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Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Chiefs in 2012.

Dream scenario (10-6): Kansas City’s roster is much stronger than it was in 2011, when the Chiefs were riddled with key injuries. Kansas City lost franchise building blocks such as Eric Berry, Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki very early. If such young players can return to where they were pre-injury to go along with an extremely strong offseason for Kansas City, this roster could be one of the most talented and deepest in the NFL. Despite a gaping hole at right tackle, the Chiefs’ pass-blocking was pretty strong in 2011, but the run-blocking was suspect. Kansas City has upgraded dramatically at that spot with the addition of Eric Winston, so expect the front five to excel this season. Another area in which Kansas City could rather easily improve is on special teams, where overall they struggled quite a bit in 2011. Based on last year’s opponents’ winning percentage, the Chiefs have the easiest schedule in the AFC West by a narrow margin over Oakland. To me, the Chiefs' ceiling this year is winning the division and maybe a playoff game or two.

Nightmare scenario (7-9): When discussing the Chiefs’ roster, which overall I am very high on, I failed to mention the quarterback position. Matt Cassel is not a bad quarterback, but he certainly isn’t a difference-maker, either. In fact, Kansas City is possibly the weakest team in the AFC West at the most important position on the field -- although a case could be made for the Raiders for that distinction. Also, there is little behind Cassel if he should fall to injury, as he did a year ago. That in itself puts a low ceiling on what this team might be able to ultimately accomplish in 2012. Also, will those young talents return to past form after injury? Will Dontari Poe be a difference-maker in his first NFL season? Although I don’t see the Chiefs’ ceiling being as high as Denver’s, I think their floor is in the 7-9 range unless utter disaster strikes again.

Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning's presence will undoubtedly improve Willis McGahee's rushing stats -- at least that's what McGahee is preaching, and Denver Post columnist Mark Kiszla says the Broncos running back has a sermon he can back up.

Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams' trial on driving under the influence and traffic charges ended Monday in a mistrial.

Who is the most indispensable player to his team in the NFL today? At least three NFL.com writers answer the question by saying the Broncos cannot succeed in 2012 without Manning under center.

Kansas City Chiefs

Matt Cassel defends his position as the Chiefs' starting quarterback, telling Sports Radio 610 in Kansas City: “I believe in myself, and I know I’m a good quarterback. Of course there are going to be criticisms and everything like that, and that’s part of the business. ... And hopefully it’s all going to go in the right direction, we’re going to win a lot of ball games, get in the playoffs, and ideally we’d like to win a Super Bowl.”

Arrowhead Pride takes a closer look at fourth-round pick, wide receiver Devon "Wiggles" Wylie out of Fresno State.

The Chiefs are using Dexter McCluster as a wideout -- for now. The Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher has more observations from practice.

Oakland Raiders

San Jose Mercury News' Tim Kawakami says Raiders middle linebacker Rolando McClain's actions and his spotty play have shown he's the polar opposite of the kinds of players GM Reggie McKenzie and new coach Dennis Allen want in their locker room.

If there were such a thing as an offseason practice MVP, fifth-round draft pick Juron Criner would walk away with the trophy. Criner, a rookie out of Arizona, even impressed Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer.

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers are in need of a third-down back, and it just so happens the best running back in franchise history and the fifth-leading rusher in NFL history is looking for a team to join. GM A.J. Smith should set aside past differences and bring LaDainian Tomlinson back, says the North County Times' Jay Paris.

Opinions vary on funding for a new Chargers stadium. San Diego’s four major mayoral candidates state their cases.

Weekend mail call:

MD Ellis from Marysville, Calif., wants to know if the Oakland Raiders could trade a receiver such as Louis Murphy because of fifth-round pick Juron Criner.

Bill Williamson: Perhaps late in the preseason, something could happen since Murphy is a free agent after next season. But I think the most likely situation is Oakland will keep all of their young receivers and see how it develops. It’s a good, solid group. But it needs some players to stand out, so the Raiders may be better off keeping everyone and seeing how it plays out.

