The AFC West is poised to be a highly competitive division in 2026. With the return of a healthy Patrick Mahomes and the addition of top talent from the 2026 NFL Draft, including prospects such as Fernando Mendoza, Mansoor Delane, and Akheem Mesidor, the division’s outlook is notably strong. As these highly drafted rookies prepare to contribute, NFL Mocks examines the potential impact of the 2027 NFL Draft and the ways in which the division can continue to strengthen.
If Mendoza helps the Las Vegas Raiders make the AFC West a four-team slugfest, the 2027 NFL Draft becomes more of an arm race where the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos are not only drafting for need but drafting to outmatch their rivals’ strengths.
The prospects who could spark n AFC West arms race
The division winner in 2026 will influence each team’s NFL Draft picks in 2027. In this early divisional NFL Mock Draft we look at potential top selections for AFC West teams based on current Super Bowl odds.
No. 4 Las Vegas Raiders: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
The Raiders are in position here to select the best player available. They add the nation’s top cornerback prospect in Notre Dame star Leonard Moore. A unanimous First-Team All-American in 2025, Moore has elite size, great speed and a knack of making big plays in the secondary.
After selecting Treydan Stukes with the 38th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and landing Jermod McCoy who fell significantly in the draft, the Raiders defensive backfield will have major talent with the addition of Moore, who has elite lockdown corner potential at the next level.
No. 20 Denver Broncos: KJ Duff, WR, Rutgers
The Broncos are in position to take the best available player here at No. 20. That player is a big, athletic wide receiver by the name of KJ Duff. Yes, the Broncos made a splash in the offseason and traded for Jaylen Waddle, but they will likely be out to replace Courtland Sutton come 2027 NFL Draft. What better pairing at wide receiver than Waddle and Duff.
At 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, Duff gives Bo Nix and the Broncos offense a big target who can dominate when it comes to contested catches. That ability opposite Waddle gives the Broncos a more versatile offense and a player who has the size and physicality to operate as a tight end at times. He doesn’t have the explosive speed, but his catch radius and body control make him one of the elite wide receiver prospects to watch in the 2027 NFL Draft.
No. 24 Los Angeles Chargers: A’Mauri Wshington, DL, Oregon
A’Mauri Washington addresses the Chargers' key need for the 2027 NFL Draft. With Poona Ford aging and midway through his contract, the team requires a younger defensive lineman; Washington fits this role well.
Standing at 6-foot-3, 330 pounds, Washington is a first-round prospect who is explosive with his first step. As an elite two-gap anchor, Washington not only eats up space, but he also provides pressure up the middle with how fast he gets off snap and the power he provides with his upper body strength. Jim Harbaugh will love this guy and what he brings to the defensive front.
No. 26 Kansas City Chiefs: Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon
The Chiefs may have other priority needs in the 2027 NFL Draft, but they can’t pass up the opportunity to select a tight end like Jamari Johnson as a late-first round selection. If 2026 is the last season for Travis Kelce, the Chiefs will need to land another tight end to give Mahomes that security blanket he is used to.
At 6-foot-5 and 257 pounds, Johnson has the size and route-running skills teams want. His explosiveness after the catch makes him a strong fit for both player and team. With Kenyon Sadiq no longer in the spotlight, Johnson could have a breakout 2026 season, potentially prompting the Chiefs to trade up for him in next year's draft.
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