Around the AFC West: Grades for the rest of the division


Denver Broncos: C+

Round 1, pick 20: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Perhaps one of the steals of the draft, Barron fell to the Broncos and immediately bolstered an already strong defense. With Barron on one side and Patrick Surtain on the other, Denver might just have a new no-fly zone.

Round 2, pick 60: R.J. Harvey, RB, Central Florida

Harvey was heavily utilized in college, racking up 458 carries over two seasons — including 1,416 rushing yards in one year and 1,577 in his senior season. He also found the end zone 22 times on the ground and added three receiving touchdowns. Expect a similar workhorse role in the NFL.

Round 3, pick 74: Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois

Bryant may not be the top wide receiver in the draft, but he has excellent hands. However, he’ll need to improve his ability to create separation at the next level.

Round 3, pick 101: Sai’vion, DE, LSU

A solid scheme fit on defense and is likely to serve as a rotational piece. He may get lost in the mix unless he makes a strong impression.

Round 4, pick 134: Que Robinson, OLB, Alabama

A special-teams player fit.

Round 6, pick 216: Jeremy Crawshaw, P, Florida

Another Aussie punter in the league! You love to see it.

Round 7, pick 241: Caleb Lohner, TE, Utah

A basketball-turned-football player. Lohner has great hands and a good size for his position.


Las Vegas Raiders: A-

Round 1, pick 6: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Jeanty is a definite upgrade in the running back room for Las Vegas. Last year, the Raiders tried with Zamir White and Alexander Mattison. Jeanty can find holes and has the explosiveness to move the ball downfield and rack up yards.

Round 2, pick 58: Jack Bech, WR, TCU

During this part of the draft, the Raiders traded back and accumulated picks to address more needs later on. Bech was a leading receiver for LSU two seasons ago and also stood out at TCU. He has great hands and a solid frame.

Round 3, pick 68: Darion Porter Jr., CB, Iowa State

Porter brings great hands, quick and soft feet, long arms, and a towering 6-foot-4 frame — rare traits for a cornerback. It will be interesting to see how he holds up against the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.

Round 3, pick 98: Caleb Rogers, G, Texas Tech

Rogers played 55 games at tackle in college, but with 32-inch arms, he projects more as a guard at the next level. His likely NFL role is as a swing guard, with potential to also play emergency tackle.

Round 3, pick 99: Charles Grant, T, William & Mary

A strong tackle with 34-inch arms, Grant should be a backup to begin his career, with potential to start if Kolton Miller holds out. The Raiders making back-to-back offensive line selections in the top 100 was a crucial part of their draft strategy.

Round 4, pick 108: Dont’e Thornton Jr., WR, Tennessee

Thornton didn’t produce much during his college career, but he did register six touchdowns.

Round 4, pick 135: Tonka Hemingway, DT, South Carolina

A great athlete, Hemingway started nine games last season and 28 total in his college career. He can be a disruptive force up the middle with the ability to get after the quarterback.

Round 6, pick 180: JJ Pegues, DT, Ole Miss

A massive 320-pound presence built to help anchor the line and shut down the run game.

Round 6, pick 213: Tommy Mellott, QB, Montana State

A Day 3 quarterback who could be a diamond in the rough, Mellott was a proven winner at Montana State with a 33-8 record. He has a shot to stick as a backup, especially if the Raiders decide to carry three quarterbacks this season. Mellott did participate in punt returning at his Pro Day, which could keep him on the roster.

Round 6, pick 215: Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State

After selecting his collegiate rival just two picks earlier, the Raiders doubled down by drafting another quarterback in Miller. He’ll need to compete for the QB2 spot heading into camp.

Round 7, pick 222: Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota

A high-motor player with good downfield speed and strong play recognition. He’s expected to make an immediate impact on special teams.


Los Angeles Chargers: B

Round 1, pick 22: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

Adding a running back like Hampton instantly upgrades the room, especially as a one-two punch alongside Najee Harris. With Harris on a one-year deal, this pick makes perfect sense — it allows for a split backfield this season before eventually handing the keys fully over to Hampton.

Round 2, pick 55: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss

A major need was addressed with the addition of Harris. The 6-foot-2 receiver is a big target with great hands, averaging 7.5 receptions per game. He’ll fit well as a second option behind Ladd McConkey. Quinton Johnston still has plenty to prove if he’s to become a reliable No. 1 or 2 receiver on the team.

Round 3, pick 86: Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon

A big-bodied player built to clog up the interior, with plenty of raw talent despite having just three years of college experience. He should rotate well along the defensive line.

Round 4, pick 125: Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina

The Bronko Nagurski Award winner (best defensive player), Kennard made the jump from the ACC to the SEC last season and recorded double-digit sacks for the first time in his collegiate career. Expect him to push for a starting role or see significant snaps this upcoming season.

Round 5, pick 158: KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Auburn

Made the jump from the Big Ten to the SEC and delivered, scoring a season-high eight touchdowns and finishing just 19 yards shy of 1,000. He has great hands but needs to improve his get-off at the line.

Round 5, pick 165: Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse

Health concerns are a factor with Gadsden — but when he’s on the field, he’s a reliable force. He may begin his career in the tight end room, but he has the skill set to transition into a wide receiver role.

Round 6, pick 199: Branson Taylor, OL, Pittsburgh

Nice depth selection.

Round 6, pick 214: RJ Mickens, S, Clemson

A depth piece who will likely see the majority of his playing time on special teams.

Round 7, pick 256: Trikweze Bridges, CB, Florida

Harbaugh is more familiar with Bridges than most, having recruited him to Michigan before his transfer to Florida. He could turn out to be a sleeper pick in the seventh round.

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