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Jay Cutler became a Denver Bronco months after the team advanced to the AFC Championship Game.

When the Broncos traded up to take Cutler with the No. 11 pick of the 2006 draft, they probably would have been thrilled to know the quarterback would lead his team to a home championship game appearance in his fifth NFL season.

Unfortunately for Denver, Cutler is now a member of the Chicago Bears. The Broncos traded Cutler in April 2009, and they are still looking for their first playoff berth since they drafted him.

“This is the type of move that can adversely affect a franchise for five years,” Scouts Inc.'s Gary Horton said. “There is no question. The Broncos are in much worse shape today than they were the day before they made this trade.”

This week gives Denver a painful reminder of how far the organization has fallen in the two years since Josh McDaniels replaced Mike Shanahan as head coach. Shanahan left a good offense, but Denver’s defense needed to be retooled. The job appeared to be an attractive one. The 8-8 Broncos were headlined by a 25-year-old quarterback who was coming off a Pro Bowl berth is in his second full season as a starter.

One of the primary reasons McDaniels was hired at age 32 to replace Shanahan was his ability to work with Cutler. Instead, the entire franchise was changed after McDaniels tried to acquire former Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel, who was instead traded to Kansas City. McDaniels and Cutler then feuded. Cutler was shipped out.

While Cutler is preparing to face Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, McDaniels is beginning a stint as the offensive coordinator in St. Louis. He is trying to rehabilitate his once seemingly boundless coaching career after a disastrous 28-game run in Denver. Among McDaniels’ biggest missteps in Denver were poor personnel decisions, beginning with the Cutler trade.

While the Bears are exactly where they hoped they’d be after the trade, Denver is trying to erase the McDaniels mistake. The team is now beginning the John Fox era with another young quarterback, Tim Tebow.

“Chicago got the big prize here,” Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said. “The way this trade worked out for both Chicago and Denver is proof why teams don’t trade young, franchise quarterbacks. It’s just not something you do.”

What bothers Williamson and Horton most about the trade is what Denver did with the picks it got in the Cutler deal.

“The Broncos got value,” Williamson said, "but they squandered the picks.”

Because Denver made so many draft picks, it’s difficult to break down exactly what it received for Cutler. Denver originally sent Cutler and a fifth-round pick in 2009 (which turned out to be productive Bears receiver Johnny Knox) for quarterback Kyle Orton, first-round picks in 2009 and 2010 and a third-round pick in 2009.

Denver took defensive end/linebacker Robert Ayers with the 2009 first-round pick (No. 18). Ayers has shown some ability, but not as much as Denver hoped. It packaged the Bears’ 2009 third-round pick and its own third-round pick in a deal with Pittsburgh for the final pick of the second round and a fourth-round pick. Denver took tight end Richard Quinn in the second round and guard Seth Olsen with the fourth-round pick. Neither has made an impact. Pittsburgh took standout receiver Mike Wallace with the pick from Chicago.

Denver had the No. 11 pick in 2010 from the Bears. The pick was flipped several times and Denver packaged the compensation with other picks that resulted in the selections of receiver Demaryius Thomas, Tebow and receiver Eric Decker. All could have promising futures. The players selected by other teams as part of the 2010 trade were San Francisco first-round pick Anthony Davis, Philadelphia first-round pick Brandon Graham and New England fourth-round pick Aaron Hernandez.

Tangibly, it is safe to say Denver received Orton, Ayers, Quinn, Olsen and some of the trading power to help fuel the early 2010 selections.

Orton played well for Denver, but he could be traded if Denver gives Tebow the opportunity to start in 2011, which is expected. Ayers will have a chance to play defensive end with Fox’s defense likely going to a 4-3 scheme, but he still doesn’t look like a foundation player. It has to eat at Denver fans that the Broncos passed on linebacker Clay Matthews in favor of Ayers. Matthews is a star for Green Bay.

