AFC West: Robert Quinn
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Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: Dream scenario/Plan B.
Denver Broncos
Dream scenario: The Broncos’ dream scenario begins with the Carolina Panthers taking a quarterback with the No. 1 pick. That would mean the entire defensive draft board is available. The Broncos' primary needs are on defense. Denver would likely choose between Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller and LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson. The general consensus is Denver will most likely take Dareus.
Plan B: If Carolina takes Dareus, Denver could take Miller or Peterson or trade down to the No. 5-8 range and compile other high-round picks. I could see Miller and Peterson being available at No. 5. If Denver goes down to No. 8, it could look at Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn or Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers.
Kansas City Chiefs
Dream scenario: The Chiefs are in a great position. They pick No. 21 and need pass-rushers and an offense tackle. Several of those prospects should be available at No. 21. But if the Chiefs had a dream, I’d think it would be to see Alabama receiver Julio Jones tumble to them. But that is a pipedream. He likely won’t fall past St. Louis at No. 14. I think the Chiefs would like to see a pass-rusher like Missouri’s Aldon Smith, Cal’s Cameron Jordan, Purdue’s’ Ryan Kerrigan or Temple’s Muhammad Wilkerson available at No. 21. If not, the Chiefs could go for a pass-rusher like UCLA’s Akeem Ayers or Georgia’s Justin Houston.
Plan B: If all the pass-rushers are gone, that’d probably mean some tackles would fall. Among those players who could interest the Chiefs are Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo, Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi or Colorado’s Nate Solder. Kansas City will have options and it could prompt it to trade down a few spots to gain another quality pick and grab a player high on its list.
Oakland Raiders
Dream scenario: The Raiders are the only team currently without a first-round pick. Their first pick is at No. 48. Oakland’s dream scenario would to see a first-round talent slide to them without having to trade up. If a quarterback such as Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett or Washington’s Jake Locker is there, Oakland could easily grab them. The Raiders like veteran Jason Campbell, but getting an eventual replacement at the bargain price of No. 48 is worth it. Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith would also be a dream scenario for Oakland if he was available at No. 48. The team may lose Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency. Smith is considered a top-15 talent; he may fall because of character issues. He’d be a steal at No. 48.
Plan B: If these players don’t fall, Oakland will likely look at offensive linemen (its biggest need), cornerbacks and quarterbacks in the second round. If the Raiders could get a player like Penn State guard Stefen Wisniewski and Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick on the second day of the draft, they would be thrilled.
San Diego Chargers
Dream scenario: The Chargers are in an even better position than the Chiefs. San Diego, which has the No. 18 pick, could use a pass-rusher or an offensive lineman. Plenty should be available when they choose. Plus, San Diego has extra picks in both the second and third rounds. The Chargers can do basically whatever they want to do. Thus, the Chargers can make up their own dream scenario. If they want to move up to No. 5 and take Miller, they probably can. If they want to move up to No. 11-12 and take Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt or Jones to help at receiver, they can.
Plan B: If they stay put, the Chargers can wait for players like Jordan, Smith or Kerrigan at No. 18. They could also move down to take a pass-rusher like Houston or Ayers or an offensive lineman in the No. 20-25 range. The Chargers are truly in charge of their own draft destiny.
Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: Dream scenario/Plan B.
Denver Broncos
Dream scenario: The Broncos’ dream scenario begins with the Carolina Panthers taking a quarterback with the No. 1 pick. That would mean the entire defensive draft board is available. The Broncos' primary needs are on defense. Denver would likely choose between Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller and LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson. The general consensus is Denver will most likely take Dareus.
Plan B: If Carolina takes Dareus, Denver could take Miller or Peterson or trade down to the No. 5-8 range and compile other high-round picks. I could see Miller and Peterson being available at No. 5. If Denver goes down to No. 8, it could look at Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn or Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers.
