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Denver Broncos

Cornerback Tracy Porter, whose pick-six sealed the New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl XLIV victory over the Indianapolis Colts, hasn't gotten around to talking trash to new Denver teammate Peyton Manning, the man who threw that ball. "I think once we finally get settled in we'll have enough time to shoot that little joke in," Porter told USA Today. "As of right now, we're both still learning."

The Broncos' trade of backup cornerback Cassius Vaughn to Indianapolis for little-used fullback Chris Gronkowski is most significant for the fact that it's Matt Russell's first trade since taking over as director of player personnel, Mike Klis notes.

Defensive end Elvis Dumervil is "more in shape" than at this point last year, he tells the Broncos' official site, and credits the team's strength coach and a new nutrition plan.

After a Pro Bowl rookie season, Broncos linebacker Von Miller landed the Denver Athletic Club's Colorado Athlete of the Year award.

Kansas City Chiefs

Coach Romeo Crennel, who grew up in a military family, and linebacker Caleb Campbell, a West Point grad who holds the rank of lieutenant in the U.S. Army, were among a Chiefs contingent that visited a junior high school at nearby Fort Leavenworth.

Oakland Raiders

With more talent on his side of the ball than on defense, new Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Knapp is going to need to keep the unit humming and take some pressure off Dennis Allen's defense, Mark Purdy writes in the San Jose Mercury News.

Mike Goodson, an offseason trade acquisition from Carolina, is making an impression with coaches in his quest to win the backup running back job.

San Diego Chargers

General manager A.J. Smith laughed off Las Vegas picking the Chargers to finish second in the division, behind Denver. "I couldn't care less about predictions," Smith told U-T San Diego on Wednesday. "It's fun to do, and it stimulates conversation."

Coach Norv Turner told season-ticket holders during a conference call that he'll lean "heavily" on special-teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia this season after Bisaccia was given the title of assistant head coach.

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed safety DeQuan Menzie. He was a fifth-round pick. The Chiefs have six of their eight draft picks signed.

The Chiefs also announced they signed free agents, defensive back Dominique Ellis, tight end Martin Rucker, offensive lineman Rich Ranglin and linebacker Leon Williams. Rucker and Williams are former draft picks of the Browns when current Chiefs’ coach Romeo Crennel was the coach in Cleveland.

In other AFC West notes:

— Video has emerged from the incident that led to the arrest of Oakland middle linebacker Rolando McClain in his hometown in Alabama last fall. McClain will go to trial in the case Thursday.

— Oakland quarterback Carson Palmer helps explains why Terrell Owens worked out with Palmer and some Oakland receivers this offseason. That doesn’t mean Owens is coming to Oakland’s crowded receiver’s room.

— As expected, Denver kicker Matt Prater is not participating in the team’s OTAs. He has not signed his franchise tag, so missing OTAs is normal procedure.

— In a radio interview, Oakland safety Tyvon Branch said he is not focusing on getting a long-term deal, even though he’d like on. Branch recently signed his franchise tender and he has rejoined the team.

— The home of former San Diego star linebacker Junior Seau was burglarized five days after Seau committed suicide.

The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly signed second-round pick guard Jeff Allen. He would be the fifth of eight Kansas City picks to sign. Allen will likely be a key backup this season.

Tight end Martin Rucker said he has signed with the Chiefs. He tried out for the team last weekend. He was a draft pick in Cleveland four years ago when the Browns were coached by current Chiefs’ coach Romeo Crennel.

John Elway explained to Broncos’ fans why he took Arizona State quarterback Brock Osweiler in the second round of the April draft.

As expected, Oakland running back Darren McFadden is making continued progress from a foot injury that prematurely ended his 2011 season.

Peter King of Sports Illustrated thinks tight end Dallas Clark very well could end up in Kansas City. If he’s healthy (big question), he's worthwhile as a backup.

The Raiders signed several players who tried out during their recent minicamp. All of them will have to fight for a roster spot. The Chargers also signed a couple of players they just gave tryouts.

UPDATE: U-T San Diego clarified the Chargers’ signings.