"Denver could have gotten so much more,” Horton said. “You saw Chicago get Knox and Pittsburgh get Wallace in this deal, and you just have to think the Broncos wasted a great opportunity here.

“The Broncos have to hope Tebow is a hit or this franchise will [be] set back for years. You look at Cutler, Brandon Marshall [traded to Miami], Peyton Hillis [traded to Cleveland], Mike Wallace and look at all the missed chances. This could be a very good team. But it’s starting over all because of this [Cutler] trade.”

Chicago is one game away from the Super Bowl.

“It’s not difficult to argue who won this trade,” Williamson said. “It wasn’t the Broncos.”

The Kansas City Chiefs got good news Thursday when defensive end Tyson Jackson (knee), right tackle Ryan O’Callaghan (groin) and receiver Chris Chambers (finger) were taken off the injury report.

The big news here is that Jackson should be ready to play extensively Sunday against Jacksonville. The No. 3 overall pick in 2009 hasn’t played since Week 1. Jackson played well in the game against San Diego after having a slow rookie season. His presence should make an improving defense stronger.

• San Diego will get to see the Chargers play on Sunday. At 2-4, the city may not be all that thrilled to do so, however. With that said, the team sold enough tickets for the game to be declared a sellout by Thursday’s deadline. The two previous games in San Diego this season have been blacked out. Before this season, San Diego sold out 48 straight home games. However, their current steak may not last long. The team announced there are 12,000 seats available for the Oct. 31 home game against Tennessee. If the Chargers lose to the Patriots, there will likely be little chance that game will be sold out.

• It is being reported out of Kansas City that Chiefs defensive lineman Shaun Smith won his appeal on a $10,000 fine by the NFL. He was fined for grabbing the groin area of San Francisco tackle Anthony Davis in Week 3.

• It looks like Oakland rookie Jared Veldheer is getting close to becoming the full-time starting left tackle.

• Joining other teams, the Broncos voted to de-certify the union in case there is a lockout.

Fox’s Jay Glazer reports Kansas City defensive tackle Shaun Smith was fined $10,000 for grabbing San Francisco offensive lineman Anthony Davis in his groin area in the Chiefs’ win over the 49ers on Sunday.

In Week 2, Cleveland center Alex Mack accused Smith of committing a similar act.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Chiefs worked out a couple of experienced linebackers during their bye week. The Chiefs looked at Larry Izzo and Mark Simoneau. Izzo, a special-teams ace, played for Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli in New England.

After taking three questionable skill-position players with a top-10 pick the past three years, the Oakland Raiders may have gotten it right.

Good for them.

Rolando McClain is a safe pick. The middle linebacker from Alabama is a winner, he’s smart, he’s athletic. He’ll be a star in the NFL. If the Raiders turned around as a franchise, the start of the rebirth could be with this pick.

JaMarcus Russell. Darren McFadden. Darrius Heyward-Bey. All look closer to being busts than stars.

Don’t worry about McClain. He’ll step in and make a difference for Oakland. There will be not be a bust here.

Here’s a bonus for Oakland: The pick probably broke the hearts of the Denver Broncos. That’s always a nice little side bar for an AFC West team. McClain was high on Denver’s list. The Broncos began a series of wild trades after McClain was snapped up by the Raiders

Now, Denver will have to watch him wear the Silver and Black for the next several years.

There’s a downside here for Oakland. It still has a glaring need at tackle. The Raiders bypassed offensive linemen Bryan Bulaga, Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati. The Raiders have been ignoring the left tackle position for years. The offense will never play at its full potential until the Raiders fix this problem.

But the Raiders have a lot of problems. Linebacker was one of them. Not anymore.

The selection of McClain doesn’t bode well for Kirk Morrison. The Raiders have not been high on him, even though he has led the team in tackles the past five years,

This move could also signal the Raiders are moving to a 3-4 defense. McClain is considered a great fit for the 3-4.The Raiders have added 3-4 linebackers Kamerion Wimbley and Quentin Groves in trades this offseason. They are both best suited for the 3-4. Defensive lineman Richard Seymour, acquired last season, is also best suited for the 3-4. It makes you wonder.