Kansas City Chiefs
Dream scenario: The Chiefs are in a great position. They pick No. 21 and need pass-rushers and an offense tackle. Several of those prospects should be available at No. 21. But if the Chiefs had a dream, I’d think it would be to see Alabama receiver Julio Jones tumble to them. But that is a pipedream. He likely won’t fall past St. Louis at No. 14. I think the Chiefs would like to see a pass-rusher like Missouri’s Aldon Smith, Cal’s Cameron Jordan, Purdue’s’ Ryan Kerrigan or Temple’s Muhammad Wilkerson available at No. 21. If not, the Chiefs could go for a pass-rusher like UCLA’s Akeem Ayers or Georgia’s Justin Houston.
Plan B: If all the pass-rushers are gone, that’d probably mean some tackles would fall. Among those players who could interest the Chiefs are Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo, Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi or Colorado’s Nate Solder. Kansas City will have options and it could prompt it to trade down a few spots to gain another quality pick and grab a player high on its list.
Oakland Raiders
Dream scenario: The Raiders are the only team currently without a first-round pick. Their first pick is at No. 48. Oakland’s dream scenario would to see a first-round talent slide to them without having to trade up. If a quarterback such as Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett or Washington’s Jake Locker is there, Oakland could easily grab them. The Raiders like veteran Jason Campbell, but getting an eventual replacement at the bargain price of No. 48 is worth it. Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith would also be a dream scenario for Oakland if he was available at No. 48. The team may lose Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency. Smith is considered a top-15 talent; he may fall because of character issues. He’d be a steal at No. 48.
Plan B: If these players don’t fall, Oakland will likely look at offensive linemen (its biggest need), cornerbacks and quarterbacks in the second round. If the Raiders could get a player like Penn State guard Stefen Wisniewski and Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick on the second day of the draft, they would be thrilled.
San Diego Chargers
Dream scenario: The Chargers are in an even better position than the Chiefs. San Diego, which has the No. 18 pick, could use a pass-rusher or an offensive lineman. Plenty should be available when they choose. Plus, San Diego has extra picks in both the second and third rounds. The Chargers can do basically whatever they want to do. Thus, the Chargers can make up their own dream scenario. If they want to move up to No. 5 and take Miller, they probably can. If they want to move up to No. 11-12 and take Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt or Jones to help at receiver, they can.
Plan B: If they stay put, the Chargers can wait for players like Jordan, Smith or Kerrigan at No. 18. They could also move down to take a pass-rusher like Houston or Ayers or an offensive lineman in the No. 20-25 range. The Chargers are truly in charge of their own draft destiny.
I tinkered with a complete first-round mock draft to see if the teams in the AFC West will be in line to take the players they want.
My mock draft breaks down favorably for the three teams in the division that have a first-round pick. Oakland doesn’t have a first-round pick.
I have Carolina taking Auburn quarterback Cam Newton at No. 1. That leaves the entire defensive draft board to Denver at No. 2. I have Denver taking Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.
San Diego (picking No. 18) and Kansas City (No. 21) are both looking for pass-rushers. There should be a glut of pass-rushers available in the No. 16-21 range and I have five pass-rushers going in that span. Because of the lack of need for pass rushers in the No. 8-15 range, players like North Carolina’s Robert Quinn and Clemson’s Da'Quan Bowers could tumble out of the top 10 and perhaps a little further. I have Quinn going to Houston at No. 11 and Bowers, who has dealt with health issues, dropping down to Jacksonville at No. 16. That may be a bit low, but it’s possible.
San Diego and Kansas City should both get fine players. I still have San Diego going with Cal’s Cameron Jordan and Kansas City taking Temple’s Muhammad Wilkerson. Because there may be so many good pass-rushers available in the middle of the first round, I could see San Diego and Kansas City staying pat and waiting to see who falls to them.
A lot can change and my mock draft will likely have the same fate as my NCAA hoops bracket (no Final Fours, folks), but this exercise has shown me each team in the AFC West should have plenty of attractive options.
My mock draft breaks down favorably for the three teams in the division that have a first-round pick. Oakland doesn’t have a first-round pick.
I have Carolina taking Auburn quarterback Cam Newton at No. 1. That leaves the entire defensive draft board to Denver at No. 2. I have Denver taking Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.