Another example why Kansas City’s Romeo Crennel may be the nicest coach on the planet: He reminded his players at minicamp on Sunday to call their mothers on Mother’s Day. He said he knows that players can be forgetful.

As expected, Joey Clinkscales is joining his childhood friend in Oakland.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Clinkscales, former Jets director of college scouting, is taking a prominent scouting job with the Raiders; there is a strong chance it will be on the pro-personnel side. The Raiders have reportedly already hired Green Bay’s Shaun Herock as their college scouting director.

ESPN New York reported prior to the draft that the Jets and Clinkscales were headed for a mutual parting of the ways, and that Clinkscales would likely end up in Oakland. Clinkscales played at the University of Tennessee and was childhood friends with Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie.

McKenzie has been making wholesale changes since he took over in Oakland in January.

In other AFC West news:

Two Kansas City rookies will miss a day of minicamp so they can graduate from college. Class move, Romeo Crennel. Jeff Allen and Tim Biere will have a million more NFL practice days. No more graduation days.

Kansas City signed defensive end Ropati Pitoitua. Pitoitua, 27, played in 22 games with the New York Jets over the 2009 and 2011 seasons; he will be a bottom-of-the-roster type if he makes the team.

Midweek mail call:

John from Kansas City wants to know if I think Kansas City's top pick, Dontari Poe, will be a sure bust.

Bill Williamson: I find it a bit amusing that the consensus is that Poe will not succeed in the NFL. It’s as if the poor kid’s fate has already been sealed. Come on, folks. Had Kansas City not taken the defensive tackle from Memphis at No. 11, another team would quickly have taken him. Sure, he didn’t have great film in college. But there is no denying he is a talent. He will get supreme coaching from Romeo Crennel and Poe will be put in a position to succeed. Just because there are question marks doesn’t mean Poe has no chance to succeed. Don’t be shocked if in two years we hear what a steal he was.

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Mike from San Francisco wants to know if the Raiders made a mistake by not drafting Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict.

BW: Well, if Oakland whiffed on Burfict, so did the rest of the league. He was not drafted and he signed with Cincinnati as an undrafted free agent. Here’s why Burfict wasn’t drafted: he didn’t deserve to be. In addition to having character red flags, his game film wasn’t great. He doesn’t have strong fundamentals and he freelances too much. He wasn’t worth the trouble to draft. Perhaps he will develop, but just because he was a known quantity doesn’t mean he should have been drafted.

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Rich from St. Louis wants to know what I think of Kansas City draft choice DeQuan Menzie.

BW: I like him. I think he has a real chance. The fifth-round pick from Alabama was a cornerback in college but he may project as a safety in the NFL. He is a smart, heady player who stood out on a classic defense. Nick Saban’s defenders come to the NFL ready and I think we will see an impact made by this player. Yes, he lacks ideal speed, but it didn’t hurt him in the SEC and he knows how to make up for it. I know the Chiefs are tickled about this pick.

» NFC draft analysis: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South


The biggest offseason move in the AFC West in years was the Broncos’ signing of superstar quarterback Peyton Manning in March.

It instantly changed the landscape of the AFC West and it likely will continue to do so for the next three years or so. During the draft, Manning’s impact was felt in the division when several of the premium picks by the Broncos’ rivals were defensive players.

The first player taken in the division was athletic defensive tackle Dontari Poe. The Memphis product was taken No. 11 by the Chiefs. San Diego used its first three picks on defensive players, all of whom have a chance to make an instant impact.

Let’s look at the highlights of the AFC West draft:

BEST MOVE

The first two days of the San Diego Chargers’ draft.

No one in the division scored like the Chargers did. Following up a strong free-agency class, Chargers GM A.J. Smith deserves a lot of credit for this draft. The Chargers badly needed impact players on defense and they got them.

San Diego made one of the top value picks of the draft when it watched South Carolina pass-rusher Melvin Ingram fall to them. He was supposed to be a top-10 pick. San Diego considered moving up to take Alabama safety Mark Barron but he went at No. 7. Instead, the Chargers stayed at home and watched an equally talented player fall to them. Ingram fills the Chargers’ biggest need and he should be an instant contributor.