Whatever the scheme is, Oakland will be better on defense because of this pick. McClain was a good call. We haven’t been able to say that in recent years.

» NFC dream/Plan B: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)

Each Wednesday leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: Dream scenario/Plan B.

Denver: The Broncos will hope that both Alabama middle linebacker Rolando McClain and Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant are on the board when it makes its first pick at No. 11. Denver has needs at both positions and has investigated both players closely. If both players are on the board, Denver may have a tough decision to make. However, because of the Brandon Marshall trade to Miami, Denver may lean toward Bryant. If both McClain and Bryant are off the board (that may be unlikely,) Denver will likely attempt to trade down. The Broncos need a center and they could take Florida center Maurkice Pouncey in the mid-to-late part of the first round.

Kansas City: The Chiefs would love for Washington to bypass Oklahoma State left tackle Russell Okung. However, that may be wishful thinking. The Redskins may take him. However, Washington could also consider Oklahoma left tackle Trent Williams. The Chiefs like both Okung and Tennessee safety Eric Berry a lot. They would love for both players to be on the board. If so, Okung may be the choice. If Washington does take him, the Chiefs could easily nab Berry to anchor their defense. In the unlikely event both Okung and Berry are gone, that would likely mean either Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy would fall to No. 5. The Chiefs would likely entertain trade possibilities if that were the case. There have been some recent thoughts the Chiefs could take Texas safety Earl Thomas over Berry. If that’s the case, the Chiefs could look to trade down a few slots. Here is one thought that the Chiefs could shock the draft and take McClain at No. 5.

Oakland: The Raiders are in a pretty good position. They have several needs and they should be available to satisfy a need at No. 8. The Raiders need an offensive tackle and they should have several options. Williams, Iowa’s Bryan Bulaga, Anthony Davis of Rutgers and Bruce Campbell of Maryland could all be available for Oakland. Oakland could also look at McClain or Florida cornerback Joe Haden. Talk about Idaho guard Mike Iupati is picking up. I think the Raiders will have at least three players to choose from on the board when they pick. The Raiders should be very pleased with their choices at No. 8. Because Oakland is flexible, it could also trade down some slots to add more picks.

San Diego: The Chargers have a lot of options as well. They have the 28th and 40th overall picks. They also have some pressing needs, most notably at running back and nose tackle. If Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews falls to No. 28, the Chargers will be temped to take him. If Mathews falls past Houston at No. 20, he could be available at No. 28. San Diego will also look at defensive tackles at No. 28 because the running back class is so deep and a good player could be available at No. 40. Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody will be considered. But keep an eye on UCLA’s Brian Price, too. There has been late talk that the Chargers are looking to him fairly intently. The Chargers will likely also look to trade up and down the draft from the 25-40 range.

There are several juicy AFC West story lines to watch for as the draft unfolds April 22-24. Let’s examine some of the more intriguing questions:

Will the draft change at No. 5? There are expectations that the drama of the draft will begin when Kansas City picks at No. 5. With Sam Bradford, Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy and Russell Okung expected to be the first four picks; the Chiefs represent the first question mark. Kansas City could take safety Eric Berry or a tackle such as Bryan Bulaga, Trent Williams or Anthony Davis. A trade down is also possible assuming Okung is off the board. No matter what the choice is, it will be fun when Kansas City is on the clock.

What will the Chargers do? There will be almost as much drama when the Chargers’ turn arrives. I expect them to be big draft-day players. They have the No. 28 and No. 40 picks. San Diego has big needs at nose tackle and running back. There are several solid running backs available and the Chargers will likely make one of them their new primary tailback. It will be interesting to see if the Chargers take a nose tackle or a running back first. They could also trade up (San Diego has two third-round picks in 2011 to use as bait) in the first round and get a premier player at either position. No matter what happens, expect San Diego general manager A.J. Smith to be in wheeling-and-dealing mode.