San Diego (picking No. 18) and Kansas City (No. 21) are both looking for pass-rushers. There should be a glut of pass-rushers available in the No. 16-21 range and I have five pass-rushers going in that span. Because of the lack of need for pass rushers in the No. 8-15 range, players like North Carolina’s Robert Quinn and Clemson’s Da'Quan Bowers could tumble out of the top 10 and perhaps a little further. I have Quinn going to Houston at No. 11 and Bowers, who has dealt with health issues, dropping down to Jacksonville at No. 16. That may be a bit low, but it’s possible.
San Diego and Kansas City should both get fine players. I still have San Diego going with Cal’s Cameron Jordan and Kansas City taking Temple’s Muhammad Wilkerson. Because there may be so many good pass-rushers available in the middle of the first round, I could see San Diego and Kansas City staying pat and waiting to see who falls to them.
A lot can change and my mock draft will likely have the same fate as my NCAA hoops bracket (no Final Fours, folks), but this exercise has shown me each team in the AFC West should have plenty of attractive options.
Check out Jeffri Chadida’s story on Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller on ESPN.com. Interesting kid. Miller agrees with scouts that he can play in any defensive scheme. He is a candidate to be taken by Denver at No. 2.
- On ESPN.com, Johnette Howard has a funny look at the “wild side” of Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, who’s prancing around your television set in his Jockey’s.
- Former Kansas City running back Larry Johnson doesn’t think he’d get a fair trial in the city because he thinks he is disliked there.
- The NFL has reinstated the Lions’ seventh-round pick as part of their appeal of a tampering case involving the Chiefs. The Chiefs and Lions will still swap fifth-round picks next month. The Chiefs now have the ninth pick in the round, while the Lions will pick 23rd.
- North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn had a strong pro day. He’ll likely be picked in No. 5-10 range, but he likely won’t be considered by the Broncos with the No. 2 pick.
- LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson is being implicated in a high school-recruiting scandal. Don’t expect that to have any bearing on his draft status. Denver could take Peterson.
- The Broncos reportedly worked out Miami cornerback Brandon Harris. He will likely be a second-round prospect.
Marcell Dareus impresses at Indy
February, 28, 2011
2/28/11
2:45
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Earlier Monday, we looked at the possible choices for Denver at No. 2.
Monday at the NFL combine in Indianapolis, several defensive lineman had the chance to begin their push for a top spot.
Todd McShay of Scouts Inc. said on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” Monday that he was very impressed by the speed of the defensive linemen. He said it was the fastest defensive line group he’s ever seen.
Alabama’s Marcell Dareus was particularly impressive, McShay said. He may set himself up to be the No. 1 overall pick by Carolina. Denver will likely seriously consider Dareus at No. 2. Dareus ran a 4.92 40-yard dash. That is a stunning time considering Dareus weighs 318. McShay said Dareus likely fared better than Auburn’s Nick Fairley in the eyes of scouts. Fairley was measured at 6-foot-3, instead of 6-foot-4 as he has been listed. Fairley did run a 4.82 40, so he will still remain a top prospect. Denver could choose between Dareus and Fairley.
Saturday, McShay told me he thought North Carolina's Robert Quinn could get in the conversation for the No. 2 pick with a strong combine. The defensive end missed the entire 2010 season because he accepted gifts from an agent. Quinn, who weighs 265 pounds, ran a 4.77 40. He reportedly looked good, not great. So, without great combine numbers and 2010 film, it could be difficult for Quinn to bypass so many good prospects and move up all the way to No. 2.
This situation will be fluid until the April 28 draft, but Monday’s events are worth considering.
Monday at the NFL combine in Indianapolis, several defensive lineman had the chance to begin their push for a top spot.
Todd McShay of Scouts Inc. said on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” Monday that he was very impressed by the speed of the defensive linemen. He said it was the fastest defensive line group he’s ever seen.
Alabama’s Marcell Dareus was particularly impressive, McShay said. He may set himself up to be the No. 1 overall pick by Carolina. Denver will likely seriously consider Dareus at No. 2. Dareus ran a 4.92 40-yard dash. That is a stunning time considering Dareus weighs 318. McShay said Dareus likely fared better than Auburn’s Nick Fairley in the eyes of scouts. Fairley was measured at 6-foot-3, instead of 6-foot-4 as he has been listed. Fairley did run a 4.82 40, so he will still remain a top prospect. Denver could choose between Dareus and Fairley.
