NFL Team Needs: AFC West
By Editorial Staff
The newest segment for NFLMocks is the NFL Team Needs focus. We are going to bring you division by division team needs and these needs will be updated throughout the offseason and during the actual season. And after the season is said and done and free agency has settled we will have the areas your team should address when entering the 2011 NFL Draft. We encourage you to check out our 2011 NFL Draft Player Scouting Reports, 2011 NFL Draft Prospect Big Board, our 2011 NFL Mock Draft, and our 2011 NFL Draft Prospect Position Rankings.
AFC West
- Defensive End
- Nose Tackle
- Inside Linebacker
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Thoughts:
The Denver Broncos followed their end of the year collapse by making some questionable decisions in the 2010 NFL Draft. Their big splash came when they selected Tim Tebow in the first round, a move that many are questioning. After the 2010 draft there are still several holes the Broncos need to address and it starts and ends on the defensive side of the ball. They need to address their defensive end position because the combination of Jarvis Green and Justin Bannan just won’t do. Green is solid but in order for a 3-4 defensive scheme to work properly it needs good production from both end positions. In the offseason Denver added nose tackle Jamal Williams who was let go by the San Diego Chargers. The reason the Chargers let Williams go was his age and extensive injury history. While Williams might be able to hold down the fort for a season or two the Broncos need to get some young blood at the position if they intend on sticking with the 3-4 defense. Lastly they need to get youth and talent at the inside linebacker position. DJ Williams is a good player but Mario Haggan could be replaced. At the end of last season it was obvious that the Broncos needed to upgrade the talent on defense but instead they used their 1st two draft picks on a wide receiver and quarterback.
- Wide Reciever
- Nose Tackle
- Linebacker
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Thoughts:
The Chiefs continue to build towards the future and many feel that this year’s draft was a major step in the right direction. But Kansas City still has a lot of needs and the biggest is to continue to surround Matt Cassel with talent. As it stands now Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers will be the starting receivers and both come with question marks. There is no denying Bowe’s ability but he hasn’t been able to put it all together and convince the organization that he is a future star. The Chiefs also employ the 3-4 defense and they need to fill the all important nose tackle position. In order for this defensive scheme to be successful it needs a massive run stuffing nose tackle and Ron Edwards just doesn’t fit the bill. Lastly, the Chiefs need to continue to add youth and talent at the linebacker position. They could use another edge rushing linebacker as well as talented inside linebackers.
- Quarterback
- Tackle
- Outside Linebacker
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Thoughts:
The Raiders continue to pile up the losing seasons and they need to fill plenty of holes in order to stop the run. Right now they have Jason Campbell slated to handle the quarterback duties but is he really the long term solution? While I like what Campbell can bring to a team he hasn’t proven he can be “the man” so the Raiders need to select a quarterback of the future. In the 2010 draft the Raiders selected two offensive tackles in Jared Veldheer and Bruce Campbell but both were later round selections and bring some question marks to the table. Veldheer didn’t face top competition while at Hillside and Campbell needs to improve his techniques and show he has the desire to be an NFL player. Lastly I think the Raiders could do well by adding some players at the outside linebacker position. I know they traded for Browns castoff Kamerion Wimbley but unless he has a big turnaround he isn’t the answer.
- Wide Reciever
- Tackle
- Nose Tackle
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Thoughts:
This has been a newsworthy offseason for the San Diego Chargers. First they decide to let LT go and now the contract issues with Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil. The issues with Jackson and McNeil greatly impact the Charger’s team needs. I see the wide receiver position as their biggest need because no matter what happens the Chargers will not be able to keep both Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd. So they will be on the hunt for a replacement for one or both of these players. Next we look at the tackle position and if McNeil decides to hold out and leave after the season the Chargers are in trouble. They don’t have an adequate replacement and their playoff hopes will always ride on keeping Phillip Rivers healthy. San Diego could also stand to upgrade the right tackle position as well. Last but not least they need to find a replacement for nose tackle Jamal Williams. Is 5th round pick Cam Thomas the answer? Only time will tell!