Jon from Fort Dodge, Iowa wants to know if I think the Denver Broncos have a realistic chance to make the Super Bowl.

BW: If Peyton Manning's neck issues are behind him, I think Denver has a chance to be very competitive and they should be a fairly strong team. But there are more talented teams in the AFC West and Denver has the second toughest schedule in the NFL. For Denver to get to the Super Bowl it will need its defense to continue to make huge strides, have great health and some good fortune.

Kurt from Seattle wants to know what I think about Kansas City Chiefs receivers coach Nick Sirianni.

BW: Sirianni has been highly regarded in Kansas City. He was the offensive quality control coach for the past three years. He helped in several different areas and he was credited for helping Matt Cassel during his strong season in 2010. I think Sirianni certainly can be a coach to look for as an offensive coordinator candidate in the coming seasons.

The Chiefs announced they have signed tackle Donald Stephenson, a third-round pick.

The Chiefs’ lone remaining unsigned draft pick is nose tackle Dontari Poe. He was the No. 11 pick in the draft.

San Diego has signed its entire draft class.

In other AFC West news:

The co-defendant of Rolando McClain in an Alabama assault case has pleaded guilty and has agreed to testify against McClain. The Raiders linebacker is on trial today in his hometown.

Former Miami safety Yeremiah Bell is reportedly considering four teams and the Chiefs are one of them. He visited Kansas City this week and would provide depth for the Chiefs.

Junior Seau’s restaurant near Qualcomm Stadium has shut down. Seau committed suicide on May 2. It was open since 1996.

The Denver Post reports the Broncos are close to deals with their top draft picks, defensive tackle Derek Wolfe and quarterback Brock Osweiler.

Cutting down on turnovers is a key in San Diego.

Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli reiterates his support of quarterback Matt Cassel in a radio interview.

ESPN’s Jeffri Chadiha writes about Kansas City owner Clark Hunt and what Hunt needs to do in his role.

» NFC pressure points: West | North | South | East
» AFC pressure points: West | North | South | East

Examining who faces the most challenging season for the Chiefs and why.

I wish I could be creative here and point the finger at someone other than Matt Cassel in Kansas City.

I just can’t.

No one is facing more of a pressure situation in Kansas City than Cassel heading into the 2012 season. Sure, Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli (who traded for Cassel three years ago) will feel the heat if Cassel fails in 2012. But Pioli probably will not be fired if Cassel fails in 2012. Pioli probably will be given an opportunity to replace Cassel.

However, if Cassel fails this season, he probably will lose his job. Hence, the immense pressure.

The Chiefs showed confidence in Cassel this offseason when they built around him in free agency and the draft instead of replacing him. Kansas City has put together a strong team, one that appears to have few holes. It is set up to make a playoff run.

But Cassel has to lead it there. Again, it’s all on him. The pieces are there. If Cassel doesn’t seize the moment, he’ll pay for it by losing his job.

Weekend mail call:

Justin R. from Blacksburg, Va., wants to know what we should expect from San Diego Chargers first round pick Melvin Ingram.

Bill Williamson: I think we will see an immediate impact. Ingram is versatile, but his primary spot will be as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He will be put in position to pass rush and be a disruptive force on the edge. However, he can also play on the defensive line in some instances and is a complete player. I think he will improve every layer of the San Diego defense.

Ben from Astoria, New York, wants to know if I think Knowshon Moreno is finished in Denver.

BW: I think he could be. Denver drafted Ronnie Hillman in the third round out of San Diego State. Willis McGahee will still be the starter. Denver could give Moreno a chance, but I don’t think the team is counting on him to do much. He is coming back from a torn ACL and he was arrested in the recent past. I don’t think he is a player that is truly on Denver’s radar. If he has a good camp, maybe he will be given a chance. But don’t expect much.