Will the Chiefs look at a Golden Domer? Kansas City has hired former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis to be the offensive coordinator. Could he talk the Chiefs into taking quarterback Jimmy Clausen at No. 5 or receiver Golden Tate with one of the team’s second-round picks? The Clausen selection would be stunning, considering Kansas City paid Matt Cassel so much money last summer. However, if Tate is available at No. 36, Kansas City may jump on him. He would fill a big need and he would have advantage because he knows the offense so well.

Will Bryant replace Marshall in Denver? The Broncos visited with Oklahoma State standout receiver Dez Bryant this week. Now that Brandon Marshall has been traded, Bryant could be the team’s choice at No. 11. Bryant is very talented, but the Broncos would be adding a new set off off-field issues after trading Marshall. This would be a big story if he ends up in Denver. The Broncos could trade down from No. 11 and still get Bryant, who could tumble because of his issues.

Will Mt. Cody rise in the AFC West? The Broncos, Chargers and the Chiefs have all shown interest in Terrence Cody, the huge nose tackle from Alabama. He is considered a prototype 3-4 nose tackle, and all three of those teams use that scheme. San Diego has the most pressing need for a nose tackle of the three. It wouldn’t be a shock if the Chargers used the No. 28 pick on Cody. The Chiefs could potentially look at him in the second round, and -- if he lasts -- so could Denver. Fellow defensive tackles Brian Price and Dan Williams could attract interest from AFC West teams. However, Williams may be taken in the first 15 picks.

Will the Raiders address their quarterback needs? The Raiders are clearly looking to upgrade their quarterback situation this offseason. It could happen in the draft. Clausen has been linked to Oakland with the No. 8 pick. But he does not have the huge arm coveted by Oakland owner Al Davis. Tim Tebow has talked to the Raiders. He’d likely require a second-round pick. Oakland has worked out Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka, a likely mid-round pick. It would not be a surprise at all if Oakland drafts a quarterback to develop.

Will there be veteran trades? The Marshall trade may not stop the veteran action in the division, Denver is also shopping tight end Tony Scheffler. He could be had for a mid-round pick. There is also the possibility Oakland could pursue Washington quarterback Jason Campbell on draft day. Campbell could likely be acquired for a mid-round pick and Oakland has reportedly shown interest. Baltimore tackle Jared Gaither is reportedly on the block. Both Oakland and Kansas City could add a tackle. Gaither would likely cost a second-round pick. There is also the possibility of San Diego acquiring a veteran running back such as Marshawn Lynch or Marion Barber if they become available. Still, the odds are San Diego looks to the rookie class for its new tailback.

Will the Raiders go defense first? The Raiders’ greatest need is at left tackle. But it wouldn’t be a stunner if the Raiders used the No. 8 pick on a defensive player. The Raiders are said to have been snooping around Alabama middle linebacker Rolando McClain (who Denver could take at No. 11). Florida cornerback Joe Haden said he has received a lot of interest from Oakland. A Haden-Nnamdi Asomugha cornerback combination would be intriguing for the next few years.

Will the Tebow project continue in the AFC West? Tebow visited with Denver this week. The Broncos have two picks in the second round and could pull the trigger on the project then. Tebow has met with Oakland officials. It would be wild to see the pristine Tebow in the Silver and Black. He wouldn’t be ready to contribute right away, but he could be an interesting project. While I don’t think the Chargers would address a quarterback before the third round, Tebow could be a possibility if he fell. The Chargers need to develop a young quarterback and Norv Turner can do wonders with quarterback prospects. It would be an interesting pairing.

Will the Raiders add a receiver? The Raiders have studied the likes of Bryant, Tate and Mardy Gilyard. It’s not out of the question that the Raiders will look at receivers early in the draft. It would be intriguing. The Raiders have a lot of young, promising players at the position. What they need is a veteran presence. If a top receiver is taken in Oakland, what does it mean for the development of existing youngsters Chaz Schilens, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy?