Saturday, McShay told me he thought North Carolina's Robert Quinn could get in the conversation for the No. 2 pick with a strong combine. The defensive end missed the entire 2010 season because he accepted gifts from an agent. Quinn, who weighs 265 pounds, ran a 4.77 40. He reportedly looked good, not great. So, without great combine numbers and 2010 film, it could be difficult for Quinn to bypass so many good prospects and move up all the way to No. 2.
This situation will be fluid until the April 28 draft, but Monday’s events are worth considering.
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Denver Broncos have the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft. The Broncos were was last in the NFL in total defense and points allowed in 2010 and are expected to take a defensive player with the pick.
Denver has been examining the top defensive players at the NFL combine for the past several days. Here is a look at the players who could be considered with the choice:
Da'Quan Bowers, defensive end, Clemson
Known for: He is a pure pass-rusher and led the nation with 15.5 sacks in 2010.
Why he should be the pick: He would give Denver a dominant, classic defensive end and would form a good pass-rushing pair with Elvis Dumervil.
Why he shouldn’t be the pick: Bowers is not considered a sure thing. He had only one productive year of college football.
Deciding factor: Bowers, along with Nick Fairley and quarterbacks Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert, could be taken by Carolina with the No. 1 pick. If he gets past Carolina, Bowers could be the choice in Denver. I think the Broncos will seriously consider taking Bowers, who reminds many of Julius Peppers. Peppers was the first pick taken by new Denver coach John Fox in Carolina.
Quotable: “I think I can bring a lot of good things to the team. You can get a pass-rushing defensive end, a humble guy, a guy with great character, a guy who is going to work hard, a guy that is going to go about things the right way and a guy who is willing to compete with anyone anywhere.” -- Bowers
Marcell Dareus, defensive tackle, Alabama
Known for: He is a stout 4-3 defensive tackle who is coming from a winning program.
Why he should be the pick: Some scouts feel like he is more of sure thing than Fairley. He seems like he will be a productive player for 10-12 years.
Why he shouldn’t be the pick: He may not be the most spectacular player available and could potentially slip to the 5-6 range.
Deciding factor: If Denver decides to take a defensive tackle, it will come down to Dareus or Fairley. So, he must grade out higher on Denver’s board than Fairley.
Quotable: “I look at it like, if you go back in the history of watching football, before the game was started, it started up front. Some people were scared and backed up off the ball, but the real bulls stayed up front and played the game." -- Dareus
Nick Fairley, defensive tackle, Auburn
Known for: He was a dominant force for a national championship winner.
Why he should be the pick: Fairley has a chance to be the best player in the draft and would be an immediate impact player.
Why he shouldn’t be the pick: There are questions about Fairley’s ability to transition to the NFL and he may have the riskiest character of all the potential picks.
Deciding factor: If Denver falls in love with Fairley, he’ll be the pick. I think he’ll be one of the top players on Denver’s board. There’s a chance Denver will be too intrigued with his ability if he gets past Carolina.
Quotable: “Fairley is really a true three-technique and he is a disrupting guy nonstop throughout the game. He beats linemen all day, every game.” -- Broncos general manager Brian Xanders
Von Miller, linebacker, Texas A&M
Known for: He has the most potential of any player on the board and is a natural pass-rusher. His stock has been rising lately.
Why he should be the pick: He could possibly be a perennial All-Pro who could become the face of the franchise.
Why he shouldn’t be the pick: He might be available a few spots lower and he may not be the highest value pick.
Deciding factor: If Miller -- who owned the Senior Bowl -- blows away scouts at the combine and his pro day, he may be too tempting to pass up.
Quotable: “First and foremost, I’m going to be a great teammate. I’m a team guy. That’s how I play football. That’s how we were able to win the games that we won at Texas A&M. We didn’t have all the talent in the world, but we had a great team. We had great chemistry in the locker room. I’ll be a rookie, whatever those guys want me to do, I’ll be happy to do it. Just find my way, find my role. Whatever it takes to get on the field, that’s what I’ll do.” -- Miller
Patrick Peterson, cornerback, LSU
Known for: The big, strong, fast Peterson is considered one of the best cornerback prospects in years. He could be the next Champ Bailey.