The Chargers scored again by getting great value in the second and third rounds. San Diego watched Connecticut defensive lineman Kendall Reyes fall to them at No. 49. With LSU safety Brandon Taylor still on the board (San Diego considered him at No. 49), the Chargers moved up and took him at No 73. There is no way the Chargers could have scripted the first three rounds any better.

The 2012 Chargers got better in this draft.

RISKIEST MOVE

Arguably, there wasn't a riskier move in this draft than the Kansas City Chiefs’ choice of Poe at No. 11.

The nose tackle from Memphis was one of the most talked about players in the draft. After his stunning performance at the NFL combine, Poe was considered a potential top-five player. However, after teams dissected his game film, they discovered Poe didn’t consistently make plays against marginal competition.

By the time the draft rolled around, it seemed as though Poe could fall into the 20s. But the Chiefs took him because of his ability and the fact he fills their greatest need. Poe was the best talent at No. 11 and the fact he filled a major need makes this a logical pick.

But if Poe doesn't develop, the Chiefs will get heat for not following the general consensus. The team has failed to hit a home run with recent picks on the defensive line, so the Chiefs have to make this work. Kansas City thinks Poe will excel under coach Romeo Crennel because he will concentrate on one position as opposed to having to play several spots as he did in college. If the Chiefs are right, this will be a big score. If not, they’ll be forever reminded of it.

MOST SURPRISING MOVE

I don’t think it was shocking that the Denver Broncos picked a quarterback or that the quarterback ended up being Arizona State quarterback Brock Osweiler.

But I think it was a surprise Denver took him at No. 57. That’s a high spot for a player who probably won’t start until 2015, at the earliest.

The Broncos have other needs and they have Manning. Yet, Osweiler was a target. It shows how much Denver executive VP John Elway values the position and how much he liked Osweiler. He could have waited a couple of years to peg Manning’s successor, but he did it before Manning has even thrown a pass in Denver.

FILE IT AWAY

This draft will be remembered as a success for all four teams in the division. I was impressed with how each team approached the draft and the patience each team showed.

I think the Chargers got as many impact players for the immediate future as any team in the league. I like Denver’s creativity. It traded out of the first round and still got some quality players such as defensive linemen Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson and running back Ronnie Hillman.

The Chiefs quietly had a strong draft and middle-rounders such as receiver Devon Wylie, defensive back De'quan Menzie and running back Cyrus Gray will add depth to this team.

New Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie didn’t have many picks to work with -- his first was No. 95. But it is easy to tell there is draft-room stability with the post-Al Davis Raiders.

McKenzie played his board well and didn’t make any puzzling picks based on measurables as the late Davis was known to do. Oakland’s draft will not make many headlines, but McKenzie may have tabbed future starters in tackle Tony Bergstrom, linebacker Miles Burris and receiver Juron Criner.

The knock on Dontari Poe coming into the NFL draft was that he didn't produce enough against mediocre competition while at Memphis.

Some people thought the lack of production would cause Poe (6-foot-3, 346 pounds who dominated the combine) to fall. Yet Poe went to the Kansas City Chiefs with the No. 11 pick.

Are the Chiefs worried about Poe's lack of production in college? It doesn't appear so.

Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel said he believes Poe's inconsistency was because he had to play several different positions and never left the field. Crennel feels like the fact that Poe will play nose tackle in Kansas City will allow him to relax and concentrate at one spot.

"Because he played every down at 350 pounds and he played every position on the line in every game," Crennel said in his news briefing Thursday night. "He's playing a nine technique; he's playing a seven technique, a five technique, a three technique, a one technique, a two technique and head up on the nose sometimes. He's the jack-of-all trades. It's hard to be good at any one thing when you're doing all of those things.

"So, as a result of it, what they let him do is they let him use his ability. They ran some stunts. They ran him up the field. They did some things with him against spread offenses where the ball is coming out pretty quick.

