Photo Credit: Kirby Lee/ USA TODAY Sports
The AFC West is an interesting division with an interesting mixture of teams. While the Denver Broncos look to be the one coming out on top with being the most recent Superbowl appearance, the division seems to be looking up. From the draft picks to the quarterback, it looks like the division winners could go anyway.
Denver Broncos: Unlike most of the other teams, the Broncos are concluding their OTAs this week. Under the direction of the new head coach, Gary Kubiak, the Broncos are looking to have a fresh start. Unfortunately, their fresh start is looking a little rocky especially with the absences of Demaryius Thomas and Antonio Smith. Thomas is waiting for his contract to be renewed and it’s especially hard on Peyton Manning considering how much Manning relies on Thomas. Smith is out due to child abuse claims, but surprisingly the defense is ahead of the offense. Safety Darian Stewart and CB Chris Harris have been praised for their work ethic and their general presence on the field. 2015 first-round pick, Shane Ray is finally starting to make an impression after sitting out due to injury but coaches have been praising Ray’s work ethic off the field since he has been studying the playbook and defense on the sidelines. Surprisingly Manning is not getting all of the reps during OTAs, some of which are going to backup QB Brock Osweiler. Osweiler is starting his 4th season in the NFL and is eager to show what he can do and the Broncos seem to be listening. Another knock on the offensive line is the loss of OT Ryan Clady. Clady tore his ACL early in OTAs which is almost sure to cost Clady this season and leave the Broncos to scramble to find a replacement.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have just finished their last round of OTAs on Tuesday which leaves a lot to report. The defense is ending up in most of the spotlight, especially with the absence of Justin Houston. Houston still has not signed his franchise tender, but the staff does not seem to be worried. However, it leaves a lot of room for the secondary team to showcase what they can do. Dee Ford is taking the place of Houston for now and it looks like Ford is shaping up to be a starter. The Chiefs’ first-round draft pick, CB Marcus Peters has not been participating in OTAs due to his schooling which is certainly not helping the defense, but CB Phillip Gaines is picking up the slack. Gaines is in his second-year in the NFL, so he wants to advise the draft picks and his work ethic and physicality is going to be a good place for the rookies to strife towards. On the other hand, the offense is looking a little bit shaky at this point, especially since a wide receiver hasn’t scored a single touchdown since 2013. QB Alex Smith is expected to get more responsibility this season, especially with that record. Fortunately for Smith, WR Jeremy Maclin looks more than fit for the job, especially with how dedicated Maclin is, his freakish speed and his big game attitude.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders are looking pretty shaky at the start of OTAs due to QB Derek Carr’s injury and some rookies finishing school. However one silver lining that the fans have to look forward to is the hiring of new head coach, Jack Del Rio. Carr did not practice for most of OTAs due to his finger injury, but now Carr is starting to turn it around. Even when Carr wasn’t participating, he made sure that the team knew that he was a leader, but when Carr finally took the field, it looked like he had barely even missed anything. Carr is already praising first-round pick, WR Amari Cooper. Cooper is set to be one of the biggest breakout rookies this year and by the looks of OTAs, he is living up to that title. Carr was basically blown away with Cooper, “Oh, my goodness! It was nice to get out there and to see just how quick he is out of his breaks”. In terms of defense, the Raiders are looking pretty decent especially with veteran FS Charles Woodson. Woodson is in his 18th season in the NFL, but time has only seemed to help Woodson succeed. Woodson is making an even better impression on the Raiders and looking/playing like someone a lot younger than himself. Khalil Mack, a second-year OLB had a good rookie season and he’s looking to make a repeat performance. Fortunately for Mack, it looks like it’s going to be another good year for him even being referred to as a “monster”.
San Diego Chargers: OTAs for the Chargers were all about letting go of the past and looking towards the future. Unfortunately, Eric Weddle is not sharing the same sentiment since Weddle has not showed up to OTAS due to contract negotiations. However, other Chargers players have that same positive attitude, including rookie Melvin Gordon and QB Phillip Rivers. 2015 first-round draft pick, Melvin Gordon is making a stellar impression on the Chargers, on and off the field. When Gordon isn’t on the field, he is studying the playbook and even has a picture of RB Adrian Peterson’s locker sent from friend and fellow draft pick Trae Waynes. On the field, Gordon is being praised by Rivers, “He’s done a good job so far. He’s still learning, and there is a lot to learn, but he’s fit right in”. Rivers is basically being who he is at their OTAs which is a good thing for the Chargers, because although the team is getting a new look, Rivers is still playing like he always has. With the many retirements last season, it’s allowing the defense to get a whole new look, especially in DT Corey Liuget. Liuget is starting his 5th year in the NFL and he is looking outstanding during OTAs, mostly due to his abilities but also due to his leadership. While most of the defense is young, it’s nice to see players like Liuget and Melvin Ingram stepping up to help out the rookies and the team in general.