Will Toby Gerhart pound his way through the AFC West? The rough-and-tumble Stanford tailback is on the radar in San Diego and in Denver. The Chargers make more sense because they have more of a pressing need. However, the Broncos also like the Heisman Trophy runner-up. The Broncos need a big back. I could see Gerhart, who is rising up draft boards, ending up in this division.

Will the Broncos find their new center? If the season started today, the Broncos would not have a starting center. They are looking for one in the draft. The Broncos love Florida’s Maurkice Pouncey. But taking him at No. 11 may be too high. The Broncos may have to move -- possibly up, perhaps down -- to get Pouncey. He is on their wish list, though. Boston College’s Mark Tennant and Baylor’s J.D. Walton are other possibilities.

» NFC Big Question: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

The Chiefs will have a tough decision to make with the fifth pick in the first round. Will they take a left tackle or standout Tennessee safety Eric Berry?

The intrigue of the draft next week may start when Kansas City picks at No. 5.

It looks as if St. Louis will take quarterback Sam Bradford, Detroit and Tampa Bay will take defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy and Washington will likely take left tackle Russell Okung.

Then, it could get complicated. The Chiefs will have a tough decision because there is no clear-cut pick. If Okung somehow slips past Washington, he will be in the mix. If not, Berry could be the choice.

Left tackles Trent Williams of Oklahoma, Bryan Bulaga of Iowa and Anthony Davis of Rutgers are considered top-level tackles. Yet, taking them at No. 5 may be a bit of a reach.

So, the Chiefs may have to decide whether to take a left tackle (Branden Albert would then move to right tackle) or Berry, who is considered the best defensive back available in the draft.

Some believe taking a safety at No. 5 is too high. But Berry, who visited with the Chiefs this spring, is considered a game-changing player.

I believe if Okung is off the board and the Chiefs don’t have a great offer to trade down, Berry will be the choice. The Chiefs have a big need at safety and Berry would be a great addition to a team that has a dire need for an impact player on defense.

San Diego third-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst is popular in the NFC West. Seattle is now going to visit with the restricted free agent. He is also visiting Arizona.

It would cost a third-round pick to sign Whitehurst. I’d imagine San Diego would let Whitehurst go if he signed an offer sheet. Getting a third-round pick for a third stringer isn’t a bad deal.

Backup Kansas City offensive lineman Wade Smith signed with Houston.

Top left tackle prospect Anthony Davis of Rutgers did not help his cause Wednesday. He has been connected to Kansas City and Oakland.

Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody has now lost 21 pounds since the Senior Bowl in January. He could end up being taken by San Diego with the No. 28 pick.

Defensive end Greg Ellis, who was just cut by Oakland, would be interested in returning to Dallas. The Cowboys cut him last year.

Tight end Anthony Becht re-signed with Arizona. He visited with the Raiders this week.

This is our first mock draft since Feb.10. We will run mock drafts periodically after developments occur, leading up to the first round, which will be held April 22. We are conducting this mock draft after attending the NFL combine in Indianapolis during the weekend:

No. 5 Kansas City: OT Russell Okung, tackle, Oklahoma State. If Okung gets by Detroit at No. 2, and at this point I think he does, Kansas City needs to grab him. He looked great at the combine. He’d help the Chiefs’ line.

Last mock: OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers

No. 8 Oakland: OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland. Campbell was a combine star. Oakland loves combine stars. He fits a need. I could see this pairing although Campbell has been inconsistent on the field and he has some character questions.

Last mock: LB Rolando McClain, Alabama.

No. 11 Denver: McClain. The middle linebacker would change Denver’s defense. He’d be a perfect fit

Last mock: WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State.

