The AFC West promises fierce competition in 2026. With Patrick Mahomes back and leading the Kansas City Chiefs, Bo Nix back for the Denver Broncos, and No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza energizing the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Los Angeles Chargers improving in key areas, the division will be a major focus. While first-round picks will dominate headlines, several Day 2 and Day 3 selections have the talent to become long-term headaches for AFC West rivals.
In continuing this series, NFL Mocks pinpoints rookies drafted post-Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft who could have AFC West rivals shaking their heads as these players have the potential to be major contributors on their squads for years to come.
2026 NFL Draft sleepers who could reshape the AFC West
Denver Broncos: Justin Joly, TE, NC State (No. 152 overall)
The Broncos didn’t have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft as part of the blockbuster trade to acquire Jaylen Waddle. Denver also traded down from their second-round pick in the draft which made their top pick in the draft No. 66 overall with the selection of defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim. While he is expected add depth to the line, the player who AFC West rivals should be watching is rookie tight end Justin Joly.
Drafted with the 152nd pick, the former NC State standout could prove to be a surprise contributor for the Broncos in his rookie season. In an offense led by Sean Payton, versatile pass-catching tight ends have traditionally found ways to make an impact. Joly's ability to line up in multiple spots could make him a matchup weapon alongside Jaylen Waddle and Evan Engram. In 2025, Joly caught 49 passes for 489 yards and 7 touchdowns, highlighting his versatility, including his ability to operate effectively as a big slot receiver.
Kansas City Chiefs: R Mason Thomas, ED, Oklahoma (No. 40 overall)
George Karlaftis leads the Chiefs' options for pass rush off the edge. Beyond him, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will count on a young group of edge rushers, aiming to maximize the talent available on the team. This group includes R Mason Thomas, their second-round pick from the 2026 NFL Draft.
Viewed by many as a first-round talent, Mason Thomas landing in Kansas City feels like the type of draft value that has helped keep the Chiefs atop the AFC for years. With his high-motor and explosive first step, look for Mason Thomas to make an instant impact as he will feed off the energy of Karlaftis in the Chiefs’ defensive front seven. With Chris Jones anchoring the middle and Karlaftis on the edge, the focus of Spagnuolo will be to put Mason Thomas in positions where he can showcase his speed in disrupting the pocket of opposing AFC West offenses.
Las Vegas Raiders: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (No. 101 overall)
Did the Las Vegas Raiders strike gold in the 2026 NFL Draft? They addressed key roster needs by picking Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick and adding dynamic safety Tredan Stukes at No. 38. On top of that, they managed to land first-round talent Jermod McCoy when he unexpectedly fell to them in the fourth round.
Should the AFC West and the rest of the NFL be worried?Â
Given that all teams passed on McCoy, it appears unlikely. Nevertheless, if McCoy is in good health and the cartilage issue in his knee proves less severe than originally believed, the Raiders may have taken a calculated risk to secure their future cornerback. McCoy brings exceptional talent and impressive speed, with a renewed determination to demonstrate his abilities to critics and those teams who overlooked him. If McCoy's health checks out, the Raiders may have landed a future CB1 in the fourth round, a scenario that should concern every quarterback in the AFC West.
Los Angeles Chargers: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State (No. 117)
The Chargers are still building a strong offense around Justin Herbert. They focused on strengthening the interior of the offensive line to give him better protection, and in the third round, they picked the speedy Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson.
Highly regarded as a vertical threat, Thompson is coming off a breakout season in his final year of college with 54 receptions for 1,054 yards receiving and 6 touchdowns.  Although the Chargers do have young talent in their receiving corps with Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Thompson does give new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel the type of down-the-field threat he enjoys play calling around. If Thompson gels quickly with Herbert, the AFC West is going to have to pay close attention to this connection!
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