Why he should be the pick: Peterson and Bailey, who just signed a four-year contract extension, would be one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL right away.
Why he shouldn’t be the pick: Denver has greater needs on the defensive line. Taking Peterson wouldn’t help Denver’s most pressing issue.
Deciding factor: I think it would take a lot for Denver to take Peterson because of the reality of the team’s needs. The only way Peterson is the pick is if Denver decides he is far and away the best player on the board.
Quotable: “He is a great athlete and not only as a [defensive] player, but as a returner. He is special as a returner. He is a guy that can do a lot of different things for you. Athletically, he is as good as anybody in the draft. He can run and he has good size for a corner -- he is 205, 210 pounds. He has good size and is a guy that can make some big plays. I think especially at the cornerback position, you like those guys that can make those plays, because those are game-changers.” -- Broncos vice president John Elway
Robert Quinn, defensive end, North Carolina
Known for: He could be the best player on the board, but he missed the entire 2010 season because he accepted gifts from an agent.
Why he should be the pick: He may be the highest value pick. In five years, he could be dominant.
Why he shouldn’t be the pick: He is only 265 pounds and missed valuable playing time in 2010.
Deciding factor: It’s all in Quinn’s hands. If Quinn has an unbelievable combine and pro day, the Broncos may have no choice but to take him. Still, that may be a long shot.
Quotable: “I feel like I've got a never-ending motor. I feel like I'm the fastest guy on the field and I try not to let nobody's hands get on me. A weakness, a 6 technique within the tight end, sometimes my eyes get to going back and forward and [I] take a bad step that may hurt me. I try to do little things to make sure I take straight steps every time.” -- Quinn
Denver has been examining the top defensive players at the NFL combine for the past several days. Here is a look at the players who could be considered with the choice:
Da'Quan Bowers, defensive end, Clemson
Known for: He is a pure pass-rusher and led the nation with 15.5 sacks in 2010.
Why he should be the pick: He would give Denver a dominant, classic defensive end and would form a good pass-rushing pair with Elvis Dumervil.
Why he shouldn’t be the pick: Bowers is not considered a sure thing. He had only one productive year of college football.
Deciding factor: Bowers, along with Nick Fairley and quarterbacks Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert, could be taken by Carolina with the No. 1 pick. If he gets past Carolina, Bowers could be the choice in Denver. I think the Broncos will seriously consider taking Bowers, who reminds many of Julius Peppers. Peppers was the first pick taken by new Denver coach John Fox in Carolina.
Quotable: “I think I can bring a lot of good things to the team. You can get a pass-rushing defensive end, a humble guy, a guy with great character, a guy who is going to work hard, a guy that is going to go about things the right way and a guy who is willing to compete with anyone anywhere.” -- Bowers
Marcell Dareus, defensive tackle, Alabama
Known for: He is a stout 4-3 defensive tackle who is coming from a winning program.
[+] Enlarge
Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesMarcell Dareus is expected to be a top-10 pick in April's NFL draft.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesMarcell Dareus is expected to be a top-10 pick in April's NFL draft.Why he shouldn’t be the pick: He may not be the most spectacular player available and could potentially slip to the 5-6 range.
Deciding factor: If Denver decides to take a defensive tackle, it will come down to Dareus or Fairley. So, he must grade out higher on Denver’s board than Fairley.
Quotable: “I look at it like, if you go back in the history of watching football, before the game was started, it started up front. Some people were scared and backed up off the ball, but the real bulls stayed up front and played the game." -- Dareus
Nick Fairley, defensive tackle, Auburn
Known for: He was a dominant force for a national championship winner.
Why he should be the pick: Fairley has a chance to be the best player in the draft and would be an immediate impact player.
Why he shouldn’t be the pick: There are questions about Fairley’s ability to transition to the NFL and he may have the riskiest character of all the potential picks.
Deciding factor: If Denver falls in love with Fairley, he’ll be the pick. I think he’ll be one of the top players on Denver’s board. There’s a chance Denver will be too intrigued with his ability if he gets past Carolina.