Peter from New York wants to know if I think Ricky Stanzi could push starting Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel this season.

BW: I don’t see it. Stanzi, a fifth-round pick last year, will need to bypass No. 2 quarterback Brady Quinn. Stanzi needs to make big strides in 2012 for him to get into the team’s plans. I think right now his ceiling may be as a backup. But if he progresses well, that could change.

Is quarterback Matt Cassel ready to lead this team on a deep playoff run?

There is no doubt the Chiefs believe in Cassel. It is up to him to prove the team right.

There was speculation in both free agency and before the draft that the Chiefs would replace Cassel, or at least bring in legitimate competition. Like many teams, the Chiefs showed initial interest in Peyton Manning, but he never returned the interest. The Chiefs also investigated some of the top quarterbacks available in the draft.

In the end, the Chiefs choose not to replace Cassel, but to build the roster around him.

As a result, the Chiefs have constructed one of the deepest rosters in the AFC. Many league observers believe the Chiefs are completely set, but Cassel remains a question mark.

If Cassel doesn’t succeed this season after being given every opportunity to do so, the Chiefs will have to consider making a change in 2013.

Here are some highlights from our AFC West chat, which was held earlier Thursday:

Denver

Lynn from Denver: Bill, will Peyton play in the preseason at a normal clip for a #1 QB or will the broncos be careful and even though he missed all of last year and just let him go in the regular season?

Bill Williamson: I think the preseason will be interesting. Manning hasn't played since Jan. 2011. So, he will need some playing time to knock off the rest, but can't be overused in August.

Kansas City

Brent from Hays: Regardless of Cassel's year in KC would it be a good idea for them to draft a QB high next year?

BW: Well, I think it all depends on Cassel's season. If he is great, no, but if he's just so-so, I think the Chiefs try to go get a QB.

Oakland

Eric from Cali.: Raiders have an explosive offense, very good special teams. If defense can get in top 15 do u see the contending in West ?

BW: Here's the keys: Palmer plays well, McFadden stays healthy, Receivers develop, and defense stays healthy and gets better.

San Diego

Jackson from Ca.,: Obviously loved the Ingram pick but what do you think of the prospects of Taylor and Green?

BW: Don't forget Kendall Reyes. I liked all of these picks. Taylor was a second-round talent and he has a chance to break the starting lineup at some point early in his career. Green is a good prospect down the road.

Apparently, it’s never too early for a mock draft.

Four days after the end of the 2012 NFL draft, Todd McShay of Scouts Inc. has come up with his initial mock draft for 2013. Of course, many things will happen, so give credit to McShay for taking a shot at this. The draft order was compiled by the current power rankings of Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc.

Let’s take a look at McShay’s mock.

No. 6, Oakland Raiders

USC quarterback Matt Barkley

My take: Another USC quarterback to Oakland. I could see it. But I have a feeling Barkley is going to be drafted first or second. I don’t see Oakland getting close to being able to draft him.

No. 16, San Diego Chargers

North Carolina guard Jonathan Cooper

My take: If the Chargers don’t make the playoffs for a third straight year, they’ll need to get more than guard.

No 18, Denver Broncos

Notre Dame inside linebacker Manti Te'o

My take: Denver’s needs continue to evolve, but Te'o is a good player and a good fit.

No. 19, Kansas City Chiefs

Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones

My take: The Chiefs will likely get a quarterback next year if Matt Cassel doesn’t have a great season. Will Jones be available at No. 19?

Last week, we looked at some players from each team who could be affected by the draft. Let’s review now that the draft is over:

Denver, running back Willis McGahee

Why: He needs a backup.

Result: Denver drafted running back Ronnie Hillman at No. 67 and traded up 20 spots to get him. He is more of a change-of-pace guy and not a classic pounder. But Hillman will get his share of carries and help take pressure off of McGahee.

Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel

Why: He faced competition.

Result: Kansas City looked at several top quarterbacks, but they didn’t draft one. The same goes in free agency. Instead of replacing Cassel, Kansas City made a statement by building the roster around him. It is clear the Chiefs believe in Cassel.

Oakland, tight end David Ausberry

Why: He faced competition.

Result: The Raiders did not draft a tight end. They are thin at tight end and they could bring in a veteran. But Ausberry, a late-round pick last year, should get his chance to play.

San Diego, running back Ryan Mathews

Why: He needs a backup.

Result: The Chargers drafted the intriguing Edwin Baker in the seventh round. Baker slipped down the draft and he has potential. But I’m not sure he is ready to be a top backup. San Diego still might bring in a veteran.

The Kansas City Chiefs are obviously happy with Matt Cassel as their quarterback. They inspected several of the top quarterbacks, but in the end, Kansas City did not add one in the draft.

Instead, like they did in free agency, the Chiefs built around Cassel. Thus, Cassel has at least one more year in Kansas City to prove he can be a difference-maker.

With the 250th pick, the Chargers stole Michigan State running back Edwin Baker. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper thought Baker was the eighth best running back in the draft. He has some fumbling issues, but he has real ability and he can grow into a good player.

San Diego got a potential future starter in Michigan center David Molk. He is very strong and he is battler. He could be Nick Hardwick’s eventual successor. The Chiefs got nice value in Michigan receiver Junior Hemingway. He was the Sugar Bowl MVP and he is a strong possession receiver. He was way under-valued.

Chiefs’ fourth-round pick, Fresno State receiver Devon Wylie, has often drawn comparisons to New England’s Wes Welker. The man who picked Wylie, Scott Pioli, of course, was in New England with Welker.

Wylie and Oakland fourth-round pick, San Diego State linebacker Miles Burris went to high school together in Granite Bay, California, near Sacramento.

Denver could use their fourth-round pick, center Philip Blake, at guard as well.

I wonder if the Chargers will still look for a veteran running back with Baker on board. The Chargers, and perhaps Oakland, are looking for a veteran free agent running back since they didn’t add one in the draft. There are some solid veterans available who can fill a backup role. Among the veterans available are Ryan Grant, Cedric Benson, Joseph Addai and Tim Hightower.

The Raiders did not draft any cornerbacks despite studying several extensively. The Raiders’ two starting cornerbacks are Ronald Barrtell and Shawntae Spencer. They are both 30 and are both signed to one-year deals.

Denver sixth-round pick, Kentucky linebacker, Danny Trevathan, compiled 287 tackles in the past two seasons. Watch him make an impact on special teams as a rookie.

New Denver quarterback Brock Osweiler worked out with Tim Tebow earlier this offseason when Tebow was still a Bronco.

Denver third-round pick, running back Ronnie Hillman, won’t turn 21 until September.

Oakland seventh-round pick, linebacker Nathan Stupar, is the nephew of former Oakland quarterback Jeff Hostetler.

After addressing their greatest need by taking nose tackle Dontari Poe at No. 11, the Kansas City Chiefs added offensive beef at pick No. 44 by taking Illinois’ Jeff Allen.

He played both tackle spots in college, but he projects as a guard in college. He will push Ryan Lilja. Allen is set to team with former college teammate Jon Asamoah, a starting guard for the Chiefs who was a third-round pick two years ago.

The Chiefs are going to be very young in the interior of the offensive line. Rodney Hudson, a second-round pick last season, is expected to take over at center.

Allen is a tough, big, gritty player who appears NFL ready. This pick helps solidify Kansas City’s offense.

Once again, the Chiefs chose to enhance quarterback Matt Cassel instead of replace him. Allen was taken over several players, including Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins. He could still end up with the Chiefs later in the draft, but the Allen pick shows the Chiefs are bent on giving Cassel the best possible offense he can have. Allen is known as an outstanding pass protector.

