As we begin to wind down the NFL season, teams are either beginning to prepare for the NFL Playoffs, or the NFL Draft. Today, this analyst continues a series of articles looking at every team, division by division and looking at:
- The top 3 needs for each team
- One player in the NFL Draft who can help fulfill one of those needs, whether in the first round or the 7th round.
- We’ll also factor in draft positioning, but not to an exact science (for example, if a team is projected to pick 8th, we’ll look at top ten talent, but not top 5 talent, as they likely won’t be available.)
- We’ll focus on the top three needs as projected by this analyst, but not in any specific order, as this article focuses more on value than positional needs, but does factor in positional need.
Last time, we covered the AFC East and you can read about that one here, but today, we’ll dive into the AFC West, where we could see some serious talented added moving forward. Let’s start with the Las Vegas Raiders, who have some questions to answer regarding their signal caller and the talent around him:
Las Vegas Raiders
Team Needs: Quarterback, Cornerback, Wide Receiver
Draft Selection: Round 2 – Xavier Restrepo, WR, University of Miami
For the Las Vegas Raiders, they likely tackle their signal caller need with their first round selection (either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders) so with their second round selection, they likely would look at a weapon to bolster their rookie’s confidence. In this article, let’s assume that they select Cam Ward from Miami, so why not grab his top target from his college days in Xavier Restrepo?
With good hands, a high football IQ, and a track background, Xavier would be an excellent receiver in this Las Vegas offense. His size may confine him to the slot role, but even with that restriction, he can still make some serious plays for the Silver and Black.
Denver Broncos
Team Needs: Tight End, Wide Receiver, Running Back
Draft Selection: Round 2 – Kaleb Johnson, RB, University of Iowa
The Denver Broncos will need to supplement Bo Nix with talent moving forward, as he appears to be their quarterback of the future with his stellar play in his rookie season. After likely attacking the tight end or wide receiver position in round one, the Broncos come back in round two and get a true stud at the running back position.
You can read more about Kaleb Johnson in a prior article I did here, but this would be a home run selection for the Denver Broncos.
Los Angeles Chargers
Team Needs: Tight End, Defensive Line, Safety
Draft Selection: Round 2 – Gunnar Helm, Tight End, University of Texas
Moving forward, Justin Herbert needs a safety blanket at the tight end position, and the good news is there’s plenty of tight talent available in this NFL draft. Standing at 6 foot five and weighing about 238 pounds, Gunnar has a very good frame and size to play the tight end position.
Gunnar also has impressive route running skills, especially on deeper routes, as well as some of the best hands in this entire tight end class. This would be a home run selection for coach Harbaugh, as he continues to reload the chargers offense.
Kansas City Chiefs
Team Needs: Offensive Tackle, Tight End, Defensive Line
Draft Selection: Round 1 – Aireontae Ersery, OT, University of Minnesota
With a potential Super Bowl run on the horizon for the Kansas City Chiefs, there’s a high likelihood that they’ll be picking at the end of the first round. With that being the case, they would look to improve Patrick Mahomes blindside with their first round selection by selecting Aireontae Ersery, the stand out left tackle prospect.
At 6 foot six and 330 pounds, Aireontae has the size and frame you would want for an ideal left tackle in the NFL. He also has the length and bulk to be able to keep edge rushers at bay.
Aireontae’s best traits are rooted in his pass protection skills, which would bold well for Patrick Mahomes and this offense moving forward, and this would be a home run selection for Andy Reid and Company in the NFL draft.
There you have it folks, the second in a series of articles covering the NFL Draft for all 8 divisions! If you like what you read, feel free to check out my content over on “X” @sparkscouting, as well as you can also see my podcasts with the draft professor on YouTube here!