Quotable: “Fairley is really a true three-technique and he is a disrupting guy nonstop throughout the game. He beats linemen all day, every game.” -- Broncos general manager Brian Xanders
Von Miller, linebacker, Texas A&M
Known for: He has the most potential of any player on the board and is a natural pass-rusher. His stock has been rising lately.
Why he should be the pick: He could possibly be a perennial All-Pro who could become the face of the franchise.
Why he shouldn’t be the pick: He might be available a few spots lower and he may not be the highest value pick.
Deciding factor: If Miller -- who owned the Senior Bowl -- blows away scouts at the combine and his pro day, he may be too tempting to pass up.
Quotable: “First and foremost, I’m going to be a great teammate. I’m a team guy. That’s how I play football. That’s how we were able to win the games that we won at Texas A&M. We didn’t have all the talent in the world, but we had a great team. We had great chemistry in the locker room. I’ll be a rookie, whatever those guys want me to do, I’ll be happy to do it. Just find my way, find my role. Whatever it takes to get on the field, that’s what I’ll do.” -- Miller
Patrick Peterson, cornerback, LSU
[+] Enlarge
Icon SMIWill Denver forsake its needs on the defensive line and draft Patrick Peterson to bolster the secondary?
Icon SMIWill Denver forsake its needs on the defensive line and draft Patrick Peterson to bolster the secondary?Why he should be the pick: Peterson and Bailey, who just signed a four-year contract extension, would be one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL right away.
Why he shouldn’t be the pick: Denver has greater needs on the defensive line. Taking Peterson wouldn’t help Denver’s most pressing issue.
Deciding factor: I think it would take a lot for Denver to take Peterson because of the reality of the team’s needs. The only way Peterson is the pick is if Denver decides he is far and away the best player on the board.
Quotable: “He is a great athlete and not only as a [defensive] player, but as a returner. He is special as a returner. He is a guy that can do a lot of different things for you. Athletically, he is as good as anybody in the draft. He can run and he has good size for a corner -- he is 205, 210 pounds. He has good size and is a guy that can make some big plays. I think especially at the cornerback position, you like those guys that can make those plays, because those are game-changers.” -- Broncos vice president John Elway
Robert Quinn, defensive end, North Carolina
Known for: He could be the best player on the board, but he missed the entire 2010 season because he accepted gifts from an agent.
Why he should be the pick: He may be the highest value pick. In five years, he could be dominant.
Why he shouldn’t be the pick: He is only 265 pounds and missed valuable playing time in 2010.
Deciding factor: It’s all in Quinn’s hands. If Quinn has an unbelievable combine and pro day, the Broncos may have no choice but to take him. Still, that may be a long shot.
Quotable: “I feel like I've got a never-ending motor. I feel like I'm the fastest guy on the field and I try not to let nobody's hands get on me. A weakness, a 6 technique within the tight end, sometimes my eyes get to going back and forward and [I] take a bad step that may hurt me. I try to do little things to make sure I take straight steps every time.” -- Quinn
Inside AFC West draft with Todd McShay
February, 27, 2011
2/27/11
12:00
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- We caught up with Todd McShay of Scouts Inc. at the NFL combine and we asked him one draft-related question about each AFC West team. Here goes:
Denver Broncos
What would you do with the No. 2 pick?
“I think its front seven is mess and there is a lot of help there. They could go with [Clemson defensive end] Da'Quan Bowers, [Auburn defensive tackle] Nick Fairley. I really like [LSU cornerback] Patrick Peterson if they want to go for a cornerback. The big question is [North Carolina defensive end] Robert Quinn. If he has a good combine, he could be the best player. I don’t know if he is a great fit there. I could see Bowers, who is a very good pass rusher. Denver is in pretty good shape with this pick.”
Kansas City Chiefs
Should the Chiefs grab a pass rusher at No. 21?
“They are in a tricky spot. All the really, really good rushers are probably going to be gone, but I could see a guy like UCLA’s Akeem Ayers there. He’s a good player. [Georgia’s] Justin Houston is the next guy, but I don’t know if you go with him at No. 21. There might be better rotations at other positions like tackle. Kansas City could always trade down and pick up a good player and an extra pick.”
