Brian DeLucia's Blog
by: briandelucia
AFC West Draft Recap
May 08, 2007 | 11:26PM | report this

Denver Broncos:  Mike Shanahan has been looking for high-level talent along the defensive line for the past several years and always likes to build depth along the front four.  They’ve been limited by building around average talent upfront.  Jarvis Moss was the best opportunity for Shanahan to find a top edge rusher in awhile.  Moss has the athleticism to thrive in Jim Bates’ system, which allows ends to line up wide and get after quarterbacks.  They feel Moss could be their Jason Taylor.  Tim Crowder won’t be a flashy guy off the perimeter, but should develop into a solid starter at left end at some point. 

The wildcard is Marcus Thomas.  There were a lot of teams scared off by his past off-field issues.  Thomas has intriguing potential as a penetrator inside, but must prove he has the bulk and stamina to handle the disciplined role of occupying blockers to draw attention away from the edge rushers in Bates’ scheme.

A lot of people were up and down on Ryan Harris, but he should be a good fit in Denver’s zone blocking scheme.  Harris could develop into a starter early. 

Kansas City Chiefs: Dwayne Bowe has the opportunity to be a solid pick for the Chiefs.  They needed a young receiver with size and toughness.  If Bowe finds a comfort zone learning how to maximize his ability in the pro game, he should be a productive pass catcher for many years. 

The storyline to watch will be their two picks along the defensive line.  The Chiefs have been starving for better play from their interior for many years.  Tank Tyler will be a hit or miss who could tease the Chiefs.  He has the physical tools to become the strong interior presence they’ve lacked against the run, but must answer questions about his heart and desire.  Turk McBride has intriguing quickness inside.  Gunther Cunningham likes to have one interior guy who can penetrate.  McBride will likely see more time outside until Jared Allen returns from suspension. 

The biggest concern though for the Chiefs in terms of building through the draft is the offensive line.  After losing Will Shields and William Roaf in the past year, the Chiefs haven’t drafted any top talent to groom as building blocks to replace them. 

Oakland Raiders: The Raiders finally have a young quarterback they can build an identity around in JaMarcus Russell.  Russell has the same physical tools like Daunte Culpepper to push the ball downfield into the hands of the playmakers in Lane Kiffin’s scheme.  Unfortunately, Russell has the same leadership questions that others around the league have about Culpepper. 

Oakland may finally have a steady presence at tight end after years of trying to convert athletes into NFL tight ends.  Zach Miller should become a solid run blocker while providing a steady complement in the passing game.  Quentin Moses could add pass rush depth at defensive end. 

A lot of people will be watching Michael Bush as the general consensus is they got a steal.  Not so fast.  Bush has always been dogged with injury problems and isn’t a true power runner despite his size.  Bush could frustrate coaches like T.J. Duckett has during his NFL career.  I just question whether Bush has the temperament to become a true pro back. 

San Diego Chargers: Like many league scouts, I am not very excited about the Chargers’ draft.  Craig Davis has the speed to stretch the field, but lacks toughness.  Eric Weddle shows good football instincts and plays hard, but has some limitations.  He could become a starter if Ted Cottrell protects him from man coverage against most speed receivers. 

Anthony Waters was a nice pickup and should add depth at linebacker.  He could become a starter in a couple seasons inside because he’s very active. 

4 Comments | Add a comment   categories: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers
 
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FrankIrizarry
May 9, 2007
5:29 AM
Hey Brian,

Great read. I don't know if Jarvis Moss can be the next Jason Taylor (he doesn't have that type of quickness) but as someone who watched him play quite a bit the past few years, he is going to be a stud in that Denver system. He is a high motor and relentless pass rusher.

Marcus Thomas is bad news. Couldn't stay off the drugs when his scholarship depended on it and had mama out there defending her dope head sun in the local media in Gainesville. Could be another Clarett for Denver. Now if he gets his act together and they put him in the right system, he's unstoppable. We'll have to wait and see.

Nice post!

Dave_G
May 15, 2007
9:36 AM
Brian,

I know that many of the sportswriter out there were not enthused over the Chargers draft, but AJ Smith has one of the best track records out there.

I think many of you will be eating crow again much in the same way you were last year over his pick of Marcus McNeil.

Eric Weddle plays with great game speed and was worth the move up. A lot of sportswriters have forgotten that the Chargers are loaded and the late round draft picks that they gave up for Weddle would most likely get cut from the team. You may as well get what you want.

Craig Davis is one of the best blocking receivers in the draft bunch here and that negates the "lack of toughness" comment you made on him. His speed and great hand will make him one the best receivers drafted from this year. Take it to the bank.

yoruba
Jun 7, 2007
11:16 AM
I wanted to comment about the Chargers' off-season. I am a Raider fan to the core but have always carried the Chargers as my 'other' favorite.

I noticed that the Chargers have not made many moves to aquire players. There are players that were re-signed, players released, and no players added (not counting current draft picks). So I am led to believe that the Chargers are merely 'cutting the fat'.

Think about it; The head coach (Master Marty) goes into the play-off game against the Patriots and says that he won't interfere with the offensive and defensive cordinator's play calling.

Honestly, that says, loud and clear, that he has worked himself out of a job. Unfortunately, a couple players forgot how to "cover-up a fumble" and the result was a humiliating loss.

My point is that, any coach can take that team to the play-offs right now (Turner?). Don't worry about the moves. They re-signed the right players and are ready to sweep the AFC West and win the division again.

Last edited by yoruba on June 7th at 11:17 AM.

yoruba
Jun 7, 2007
11:32 AM
I see there is slumber in the AFC West discussion. Let's get started by saying that the AFC Conference is not very competitive as of late. There are literally six teams locked into play-off spots before the last two weeks. Sure, some mathmatical possibilities, but where is the knock-down, drag-out season closer? I remember the days of - checking all of the games to see who got knocked out or clawed back into the play-offs. It's almost as if a rift exists between play-off teams and also-rans. Any team can make it as long as they make the play offs.

So where does the AFC West stand in Wild Card ranking? For the Division: Will it be Chargers and no one else? Was last year a fluke and the Broncos will run away with it? Will the tail-gating Chiefs make their typical stand and disrupt both of those other teams? If so, will the Raiders find a nitch and win enough to be in the chase? Either way, whose got the wild card spot?

We know that the Colts, Patriots, Bengals, Ravens, Jaguars, Chargers, and one other team can be in the running. Slim pickings! Will the Texans improve enough? Are the Broncos 'healed'? What are the Browns doing?

I see things shaking up fast. I would not be surprised to see another season where 14 teams are still in the running by week 13. (Remember, all speculation is subject to injuries).

Last edited by yoruba on June 7th at 11:35 AM.

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briandelucia
Brian DeLucia has been a widely respected NFL Analyst for several years including six-years on FOXSports.com
Brian analyzes players, coaches, and personnel guys from a unique front office perspective. You can email Brian DeLucia at bjd@enter.net
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