First Round Pick Analysis By Division: AFC West
The Broncos lost two key cogs in Terrance Knighton and Rahim Moore and both spots are now evidently weaknesses. They picked up two decent rotational players, Vance Walker and Darian Stewart, but neither one looks to be capable of starting at the position full time. The safety class is weak, with no one capable of starting right away outside of Landon Collins, who plays a different position than Rahim Moore anyway, while the defensive tackle class is fairly deep. Danny Shelton, Malcom Brown, and Arik Armstead are all expected to be gone long before the Broncos are on the clock, but big nasties Jordan Phillips and Eddie Goldman could be available. Of the two, Goldman is the safer pick, but Phillips has more athleticism and potential. With that being said, there is speculation that P.J. Williams may be a fit at safety and he was already seen as a second-round/borderline first-round pick. If the Broncos can see that working, they may opt for the defensive back from Florida State as opposed to the tackle.
Top Three Prospects:
1.) Jordan Phillips - NT Oklahoma
2.) Eddie Goldman - DT Florida State
3.) P.J. Williams - DB Florida State
The Chiefs sported one of the worst offensive lines last season and vowed to make improvements in the offseason. While they do have other weaknesses, it looks to be in their best interest to deal with their line issues with at least two of their early day picks. Eric Fisher, their first-round pick from two years ago, improved in his sophomore season while it has been said that fourth-year tackle Donald Stephenson will start, so do not expect them to pick up a tackle before round four. Instead, expect them to find a guard to step in opposite of Ben Grubbs and a center to replace the jettisoned Rodney Hudson. Since Brandon Scherff and La'el Collins, the two first-round talents that are expected to move inside, are likely to be gone by the 18th pick and all centers projected to be Day 2 picks, look for them to select a wide receiver to start opposite of Jeremy Maclin. Jaelen Strong would make sense as reliable possession receiver, while Dorial Green-Beckham and Breshad Perriman are two develomental players they could pick, though it would be a reach for both as the Chiefs are picking near the center of the round.
Top Three Prospects:
1.) Jaelen Strong - WR Arizona State
2.) Dorial Green-Beckham - WR Missouri
3.) Breshad Perriman - WR Central Florida
Sitting in a pretty spot at number four, the Raiders will likely have their choice of anyone outside of the top two quarterbacks and the edge rusher the Jaguars decide to take off the board. If the Titans trade back and the Jaguars pass on Leonard Williams--considering they signed Jared Odrick to a starters-money contract and Sen'Derrick Marks is coming off of his best season, it is a given that Williams will fall past them--the Raiders could pick up the versatile lineman. The Raiders however, recently signed Dan Williams to a big contract, while Justin Ellis had an impressive rookie year, and Antonio Smith was not too bad himself. The decision will likely be between the top receiver prospects, Amari Cooper, Kevin White, and DeVante Parker. Of the receivers Parker is the least likely, with Cooper being the safest pick, and White possessing the best combination of size and speed. The Raiders' need at receiver is more immediate and should chose playmaking ability and developed reliability (Cooper) over playmaking ability and developing reliability (White).
Top Three Prospects:
1.) Amari Cooper - WR Alabama
2.) Kevin White - WR West Virginia
3.) DeVante Parker - WR Louisville
The Chargers have a shaky offensive line, but the talent they possess on offense is enough to make up for it. What they cannot make up for is their talent-dearth defense. They have some promising players, like Jason Verrett, and one of the best safeties in Eric Weddle, but there is not much beyond them. Some people have them selecting a running back in the first round, and while I believe that it will not happen, it is not because of the downward trent of the feature back, it is more so due to the bigger needs at other positions and a deep class of runners. As of now the best plan for the Chargers looks to be picking up two defensive starters in the first two rounds and a promising running back in the third.
Top Three Prospects:
1.) Malcom Brown - DT Texas
2.) Randy Gregory - OLB Nebraska
3.) Bud Dupree - OLB Kentucky
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