Oakland Raiders
Should the Raiders take a quarterback in the early rounds?
“They have other needs, but if there is a guy like [Nevada’s] Colin Kaepernick is there in the third round, that could be a good fit. He has a big arm that the Raiders like. [TCU’s] Andy Dalton isn’t a perfect fit because of his arm, but it’s good enough. He could be a fit in the third round. I tell you what, [Arkansas’] Ryan Mallett could easily fall all the way down to No. 48. Oakland would have to think about it. He has the big arm. He is a risk, but he is an incredible value at No. 48.”
San Diego Chargers
Should the Chargers trade up from No. 18 for a star like Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller or Alabama receiver Julio Jones?
“I don’t think so. Miller would likely make you go up to all the way to No. 5 and Jones would be but to No. 13. I think San Diego should just stay at No.18, and keep its extra picks in the second and third rounds. The Chargers could get a guy like [California’s] Cameron Jordan or Temple’s Muhammad Wilkerson. We have him right up there.”
Denver Broncos
What would you do with the No. 2 pick?
“I think its front seven is mess and there is a lot of help there. They could go with [Clemson defensive end] Da'Quan Bowers, [Auburn defensive tackle] Nick Fairley. I really like [LSU cornerback] Patrick Peterson if they want to go for a cornerback. The big question is [North Carolina defensive end] Robert Quinn. If he has a good combine, he could be the best player. I don’t know if he is a great fit there. I could see Bowers, who is a very good pass rusher. Denver is in pretty good shape with this pick.”
Kansas City Chiefs
Should the Chiefs grab a pass rusher at No. 21?
“They are in a tricky spot. All the really, really good rushers are probably going to be gone, but I could see a guy like UCLA’s Akeem Ayers there. He’s a good player. [Georgia’s] Justin Houston is the next guy, but I don’t know if you go with him at No. 21. There might be better rotations at other positions like tackle. Kansas City could always trade down and pick up a good player and an extra pick.”
Oakland Raiders
Should the Raiders take a quarterback in the early rounds?
“They have other needs, but if there is a guy like [Nevada’s] Colin Kaepernick is there in the third round, that could be a good fit. He has a big arm that the Raiders like. [TCU’s] Andy Dalton isn’t a perfect fit because of his arm, but it’s good enough. He could be a fit in the third round. I tell you what, [Arkansas’] Ryan Mallett could easily fall all the way down to No. 48. Oakland would have to think about it. He has the big arm. He is a risk, but he is an incredible value at No. 48.”
San Diego Chargers
Should the Chargers trade up from No. 18 for a star like Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller or Alabama receiver Julio Jones?
“I don’t think so. Miller would likely make you go up to all the way to No. 5 and Jones would be but to No. 13. I think San Diego should just stay at No.18, and keep its extra picks in the second and third rounds. The Chargers could get a guy like [California’s] Cameron Jordan or Temple’s Muhammad Wilkerson. We have him right up there.”
Getty ImagesDenver is looking defense and that could mean Da'Quan Bowers, Nick Fairley or Patrick Peterson.INDIANAPOLIS -- With the NFL combine kicking off, let’s take a look at several of the potential storylines involving the AFC West during the draft-preparation event:
It all starts at No. 2: The draft epicenter of the AFC West this year is in Denver. That’s the reward for going 4-12 and taking a major step backward. The Broncos will be looking for defensive help, and every move made by Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers, Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson and several others will be scrutinized by the defense-hungry Broncos in the next several days.
Scouting Wisniewski II: The Raiders don’t have a first-round draft pick (New England gets the No. 17 pick from the 2009 Richard Seymour trade). The Raiders don’t pick until No. 48. One player Oakland will likely look at closely is center/guard Stefen Wisniewski. He is the nephew of former Raiders offensive line great and new assistant line coach Steve Wisniewski. That combine player-coaching staff meeting would be fun to watch. Wisniewski, who followed his famous uncle to Penn State, would fill a need in Oakland. I can see the Raiders taking a long look at him.