No. 28 San Diego: DT Terrence Cody, Alabama. Cody arrived at the combine slimmed down 16 pounds from the 370 he weighed at the Senior Bowl in January. Cody would be a great fit as San Diego’s nose tackle. Yes, the Chargers really need a running back, but the running back class is deep. I could see San Diego taking Cody in the first round and a running back such as Georgia Tech’s Jonathan Dwyer, Stanford’s Toby Gerhart or Mississippi State’s Anthony Dixon in the second round.

Last mock: Dwyer.

With the NFL combine wrapping up in Indianapolis, each AFC West team is preparing for the NFL draft in full force.

Here are five players each team in the division may be studying for various reasons as the combine concludes:

Denver

Dez Bryant, receiver, Oklahoma State: Bryant did not run at the combine due to a hamstring injury. Still, Denver is keeping a close eye on this game-breaker. If Brandon Marshall is traded, Bryant, the jewel of the receiver class, could be heading to Denver at No. 11. But there are some off-field concerns that could make Bryant a risk.

Jimmy Clausen, quarterback, Notre Dame: Clausen is a long shot. However, he fits coach Josh McDaniels’ system. Denver has other needs, but if Clausen slips past Washington (No. 4) and Buffalo (No. 9), Denver could be tempted to answer its long-term needs at quarterback.

Terrence Cody, defensive tackle, Alabama: The Broncos need a sturdy nose tackle as they enter the second season of using the 3-4 defense. Cody, who slimmed down 16 pounds from the Senior Bowl, has a chance to be a dominant force. If he is available in the second round, Denver could make a run at him.

Mike Iupati, guard, Idaho: Denver is looking to get bigger on the offensive line. The 6-foot-5, 331-pound Iupati would do the trick. He is rising up draft boards. He may not be on the board in the second round, but if he is, Denver could snatch him up.

Rolando McClain, linebacker, Alabama: This is a legitimate option at No. 11. McClain was impressive in his meetings with teams at the combine. He is a leader and would be a perfect middle linebacker in Denver.

Kansas City

Eric Berry, safety, Tennessee: The Chiefs would love to get the chance to draft Berry with the No. 5 pick, but they will need some help. If St. Louis drafts a quarterback, Berry could fall to Kansas City, but that could be a long shot. If not, Tampa Bay may take him at No. 3.

Clausen: This is another long-shot scenario. However, you have to think Clausen intrigues Kansas City. He played for new Kansas City offensive coordinator Charlie Weis at Notre Dame. Although Kansas City likes quarterback Matt Cassel, a Clausen-Weis pairing could be intriguing. Clausen said at the combine that he wants to prove to NFL coaches that he does not have a bad attitude. He would not have to win over Weis, whom already believes in his former player.

Russell Okung, offensive line, Oklahoma State: Okung is a favorite to be drafted by Kansas City. He would be an instant starter at left tackle and would enable the team to move 2008 pick Branden Albert to right tackle. Okung was impressive in his interviews at the combine and he looks the part. A hamstring injury should not hurt his draft status.

Anthony Davis, tackle, Rutgers: Davis is a player Kansas City could be eying at No. 5 if Okung is off the board. Davis may be a bit of a reach at No. 5, but Kansas City has to be paying attention to him.

Golden Tate, receiver, Notre Dame: Tate helped his cause very much at the combine. He ran great and won over teams in his interviews. It is not out of the question that he worked his way into the bottom part of the first round. If he sticks around to the second round, Tate could be reunited with Weis.

Oakland

Bruce Campbell, tackle, Maryland: Campbell has the look of a player Oakland will seriously consider taking. Campbell was one of the stars of the combine. He tested well, and at 6-foot-6, 314 pounds, Campbell ran a 4.85 40-yard dash. He did not always play well in college, and there are some attitude concerns. However, his combine test and his great size and speed may help him skyrocket up draft boards. Oakland loves combine stars and it really needs a tackle. This could be a pairing.

Davis: Oakland will also look at Davis. The Raiders will study several tackles. It is the most likely position the Raiders will choose from at No. 8. Davis should still be available.