Let’s look at one player on every AFC West roster who should be paying close attention when the draft begins Thursday:

Denver running back Willis McGahee: He will likely get a backfield partner early in the draft. McGahee is 30 and was nicked up a lot last season. He was fantastic, but will be best served if the Broncos get him some help.

Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel: The Chiefs have spent this offseason building around Cassel. Still, there is a chance Kansas City could take a quarterback early. If the Chiefs take Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill in the first round, Cassel’s future is Kansas City will be short. If the Chiefs bypass a quarterback in the early rounds, it’s a strong statement that Cassel is in the team’s long-term plans.

Oakland tight end David Ausberry: The Raiders like Ausberry, a second-year player, but they have also been scouting tight ends. Oakland not drafting one would be a clear sign that Ausberry will get every opportunity to play in 2012.

San Diego running back Ryan Mathews: He has seen Darren Sproles and Mike Tolbert leave via free agency in the past nine months; Mathews needs a quality backup and I think he will get one. Mathews is making great strides, but he has some durability issues -- making a strong backup a must.

With the NFL draft starting in six days, there are many interesting storylines involving the AFC West. Let’s take a look:

Will the Chiefs make a big move up? The Kansas City Chiefs could become the story of the division with a move up for Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. There has been recent buzz that the Chiefs may be one of the teams interested in moving up for Tannehill. If he is available at No. 7 (Miami may take Tannehill at No. 8), I could see the Chiefs jumping in the mix. Jacksonville, which has the No. 7 pick, probably would be willing to part with the pick or the Chiefs could take a risk and hope he falls to No. 11. Tannehill is the only attainable quarterback who could immediately press Matt Cassel.

Will a second-day quarterback be on the way? I think a Friday storyline could be the addition of a second-tier quarterback in the division. If the Chiefs don’t take Tannehill, they could take a quarterback in the second or third round, and Denver could take one on the second day as well. The quarterbacks available on the second day probably will be Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden, Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins, Arizona State’s Brock Osweiler and Arizona’s Nick Foles. Kansas City could look at any of the four and Denver is probably in the mix for all but Weeden. He will soon turn 29, and with Peyton Manning in Denver, I don’t think the Broncos will take an older quarterback.

Will there be a Manning factor? The Chiefs and Chargers could both opt to use their first-round picks on defensive players. With Manning entering the division, focusing on defense may be the right call in Kansas City and San Diego.

Will there be a changing of the guard? Stanford’s David DeCastro is considered one of the best guard prospects in the past several years and he is considered a sure thing. Both the Chiefs and Chargers are considered teams that could land DeCastro.

Will the Raiders make a move up? The Raiders don’t pick until No. 95, the final pick of the third round. Oakland could move up to get a better prospect, but I wouldn’t think Oakland would move too far up the draft. Sooner or later, the team must stop mortgaging future picks, and I think new Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie gets that. I’d expect him to suck it up and deal with what he has this year for the most part.

Will the Chiefs add a running back? There was early talk Kansas City could make a play for Alabama’s Trent Richardson, which could require a move up to No. 5. That may not be a likely scenario. However, the Chiefs could still take a running back in the early rounds. Jamaal Charles is coming off a torn ACL and Peyton Hillis signed a one-year deal. The Chiefs have been visiting with running backs, so I could see them taking one at some point.

Will the Chargers and Broncos take a running back early? There have been projections that both Denver and San Diego could take a running back as early as the second round. I’d think Denver is the more likely of the two teams to take a running back early. Boise State’s Doug Martin, Virginia Tech’s David Wilson, Miami’s Lamar Miller and Oregon’s LaMichael James are all possibilities.

Will A.J. Smith make a splash? The Chargers probably will have to make the playoffs for San Diego general manager A.J. Smith and coach Norv Turner to keep their jobs. The Chargers have been aggressive in free agency and they have always been aggressive in the draft. I could see the Chargers taking a chance and moving up for the right impact player.

