The AFC West was arguably the best division in the NFL last season. With two teams reaching 12 wins and another reaching 9, it is tough to find a better one (although an argument could be made for the NFC East). Each team has question marks, however. The Los Angeles Chargers need additional help on the offensive side of the football. The Denver Broncos have gaping holes at the quarterback and offensive line positions. The Oakland Raiders have voids to fill at every defensive level along with running back. Finally, the Kansas City Chiefs have not decided on Eric Berry’s situation and can use some work in the backfield. Let’s take a more detailed look at each team’s needs.
AFC West Team Needs
Los Angeles Chargers
Top Free Agents: Melvin Ingram (Edge), Jahleel Addae (S), Korey Toomer (LB)
Team needs: OL, DL, WR
With the third overall pick in 2016, the Los Angeles Chargers selected Joey Bosa. Bosa turned out to be an extremely valuable pick and one that will undoubtedly help them in the future. According to Pro Football Focus, the Chargers had the 2nd worse offensive line in 2016. Unfortunately for them, this draft is not offensive lineman friendly. However, there are valuable names in free agency such as Andrew Norwell (G), Kevin Zeitler (G), Ricky Wagner (T), and Ronald Leary (G). Where they really struggled was in pass-protection. Along with needing an upgrade at offensive lineman, the Chargers need a playmaker alongside Joey Bosa. Melvin Ingram will be one of the most sought out free agents during the offseason. If the Chargers retained him, it would help their defense tremendously. Additionally, they need help on the outside at the wide receiver position. This is good news for the Chargers as the wide receiver class is loaded with talent. The Chargers have nearly $22 MM in cap space this offseason.
Denver Broncos
Top Free Agents: DeMarcus Ware (Edge), Todd Davis (LB)
Team needs: QB, OL, RB
This past season, the Denver Broncos defense was one of the top units (again) in the NFL. However, the Broncos failed to reach the playoffs the season after they won a Super Bowl. In a draft that is loaded with defensive talent, one has to wonder what direction the Broncos will go. I continue to mention the lack of talent this draft has at the quarterback and offensive line position which are dire needs for this team. Pro Football Focus ranked the Broncos offensive line 24th out of 32 teams, and they did not rank Trevor Siemian any better. They ranked him 27th out of 32 teams. Do the Broncos start Trevor Siemian or go with Paxton Lynch? They should look into making a run at Tony Romo or Jay Cutler if either become available, which allows their young quarterbacks to develop. However, running back is an additional glaring hole that can be easily fixed in the draft as there are plentiful in the 2017 class. Look for the Broncos to make some moves this offseason with $33.13 MM in cap space.
Oakland Raiders
Top Free Agents: Perry Riley (LB), Stacy McGee (DL), Brynden Trawick (S), Latavius Murray (RB)
Team needs: LB, CB, DL
The 2016 Oakland Raiders team took the NFL by storm. I was one of the few who predicted they would win their division. However, they surpassed my expectations by going 12-4 (I projected them to go 10-6). The offense was an incredibly dependable unit last season while the defense still needs additional work. The defensive unit gave up the 7th most yards per game last season. In DEF PEN’s latest mock draft, the Oakland Raiders are projected to select Tre’Davious White, a cornerback from LSU. He would add much-needed cornerback depth on a team that needs additional playmakers on the defensive side of the football. They addressed this need partially in 2016 by drafting Karl Joseph (safety) from West Virginia and signing ball-hawking safety, Reggie Nelson, in free agency. In addition to their defensive needs, the Raiders will probably lose running back Latavius Murray to free agency. Do not be surprised if the Raiders look to add a running back in this draft. This draft is loaded at that position, and it would be wise for them to draft one in the mid-late rounds. With nearly $49MM in cap space, look for the Oakland Raiders to make another big splash in free agency this offseason. Kevin Minter, a free agent inside linebacker, may be a name to keep an eye on.
Kansas City Chiefs
Top Free Agents: Eric Berry (S), Daniel Sorensen (S), Dontari Poe (DL)
Team needs: LB, RB, QB
After finishing the 2016 season 12-4 and atop of the AFC West division, the Chiefs have some very important decisions to make this offseason. If the Chiefs allow Eric Berry or Daniel Sorensen to walk, safety becomes a top need for them. The smart move to make is signing Berry to a long-term deal and franchise tagging Dontari Poe. If they create enough space to sign Sorensen, they should. This allows your defense to stay in place. Linebacker seemed to be a glaring need once inside linebacker, Derrick Johnson (34), went down with an injury before the playoffs. There is also a possibility that Jamaal Charles gets cut from the team to add additional cap space. Even if he remained on the team, they would look into adding a running back as his play declined tremendously this season after suffering a season-ending injury in 2015. They need to make some adjustments to contracts as they only have $4.24 MM in cap space available this offseason.
(All grades per Pro Football Focus).
