Around the AFC West: Everyone is chasing the Chiefs

We are about a week removed from the 2020 NFL Draft and each team is now looking to a “virtual offseason program.” The draft was a ton of fun and was a great event on TV with record-setting viewership. The NFL did a good job with the behind-the-scenes moments of the prospects coming into the league. The personal touch went a long way with the viewing audience and was riveting to watch.

The AFC West had three teams with strong draft classes that added to the talent on the roster – and the Raiders. It’s all about keeping up with the Chiefs, but how did the draft go for the Broncos main opponents?

Let’s take a spin around the AFC West to see what the competition is up to.

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Kansas City Chiefs

Right before the draft, there was buzz that the Chiefs were going to take a running back. In my first and only mock draft, I did have them selecting a running back in Jonathan Taylor from Wisconsin. The Chiefs did select a running back at No. 32 overall, but it was Clyde Edwards-Helaire from LSU as their top choice.

Edwards-Helaire was the first running back selected in this year’s NFL Draft, and he described his being drafted by the Chiefs as “the absolute perfect fit.” The rookie is correct as the Chiefs are a perfect team for his skill set.

He is a three-down back who can be featured as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. He doesn’t need to come off the field and can take on a large workload. The Chiefs already have Damien Williams as the starter, but the two will compete for the top spot on the depth chart in training camp.

Since both are quite talented, don’t be surprised if we see the Chiefs use a running-back-by-committee to keep both backs fresh.

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Las Vegas Raiders

This wide receiver draft class was considered the greatest in NFL history and the Las Vegas Raiders were the first team to select a player from this historic class. With the No. 12 overall pick, the Raiders selected Henry Ruggs III out of Alabama.

Raiders general manager Mike Mayock said Ruggs stood out due to his speed (4.27 seconds at NFL Combine), which was one of the determining factors of choosing him in the first round over other highly touted prospects. Ruggs was one of the “big three” at the wide receiver position, but few thought he was the No. 1 receiver in this class. That nomination instead went to now Broncos receiver (and Ruggs college teammate) Jerry Jeudy.

Mayock also noted that Ruggs explosion and work ethic were also part of the decision.

“When you’re in the division we’re in and you look at Kansas City and you look at what they have on offense and what their explosion looks like, we needed to get faster and we think that his addition opens up our entire offense,” Mayock said. “He can run the deep routes. He also gets the manufactured touches, the bubble screens, the jet sweeps. I think if you force defenses to roll coverage, it opens up our run game.”

With Ruggs taking the top off the defense, it should open things up underneath for guys like slot receiver Hunter Renfrow and tight end Darren Waller. The Raiders needed a true No. 1 receiver and that’s the role Ruggs should play from day one.

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Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers now have a new quarterback of the future. With the No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, they selected Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert, which was a move that was anticipated by most.

Herbert was selected to be the team’s franchise quarterback, according to head coach Anthony Lynn. When Herbert takes over as the starter has yet to be determined.

“I don’t want to put a timetable on this young man. Does he need a couple of years? Does he need one year? Maybe he doesn’t need any at all. I don’t know,” Lynn said.”(Herbert and Tyrod Taylor) going to go in and they’re going to compete. The best guy is going to play.”

Taylor is a seasoned starter with plenty of experience. He could lead the team to plenty of wins in the 2020 season and generally takes care of the football. Simply put, Taylor could get the Chargers back to the postseason while we wait for Herbert to develop.

The COVID-19 pandemic may slow down Herbert’s development as the team joins the league with a “virtual offseason.”

“I don’t care how smart you are, until you get in there and get those reps, especially with a new offense and maybe doing some things differently than you’ve done in the past, like playing underneath the center, that’s going to be harder if we don’t have camps,” Lynn added.

The Chargers coach likes Herbert because he thinks he can do it all. Herbert does see the field well and has the arm to make every throw in the NFL. While Taylor can be a solid starter, the Chargers are hoping that Herbert can be a true franchise quarterback and develop into one of the best in the game.

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