Dan LeFevour, quarterback, Central Michigan: There was talk that Oakland could target LeFevour in the mid rounds. Oakland will be looking for a quarterback in the draft and many scouts thought LeFevour would be an excellent prospect to consider in the third through fifth rounds. However, he struggled at the combine and showed a lack of arm strength. That could turn off Oakland. Owner Al Davis likes strong-armed quarterbacks.

McClain: If some of Oakland’s top options are gone, it could make a run at McClain. He should be available at No. 8. He would help the Raiders, who could use a spark on the defensive front seven.

Okung: The Raiders were surely reviewing Okung in Indianapolis. Drafting him may be wishful thinking. Okung is the best player at Oakland’s biggest area of need. If he is available at No. 8, Oakland has to take this star.

San Diego

Jahvid Best, running back, California: Best may have been too good at the combine for San Diego’s liking. He was the fastest running back at the combine. That could move him up the draft board dramatically. He was considered a late first-round talent prior to the combine. Now, Best could move into the top 15 along with Clemson’s C.J. Spiller. San Diego picks No. 28 and would likely love to get a shot at Best.

Cody: Along with running back, nose tackle is San Diego’s biggest need. Cody is the type of player who could help San Diego. With his improved effort at the combine, San Diego has to consider him a decent option at No. 28.

Jonathan Dwyer, running back, Georgia Tech: Dwyer said he had a great meeting at the combine with San Diego. He said he thought the team was interested in him and said he is interested in the Chargers. However, he did not have a great performance at the combine. He ran a pedestrian 4.64 40-yard dash. He could be available in the second round. If San Diego feels comfortable with Dwyer’s game film and are not swayed by his slow 40 time, perhaps it could consider taking Cody in the first round and Dwyer in the second round.

Toby Gerhart, running back, Stanford: Although Dwyer had a less-than-stellar combine, Gerhart performed very well. He ran better than expected and showed his versatility by ranking near the top of several combine tests. Gerhart may now be a sure second-round pick. The Southern California native looks like a good fit for the Chargers’ system. He did not hurt his chances in Indianapolis.

Trindon Holliday, receiver/returner, LSU: Holliday could be a decent replacement if Darren Sproles leaves San Diego through free agency. Like Sproles, Holliday is a tiny speedster. Holliday is 5-foot-5 and is awfully quick. He ran a 4.34 40-yard dash at the combine. What better way to replace Sproles than with a Sproles clone?

Insider subscribers can check out Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft. Here, though, we will break down his thoughts on the AFC West choices.

5. Kansas City

Mel’s pick: Anthony Davis, LT, Rutgers.

My thoughts: Mel has the Chiefs taking Davis over Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung. Many league observers believe Okung will go higher. If Kansas City gets a chance to choose between Davis and Okung, it will be in a great position of strength.

8. Oakland

Mel’s pick: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida.

My thoughts: I’m not wild about it. Mel points out that Pierre-Paul has great upside, but he is raw. Oakland needs a sure thing. They’ve been striking out left and right in the first round by taking raw talent. Plus, Oakland has some young defensive ends to develop. I’d like to see Okung or Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain here.

*10. Denver

Mel’s pick: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State.

My thoughts: If Denver trades Brandon Marshall, this will be a great choice. Bryant has a chance to be a star. If, for some reason, Marshall stays, McClain would be a nice option. Right now, I think Denver ends up with one of these two players.

28. San Diego

Mel pick: Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama.

My thoughts: I like it if Cody doesn’t continue to have a poor draft season. If he can control his weight, this can be a special player. He’d be a perfect fit in San Diego and instantly help that defense. The Chargers also need a running back, but they can be found easier than massive, run stuffers.

" Denver will have a coin flip with Jacksonville to determine the No. 10 and No. 11 picks.

This is our sixth week doing the AFC West mock draft project. However, after this week, we will go to a periodic schedule on this feature. It will be updated after major events, injuries, trades and signings that will affect draft boards. However, we will fill your draft appetite on a weekly basis with a weekly project that looks at different aspects of the draft. It will appear every Wednesday starting next week.

