The NFL Draft is quickly approaching and we at InhaleSports want to provide the best coverage of your favorite NFL team, so we will be doing NFL Draft Previews through each Division. Today we have the AFC West. We will be predicting each teams first round picks while also identifying each teams needs.
San Diego Chargers: Pick #3
The Chargers are in a bit of a pickle. They could really use a safety to help replace Eric Weddle, who left San Diego this past offseason. Drafting someone like Jalen Ramsey, one of the best players available, would automatically boost their defense drastically. On the other hand, Philip Rivers doesn’t really have anyone to protect him, and drafting an offensive tackle could potentially help the Bolts retool, and try again with Rivers leading the team into the playoffs. I don’t think Ramsey is the type of prospect you don’t draft. And with the depth in the offensive line group in the draft class, the Chargers could draft someone like Germain Idfeti from Texas A&M early in the second round to help protect Rivers.
Pick: Jalen Ramsey, S, Florida State
Oakland Raiders: Pick #14
The Raiders could use a good running back to pair with Derek Carr and Amari Cooper to truly create a three headed monster. Latavius Murray is by no means a bad back, but he can be upgraded and watch for the Black and Silver to try and find one through the draft. Now the #14 pick is a little early for someone like Derek Henry but a little late for someone like Zeke Elliot. They could also take a linebacker, but I don’t think they will reach for Darron Lee here. No, I instead think they will take a defensive lineman to clog up the middle. For this, Sheldon Rankins out of Louisville would be a good pick here. He’s big, and monstrous, and could help the Raiders defense become as dominant as their offense.
Pick: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
Kansas City Chiefs: Pick #27
The Chiefs desperately need a new wideout. Jeremy Maclin is a good wideout, but he’s not aging like a fine wine. At 27 the options for WR’s are deep, but three wideouts would be off the board at this point. For the Chiefs, I think that Corey Coleman would be the best fit here. He’s a quick receiver and has great hands. This would give Alex Smith another weapon for him to not throw to. Defensively, the Chiefs could benefit from drafting a corner to help their defense. At 27, there may not be anyone available at corner, at least not without reaching for them. In the second round, the Chiefs could potentially draft Artie Burns out of Miami.
Pick: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Denver Broncos: Pick #31
After losing Malik Jackson and Brock Osweiler this offseason to other teams, the defending champs have holes all across their team. I think that this pick will be Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis. He has leadership qualities that helped him and Memphis beat Ole Miss this year. Had he not been injured, he might have been the first QB selected. And he has a cannon. Defensively, Elway and company, might be looking at some like Vernon Butler, out of Louisiana Tech. He’s a big body who can clog up the middle while also having the short quick burst needed to get the Quarterback.
Pick: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