:He wasn't able to quite have the kind of production that everybody wants him to have right away. But I think that when we get him in here and we settle him down and get him in one spot, then we'll see this guy improve and he's going to be productive, and he's going to be a good player."

It seems like Crennel has a good feel for Poe and it is another reason why I think Crennel is the key to Poe's success in Kansas City.

Had Todd Haley remained the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, the selection of Dontari Poe may not have worked.

But the Chiefs are now Romeo Crennel’s team, and that’s why taking Poe at No. 11 in the NFL draft on Thursday might be a shrewd move for a team that has missed by taking defensive lineman high in the draft in the past decade.

Poe is a classic example of the long NFL draft process. He wasn’t considered a top pick when the massive Memphis defensive tackle entered the NFL draft. However, after he stole headlines at the NFL combine in February, he became a projected top-five pick. That happens when a 6-foot-3, 345-pound man runs a 4.98 40-yard dash and bench presses 225 pounds 44 times. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Poe is the only player over 330 pounds to run a sub-five second time since 2006.

However, after Poe put himself in the spotlight, teams closely dissected him and saw a player with immense ability that didn’t always show on the field against marginal competition. It was alarming and it still is.

“I’m still waiting for Poe to unleash the fury,” ESPN analyst Jon Gruden said moments after the Chiefs made him the pick.

This is what ESPN analyst Todd McShay had about Poe last week:

“I see the workout numbers, and I found myself wanting and waiting and wishing and hoping is what I keep saying. Every single play I watched from Memphis just hoping that he would make a big play. He will disrupt and he'll be involved in some plays, but for a guy that you're talking about potential top 10, top 12 pick, I just didn't see the production, and I just didn't see a guy who understands and has a great feel for the game, and that's not to say he won't develop, and he very well may, and one day he may be a junior Haloti Ngata. But Haloti Ngata coming out was a much better football player than Dontari Poe is right now, and that scares me, and that's why I've dropped him to where he is as the third best defensive tackle, somewhere in kind of the middle range … I've got him at 19 overall in the class.”

In the days leading up to the draft, there was talk that Poe’s lack of consistent game film would override his off-the-charts ability, and he’d be picked in the 20-25 range. However, the Chiefs took another swipe at a defensive lineman early in the draft. Bypassing a safe pick such as Stanford guard David DeCastro, the Chiefs went boom or bust with Poe.

The decision to take Poe is understandable. The Chiefs, who had an outstanding free-agency period, do not have many holes. If Poe fills the nose tackle position as the team hopes he does, the Chiefs will be one of the most talented teams in the NFL and a real playoff threat. According to ESPN Stats and Information, last season Kansas City had one sack, two batted passes and three tackles for loss by its nose tackle -- and that was from the aging Kelly Gregg, a free agent.

The Chiefs hope to get better production out of Poe than they have from other defensive linemen they've taken in the first round of recent years. The team took Ryan Sims at No. 6 in the 2002 draft and he was a terrible bust. In 2008, they took defensive end Glenn Dorsey at No. 5 and in 2009 they took Tyson Jackson at No. 3. Both Dorsey and Jackson remain in Kansas City, but they have not been impact players.

Yet, they have improved in the past two years under Crennel, who became the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator in 2010 before taking over for Haley. I think Crennel is a key to the Poe pick.

Crennel is known as one of the best defensive line coaches in NFL history and he is known for getting questionable motors to start.

Poe may have a new best friend in Crennel. He is nurturer and he believes in his players. We saw the impact Crennel had on the entire Kansas City roster. The players loved the difference between the impatient and often caustic Haley and the calm, encouraging Crennel.

If think Crennel will motivate and teach Poe. Haley would have berated him and goaded him. I have a feeling Poe may respond more positively to Crennel’s approach. Crennel will teach him to become an NFL player and use his natural ability. Remember, this kid started high school as a drummer in the band. He is still raw.

Crennel has the patience and expertise to make Poe a good player and get the most out of this pick. If not, it will go down as another swing and miss on the defensive line in Kansas City.

This is considered a deep draft class for defensive tackles.