Will Denver take a defensive tackle? The Broncos haven’t taken a defensive tackle since 1997 when they took Trevor Pryce. It is the team’s greatest need. However, if players such as LSU’s Michael Brockers and Mississippi State’s Fletcher Cox are gone by No. 25, Denver may opt for another position or trade down rather than reach for another defensive tackle prospect.

Will the Raiders be a draft factor? The Raiders only have five picks, but I think they can still get a couple of developmental players. It may be too much to ask for the Raiders to find instant impact players, but I think McKenzie will salvage this class.

Will the Chargers reach for their top need? The Chargers badly need an impact pass-rusher, but it isn’t a deep class. By the time the No. 18 picks rolls around, the top pass-rushing prospects -- South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram, North Carolina’s Quinton Coples and Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw -- all may be gone. The next level of players include Syracuse’s Chandler Jones, USC’s Nick Perry and Illinois’ Whitney Mercilus. Many scouts think taking those players at No. 18 may be too high. So, the Chargers could be on the move down if that scenario develops.

Will the Chiefs be swayed by Poe’s beauty? Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe is a high-risk, high-reward player. He has all the measurables and he has big potential. But he has unimpressive game tape against second-level competition. Many teams are leery of taking him. The Chiefs could use him, but with a recent history of taking under-achieving defensive linemen, can Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli take the risk?

Another Georgia Tech receiver in Denver? If the Broncos bypass a defensive tackle at No. 25, they could look to give Manning another weapon. A name to keep an eye on is Georgia Tech’s Stephen Hill. The Broncos have been scouting him and they wouldn’t mind adding another former Georgia Tech receiver. Denver took Demaryius Thomas out of the school with the No. 22 pick in 2010.

Will Golden Domers head to the beach? Two players Smith likes a lot are Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd and safety Harrison Smith. Floyd could require a trade up and Smith could be a candidate via a trade down. Don’t be surprised if one of the two ends up a Charger.

Is Josh Chapman AFC West bound? One of the underrated players on a strong Alabama defense is versatile defensive tackle Josh Chapman, a fit for both 4-3 and 3-4 defenses. He has visited both the Raiders and the Chiefs and could be a target of any team in the division in the third round.

Matt Cassel is not focusing on whom the Kansas City Chiefs didn’t add this offseason. Instead, he is concentrating on whom the team brought in.

Much was made of the Chiefs’ attempt to pursue Peyton Manning. In the end, Manning chose to focus on other teams, and the Chiefs plan to move forward with Cassel.

The Chiefs added several pieces, including key offensive players such as right tackle Eric Winston, running back Peyton Hillis and tight end Kevin Boss.

Speaking to reporters during Chiefs offseason workouts, Cassel expressed excitement about the talent added to an already-explosive offense.

“I’m excited about all of the additions that we’ve made this offseason, especially offensively,” Cassel said. “Eric Winston is a guy that’s been a proven right tackle in this league for a long period of time. You’ve got Peyton Hillis that is going to give us more depth at the running back position and Boss is coming in at the tight end position as well. … I’ve gotten a chance to meet these guys over the last few days and they’re hard workers and you can tell that they’re eager to get started themselves.”

Asked about how he dealt with the news that the Chiefs were interested in Manning, Cassel praised general manager Scott Pioli for the way he handled the situation.

“It was one of those things where the Kansas City Chiefs were very open with me,” Cassel said. “Scott Pioli and everybody were open with the fact that they were going to reach out to Peyton. For me, I don’t take any disrespect in it. Peyton Manning is Peyton Manning, and he’s one of the best quarterbacks to ever play this game, so how can you take disrespect in that? The fact is he didn’t end up here, and we’re going to be competing against him twice a year, which will be fun and I’m looking forward to the competition. It’ll be fun.”

Especially with all of his new toys.