short distance coverage and is still pretty quick, as well as having the ability to possibly help in the return game. Then finally in round 7, drafting the project offensive tackle out of Texas A&M, Corey Clark. Clark has good quickness for his 6'5, 315 lbs. frame, and can do good things in the pass blocking aspect of things. However, he is an untapped well of talent that could be something in the NFL if he finds his niche in San Diego. More of a depth draft for San Diego as the Super-Chargers will not be starting any of their rookies this year, other then having Cason gradually earn his way onto the field playing nickel and dime packages. You can't fault them for taking the players they wanted to.

Grade: C-

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Coming up next; the NFC East.