No. 5 Kansas City: OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers. It’s starting to look like Detroit could take Oklahoma State tackle Russell Okung at No.2. So, Kansas City may have to turn to Davis to address its big need at left tackle.

Last week: Okung.

No. 8 Oakland: LB Rolando McClain, Alabama. With Davis headed to Kansas City, Oakland could look to defense and immediately upgrade its linebacking crew.

Last week: Davis.

No. 10 or No. 11 Denver*: WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State. The game-breaker would be an instant contributor in Denver.

Last week: Bryant.

No. 28 San Diego: RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech. With LaDainian Tomlinson likely on his way out, the Chargers need a new primary back. Dwyer would take pressure off the passing game.

Last week: Dwyer.

* There will be a coin flip at the NFL combine in late February between Jacksonville and Chicago for the No. 10 pick. The Broncos own Chicago’s first-round pick from the Jay Cutler trade.

This is our fifth week doing the AFC West mock draft project.

No. 5, Kansas City: OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers. It’s starting to look like Detroit could take Oklahoma State tackle Russell Okung at No.2. So, Kansas City may have to turn to Davis to revamp its offensive line.

Last week: Okung.

No. 8, Oakland: LB Rolando McClain, Alabama. With Davis headed to Kansas City, Oakland could look to defense and take this sure star-in-the-making.

Last week: Davis.

No. 10 or No. 11*, Denver: WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State. The game-breaker would be a perfect fit in Denver in a post-Brandon Marshall world.

Last week: Bryant.

No. 28, San Diego: Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech. With LaDainian Tomlinson likely on his way out, the Chargers need a new primary back. Dwyer would give San Diego renewed life in the run game.

Last week: Dwyer.

* There will be a coin flip at the NFL combine in late February between Jacksonville and Chicago for the No. 10 pick. The Broncos own Chicago’s first-round pick from the Jay Cutler trade.

This is our fourth week doing the AFC West mock draft project. We’re sticking with choices from last week for all but one team.

No. 5, Kansas City: OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State. With Okung at left tackle, the Chiefs will start reloading this once proud offensive line.

Last week: Okung.

No. 8, Oakland: OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers. Davis could step right in and make an impact for Oakland.

Last week: Davis.

No. 10 or No. 11*, Denver: WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State. The game-breaker would be a perfect fit in Denver in a post-Brandon Marshall world.

Last week: LB Rolando McClain, Alabama.

No. 28, San Diego: Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech. With LaDainian Tomlinson likely on his way out, the Chargers need a new primary back. Dwyer would give San Diego renewed life in the run game.

Last week: Dwyer.

* There will be a coin flip at the NFL combine in late February between Jacksonville and Chicago for the No. 10 pick. The Broncos own Chicago’s first-round pick from the Jay Cutler trade.

We’re continuing our weekly AFC West mock draft.

This is our third week doing the project. This is the first week we’re including the Chargers, whose season ended with a playoff loss to the Jets on Sunday. San Diego will pick at No. 28 in the first round.

No. 5, Kansas City: OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State. With Okung at left tackle, the Chiefs will start reloading this once proud offensive line.

Last week: Okung.

No. 8, Oakland: OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers. Davis could step right in and make an impact for Oakland.

Last week: Davis.

No. 10 or No. 11*, Denver: LB Rolando McClain, Alabama. Oakland could also look at McClain, who seems destined to be an NFL star.

Last week: McClain.

No. 28, San Diego: Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech. Dwyer would be perfect for the Chargers. With LaDainian Tomlinson likely on his way out, the Chargers need a new workhorse. Dwyer could give this offense the balance it missed this season.

* There will be a coin flip at the NFL combine in late February between Jacksonville and Chicago for the No. 10 pick. The Broncos own Chicago’s first-round pick from the Jay Cutler trade.