The name that has been on the top of the list has been Memphis’ Dontari Poe. However, in recent weeks, Mississippi State’s Fletcher Cox has been getting a lot of attention, and many scouts think Cox could end up being drafted before Poe. Cox has better game film, and scouts think he might be a safer pick.

This is what ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay had to say about Cox on a conference call this week: “As far as the defensive tackles, it's a deep group, and there's a lot of talent here. Fletcher Cox, the more tape I watch, the more he just grew on me, and I love his versatility. I think he plays the game hard. I think he can rush the passer both from the inside and the outside, different styles, more of a three technique. On the outside he seals the edge and is stronger at the point of attack than when he plays on the inside, but I also see some ability to get off the quarterback with power moves and leverage moves as a left defensive end type or a 3-4 defensive end, as well, on occasion. I think he's the best of the group, I really do, and I think he'll continue to get better.”

It makes me wonder whether the Kansas City Chiefs could be interested in Cox at No. 11. There has been a lot of talk that Poe could be headed to the Chiefs. However, Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli is a huge believer in college production. Poe had mediocre game film, which is a red flag despite his terrific measurables and combine numbers.

The Chiefs’ biggest need is a nose tackle, and Poe is considered a better fit as a 3-4 tackle than Cox. Although he is versatile, Cox is considered a better defensive end prospect for a 3-4 team. The Chiefs used the No. 5 pick on Glenn Dorsey in 2008, and the No. 3 pick on Tyson Jackson in 2009. Both are serviceable, but neither has lived up to their draft status.

Perhaps Pioli will target Cox, and see where he best fits on the Chiefs’ defensive front. Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel is one of the best coaches in the league for getting production out of players.

Adding a quality player like Cox would only help Kansas City, regardless of where he lines up. I’m not saying the Chiefs are going to take Cox, but I think he has to be considered a possibility.

When a high-profile player becomes available, I get flooded with questions if he is a good fit for the AFC West.

Philadelphia cornerback Asante Samuel is no different. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Eagles have talked to several teams about trading for Samuel and he could be sent packing by next week’s draft.

I don’t see any easy fits in the AFC West for Samuel, but let’s take a closer look:

Denver: The Broncos have an aging Champ Bailey and have Tracy Porter signed for one year. I think they may be looking for a cornerback, but perhaps in the draft rather than via a trade for a veteran.

Kansas City: The Chiefs are set at cornerback with Brandon Flowers and Stanford Routt. I see no room for Samuel, even though he has history with Romeo Crennel and Scott Pioli in New England.

Oakland: The Raiders could use Samuel more than any team in the division, but I don’t think they have the trade means to get him. But if the price is right, perhaps Oakland could get in play.

San Diego: They could be the favorite in the division to land Samuel, but I don’t know if they would be in the race. Samuel would give San Diego some flexibility in the backfield, but I’m not sure the team would think pursuing Samuel would be worthwhile.

Mel Kiper Jr. takes a difficult tact on his latest mock draft . He assigns players for each round based on the fits he thinks best works and not his usual formula of assigning picks.

Let’s take a look at his choices for the AFC West:

Denver

Rd 1 (25) DT Derek Wolfe

Rd 2 (57) RB LaMichael James

Rd 3 (87) WR T.Y. Hilton

My take: The Wolfe choice is interesting. The Cincinnati product is one of Kiper’s favorite sleepers. He is a productive player. Still, I think Denver could trade down some slots and get him. The James and Hilton choices would add explosion to Peyton Manning’s offense.

Kansas City

Rd 1 (11) DT Dontari Poe

Rd 2 (44) G Amini Silatolu

Rd 3 (74) NT Alameda Ta'amu

My take: Kiper has some beef going to Kansas City. Poe and Ta'amu would be great pieces for Romeo Crennel to play with and Silatolu would bring more youth to the offensive line. It’s an interesting group.

Oakland

Rd 3 (95) OLB Bruce Irvin

My take: The Raiders are in a tough spot. They are challenged to find a player who can make an early impact from the No. 95 spot. The pass-rushing Irvin is probably as safe as any pick this deep in the draft.

