2017 Raiders Pre-Camp Preview: AFC West Rivals

Before the Oakland Raiders even think about a Super Bowl run, they have got to handle business against their division foes. Oakland finished second in the division with a 3-3 record, but AFC West teams improved through the draft and free agency.

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Once again, the AFC West is slated to be one of the best divisions in the entire NFL. The Kansas City Chiefs and Raiders should once again be among the AFC’s elite, while the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers retooled after disappointing 2016 seasons. Every AFC West game is highly competitive as these are some of the NFL’s longest rivalries. Here is how the Raiders’ division rivals improved through the draft and free agency.

Denver Broncos

Denver said goodbye to underwhelming performers like Russell Okung, Sylvester Williams and DeMarcus Ware (retired) via free agency.

Still, the Broncos’ biggest addition came at the top. The organization replaced Gary Kubiak and his staff that won a Super Bowl in 2015, with a completely new staff lead by first time head coach Vance Joseph. Joseph led the Miami Dolphins’ resurgence last season as defensive coordinator.

Otherwise, the Broncos addressed their need on the offensive line by drafting Garrett Bolles. They also signed Ronald Leary and former Raiders tackle Menelik Watson to help them upfront. Both veterans were benched at one point in 2017, so it remains to be seen if either can hold down a starting NFL job. Denver also rolled the dice on some playmakers in the middle of the draft. They selected WR Carlos Henderson, WR Isaiah McKenzie and TE Jake Butt. All three players could develop into playmakers for whoever ends up being the Broncos’ signal caller.

On the other side of the ball, they added DT Domata Peko in free agency and DE Demarcus Walker in the second-round of the draft. Both players could help them return to an imposing front seven in a 4-3 scheme. Clearly, Denver tried to get more physical in the trenches and more explosive on offense via the draft and free agency. They still got to figure out who will be their quarterback as they will roll with Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch since they did not add a veteran to the mix.

Los Angeles Chargers

Speaking of new head coaches, the Chargers also have a new head man with Anthony Lynn. Lynn and the Chargers essentially won the NFL Draft by addressing needs with the best player available in each round.

For instance, Los Angeles found great value by selecting Mike Williams in the first round the consensus top receiver in the draft gives QB Philip Rivers another No. 1 receiving threat. The Chargers also found DB Desmond King in the fifth round as one of the best value picks in the entire draft.

Further, Los Angeles will have almost an entirely new offensive line. They moved on from OT King Dunlap, OG D.J. Fluker and OG Orlando Franklin. OG Dan Feeney and OG Forrest Lamp were selected on Day Two, despite their Day One grades. OT Sam Tevi also factors into the mix as a late round developmental piece. Plus, the Chargers made OT Russell Okung their marquee free agency signing. Clearly, the Chargers succeeded in revamping their offensive line with younger and more athletic players. These players should be more durable for protecting Rivers and RB Melvin Gordon.

Otherwise, the Chargers succeeded in keeping their own marquee free agents. They re-signed Jahleel Addae and franchised Melvin Ingram. L.A. added Tre Boston as one of their most recent signings. Boston should help them turn around their safety woes for a discounted rate. The Chargers had one of the best offseasons in the NFL thanks to a great draft. Plus, the team will be a lot healthier as WR Keenan Allen and CB Jason Verrett return from I.R. last season. Therefore, the Chargers are the biggest variable in the division since they were a few close games away from being a playoff contender last season anyways.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs were the class of the AFC West in 2016, since they beat Oakland twice. Apparently, the Chiefs are expected more of the same since they spent free agency making lateral moves. Their biggest addition, DT Bennie Logan, barely makes up for the subtraction of Dontari Poe and Jaye Howard in free agency. Same thing can be said for RB C.J. Spiller who is a lateral move for Jamaal Charles.

Kansas City did not do much better in the draft. With their first two selections they took QB Patrick Mahomes and DE Tanoh Kpassagnon. Both players have high ceilings but they also need time to develop before they can contribute Otherwise, they added some depth pieces in the draft like RB Kareem Hunt and WR Jehu Chesson.

Don’t be fooled. The Chiefs are still a great team but it is not because of the 2017 offseason. Luckily, Kansas City did lock up safety Eric Berry to a long-term contract. They also made some lateral moves and drafted players who will help in the future. Otherwise, don’t expect the Chargers to change their formula too much because of the 2017 offseason.

In essence, the AFC West remains the most competitive division in the NFL. The Raiders need to overcome bitter rivals to accomplish the ultimate goal.

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