Pass-rushers galore: This is a strong class for pass-rushers and that should benefit both the Chargers and Chiefs. San Diego picks No. 18 and the Chiefs pick No. 21. I could see both teams taking a pass-rusher with their top picks. The better the pass-rushers do in Indianapolis, the larger the range of prospects for the Chiefs and Chargers. That group should include Missouri’s Aldon Smith, UCLA’s Akeem Ayers and Cal’s Cameron Jordan.
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Chris Morrison/US PresswireJake Locker could be a target for the Oakland Raiders.
Chris Morrison/US PresswireJake Locker could be a target for the Oakland Raiders.What about Julio? In addition to pass-rushers, I could see the Chiefs and Chargers considering a receiver early. One player who would fit both teams is Alabama’s Julio Jones. If Jones performs well, there is likely little chance either team will be able to snare him. It will be difficult to imagine Jones falling below the Rams at No. 14 if he stays the course. So, he could require moving up to get.
Will A.J. fall in love again? The Jones’ situation brings us to San Diego general manager A.J. Smith. Last year, he moved up 16 spots to take Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews at No. 12. Smith admitted that he fell for Mathews early and that moving up to get him was long his plan. Will it happen again at the combine this year? If so, Smith is prepared to move up. The Chargers have extra picks in the second and third rounds. So, he is prepared for anything.
Williamson High feeding the AFC West? If Denver takes Fairley, it will mark the second time a player from Mobile, Alabama’s Williamson High School will be taken with a high pick in four years. In 2007, Oakland took Williamson product JaMarcus Russell with the No. 1 pick.
Does Bowers have a dash of Peppers? Bowers will be very popular with teams. He is a top pass-rusher and he has been compared to Julius Peppers. I’m sure new Denver coach John Fox can’t wait to spend some time with Bowers to further examine the Peppers’ comparison. Fox drafted Peppers with the No. 2 overall pick in 2002. It was Fox’s first year in Carolina. If Fox takes Bowers with the No. 2 overall pick in his first season in Denver, the Peppers’ comparison will only heighten.
Will Newton help Denver? If Auburn quarterback Cam Newton impresses the Carolina Panthers, he could be the No. 1 overall pick. The Broncos are hoping for Newton to wow the Panthers. If so, that means every defensive player in the draft will be on the board for Denver at No. 2. Denver is looking defense all the way after being last in the NFL in total defense and points allowed in 2010.
The Chiefs and the SEC: Who are the Chiefs going to take? Well, I think we have to look at the SEC first. Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli has a history of taking players from the SEC early. Both of the players the Chiefs have taken in the first round under Pioli, Tyson Jackson and Eric Berry, are SEC alums. Overall, the Chiefs have taken SEC players in the first round in the past four years.
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Thomas Campbell/US PRESSWIRETexas A&M's Von Miller could be a good fit in Denver, San Diego or Kansas City.
Thomas Campbell/US PRESSWIRETexas A&M's Von Miller could be a good fit in Denver, San Diego or Kansas City.Casey Matthews' time? The Oregon middle linebacker could be popular. He is the younger brother of Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews, who blossomed into one of the NFL’s better defenders in his second season. Teams could be swayed by Mathews’ potential and look at him as high as the second round. I could see Denver, San Diego and Kansas City all taking a look at him.
The Robert Quinn factor: The former North Carolina defensive end could be an X factor. He didn’t play in 2010 because he made contact with an agent. He was considered a top prospect. If he has a great combine, he could work his way into the conversation for Denver.
Oakland and the stop watch: Whoever posts the fastest 40-yard dash at the combine has to be considered an Oakland prospect. The Raiders covet speed as much as any team in the league. Last year’s fastest man at the combine was Jacoby Ford. Oakland grabbed him in the fourth round and he looks like a future star.
Will the Chiefs find a backup QB? I would be surprised if the Chiefs brought back backup Brodie Croyle in 2011. So, the team could be interested in looking for a young backup. I could see Kansas City studying prospects in the third and fourth rounds.
The Duke works the combine: New Denver VP of football operations John Elway will be at the combine. This is his first season as a football personnel man and he will be a big part of Denver’s process at the combine.
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Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