San Diego

Rd 1 (18) OLB Chandler Jones

Rd 2 (49) S Brandon Taylor

Rd 3 (78) RB Isaiah Pead

My take: This is probably my favorite grouping of this exercise. I think all three players would address needs and help immediately. This trio would offer big value.

Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry once again questioned whether Buffalo Bills receiver Steve Johnson intentionally hurt him in Week 1 last season. The hit cost Berry the entire season after he tore an ACL.

When asked again if he thought Johnson deliberately hit him low on an open-field block Berry said on Tuesday, "You can look at the tape and make your own opinion about that. I mean, my opinion is my opinion."

Last month, Berry tweeted that he wondered whether the Bills had offered incentives to hurt him. Tuesday, Berry said the tweet was “pretty much a joke.” Johnson has denied the hit was intentional.

What do I think of Berry’s reaction?

His opinion is his and he can feel any way he wants to feel. But his focus must remain on his rehabilitation and improving off his special 2010 rookie season. Berry is reportedly on target and should be back to start the 2012 campaign.

By the way, the Chiefs visit Buffalo this season.

In other AFC West news:

Todd McShay looks at some potential second day draft steals for the Broncos and the Raiders.

The Chiefs signed defensive back Mikail Baker. He was a seventh-round pick by St. Louis out of Baylor last year and was cut in October. Baker will have an uphill battle to make the Chiefs’ 53-man roster.

In a radio interview, Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel talks about missing out on Peyton Manning in free agency and preparing for the challenge of facing Manning twice a season.

To clarify, the Chargers will open their offseason program next week. They were eligible to start Monday. Denver and Kansas City began their offseason program Monday and the Raiders started two weeks ago because they have a new coach. The Chargers’ offseason program will extend a week longer than the Broncos’ and Chiefs’ programs.

The Peyton Manning era in Denver kicks off Monday.

Along with several other teams -- including the Kansas City Chiefs -- the Denver Broncos are beginning their offseason volunteer conditioning program on Monday. The Chargers begin their offseason program next Monday.

As he will be all year, Manning will be in the spotlight. Since signing with Denver on March 20, Manning has been working out with new teammates on his own. Monday begins the offseason portion under the guidance of the team.

As part of the new CBA, rules are strict and the program is constructed in phases over the course of the next several weeks.

In the division, the Raiders started their offseason program two weeks ago because they have a new head coach. Under league rules, because he was an interim coach at the end of last season, Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel is now considered an existing coach, and thus the Chiefs did not get a head start on their offseason program.

Kansas City receiver Dwayne Bowe is not expected at the program because he has yet to sign his franchise tender. It is not considered a major deal, and it is the normal course taken by most franchised players.

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

Denver

Fred from Knoxville, Tenn.: Are the Broncos solid enough at their wide outs or do they need to add another good route runner?

Bill Williamson: They are pretty happy. A lot depends on Thomas and Decker taking the next step. They like Caldwell a lot as well. I could still see them taking a receiver fairly early in the draft and former Peyton Manning teammate Brandon Stokley is always a deep rotation possibility.

Kansas City

Steve from KCMO: Do you like the Chiefs additions this season? I think they are finally ready to go to the playoffs and make a deep run. What are your thoughts?

BW: Yes, no doubt. I like that team a lot. if Cassel can take advantage of his weapons, the defense takes the next step and the team continues to rally behind Crennel, I see a playoff team.

Oakland

Chris from Fargo ND: Hey Bill, do you see Wheeler making an impact in Oakland? Wimbley is a better pass rusher but if you take away his 4 sack game he really didn't have much of an impact in the sack department. Can Wheeler provide that same impact?

BW: Wheeler has said he looks forward to having a chance to rush the passer more, but he does not have Wimbley's pass-rushing ability. Wheeler will make more of an impact as a run stuffer, which is huge.

San Diego

Martin from Sweden: Your thoughts of the latest 'depth' addition to the chargers WR/PR group?

BW: I think it really runs four deep with Meachem, Floyd, Brown and Royal. If can they all stay healthy, I kind like the group. Rivers likes to spread the ball around.