ESPN NFL

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

Denver

Michael Murphy from Thornton, Colo.: Why does everybody think Denver is going to take a Cornerback? They are 5 deep. Bailey, DRC, Harris, Bolden, and Carter. All but Bailey are under the age of 26 I believe.

Bill Williamson: [Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie] is on a one-year deal. If Denver sees a CB it loves, it could very well take him.

Kansas City

Mike from Temecula, Calif.: Bill, don’t you feel the chiefs should go ahead and sign Albert long term and draft Defense.sounds like just swapping left tackles is a waste when they could add Jorden or Star L. to an already good defense.

BW: Yes, I think [that] would be a strong option. I'd really think about taking Star Lotulelei with the top pick.

Oakland

Joseph Hill from St. George, Utah: Bill, how do you think Jenkins/Porter duo will compare to Bartell/Spencer from last year? Better or worse?

BW: Better. Much better. This combo isn't great. But those guys last year were cooked.

San Diego

Ben K. from Santa Barbara, Calif.: If the top three tackles are gone, do you think there are teams that would be willing to trade up for the chargers pick at 11? They just have so many holes to fill and in a deep draft class like this any extra picks could be a huge help.

BW: Yeah, No. 11 is a good trade spot. The board starts to take shape and some players start to fall. I think the Chargers may be able to trade down if they want.

The Oakland Raiders made most of the headlines in the division last week while I was on vacation. The Raiders made several signings, and like earlier moves, these moves are inexpensive additions in an attempt to fill the roster.

Let’s review some of the moves.

One of the moves, of course, that stood out was the signing of former Dallas cornerback Mike Jenkins. Like former Denver cornerback Tracy Porter, who was previously signed, Jenkins is projected to start this season after signing a one-year deal.

Both players have had NFL success but both fell into backup roles. Still, I like the two signings for Oakland on a short-term basis. They have experience and they will compete. It’s a better pairing than the Ron Bartell-Shawntae Spencer pairing to start last year.

I do not think the Jenkins signing means Oakland will definitely bypass Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner at No. 3. These signing are show-me deals for the team. Oakland still has big long-term needs at cornerback.

The signing of former Cleveland safety Usama Young should help as well in the short term. In the grand scheme, Young is an average player, but he played for Oakland head coach Dennis Allen in New Orleans, and he has experience. It’s all about filling the roster with as many capable players as possible and Young is capable.

The re-signing of pass-rusher Andre Carter also makes sense. He gave the team some burst after signing during last season and he is a leader. He will have a limited role, but Oakland needs all the pass-rush help it can get.

I wasn’t overly impressed by the signing of backup running back Rashad Jennings. He is simply a backup. We all know Darren McFadden’s injury history. I doubt Jennings can be an effective starter.

Also, it was interesting that Oakland worked out former NFL starting quarterback Vince Young. Oakland is looking for a veteran backup quarterback, so perhaps Young could end up getting another chance there. I’m not one to think Young can be an effective player, but if Oakland is intrigued, perhaps it will give him a chance at some point.

It appears Michael Huff will stay at cornerback for the rest the season now that Oakland Raiders cut Pat Lee and put Shawntae Spencer on the injured reserve.

The Raiders started the season with Ronald Bartell and Spencer as the starting cornerbacks. However, Bartell was injured in the first game of the season and Spencer was hurt in the second game. Huff was moved from safety to cornerback out of necessity.

Bartell returned from injured reserve Saturday. It appears Bartell and Huff will be the starters for the rest of the season. I think Huff’s future position will be predicated on where the Raiders upgrade in the offseason.

The decision to cut Lee is a bit strange with Spencer going on the injured reserve. Lee has started seven straight games. He is not a great starter, but I have a hard time thinking he doesn’t belong on the Oakland roster for depth reasons.

Meanwhile, Oakland added running back Jeremy Stewart from the practice squad Saturday. He should be active Sunday at Baltimore because running backs Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson are both out with high ankle sprains.

In other AFC West news:

As expected, Kansas City defensive end Glenn Dorsey is out for Monday night’s game at Pittsburgh. Tackle Branden Albert and (back) and center Ryan Lilja (neck) are questionable to play in the game.

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

DENVER

Derek from Georgia: Bill, Do you think that Trindon Holliday can have an impact for the Broncos in the return game this year. I know that he had a costly fumble on a punt last week but he's got potential. Why isn't he returning kicks also because (Omar) Bolden has been horrible?

Bill Williamson: The fact that Denver didn't cut him right after the SD game means the Broncos like him and they want to give Holliday a chance. Why not? There are no other answers.

KANSAS CITY

The Prince from KCMO: What's up BW, I was wondering what you think it would take from a winning standpoint for Romeo Crennel to keep his job in Kansas City after this season?

BW: I think it's simple: If Scott Pioli is kept, so will Crennel. If there is a new GM, there will be a new coach. If I had to guess right now, I'd say they are both coming back.

OAKLAND

Tarek from NYC: Do you think the Raiders will leave (Michael) Huff at corner after this season? Or is this still just a temporary fill in situation?

BW: Good question. I think when (Ron) Bartell and (Shawntae) Spencer come back, Huff may go back to safety, but perhaps Huff could be switched back to CB next year with the help of a full offseason at the spot.

SAN DIEGO

Jeremy from Georgetown KY.: What do you think the Chargers record will be this year?

BW: I think it depends on what happens Sunday at Cleveland. If the Chargers win and get that terrible taste of the two blown losses out, they have a shot to roll a bit because their schedule eases. But if they lose, they could go in the tank.

Oakland guard Mike Brisiel is probable to play Sunday against Jacksonville. He left the Atlanta game Sunday with a concussion. Backup running back Taiwan Jones (knee) is questionable and will be a game-time decision.

Tackle Khalif Barnes (groin), tight end Richard Gordon (hamstring) and cornerback Shawntae Spencer (foot) remain out for Oakland. Spencer might be ready to practice next week.

The Chargers will reportedly visit with former Chicago tackle Chris Williams. The former first-round pick was cut this week and he has visited Philadelphia and Arizona. San Diego’s interest makes sense. The Chargers could use some depth at the position. I don’t think Williams is a top priority, but giving him a chance to develop in a new environment may be worth looking into.

The Chargers worked out former Dallas quarterback Stephen McGee on Thursday.

Here’s more news of fan violence. Really, this has to stop. It’s going on way too much across the professional sports landscape.

Oakland’s game against Jacksonville will be televised locally.

Midweek mail call:

Jose G. III from Anaheim, Calif., wants to know if I think new Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie is relying too heavily on his Green Bay connections when it comes to signing players.

Bill Williamson: McKenzie has signed three players recently who he worked with in Green Bay. That’s pretty typical. Executives from across the NFL often bring players with them to new jobs, whether they are high-profile players such as when Scott Pioli brought Matt Cassel to Kansas City from New England three years ago or bottom-of-the-roster players that McKenzie has brought to Oakland. I don’t see anything wrong with it. These are all developmental players McKenzie has a good feeling about. They are not taking roster spots from anyone pivotal and I think it could pay off down the road.

Gerardo Gonzalez Jr. from Weslaco, Texas, wants to know if Wesley Woodyard's play could prompt the Denver Broncos to move D.J. Williams to middle linebacker when he returns from his suspension.

BW: Williams has played middle linebacker before and he can do it again. But I think he will be brought back in the rotation when his suspension ends. He has two games remaining from a six-game NFL suspension for using a banned substance. But he could face up to another three games for a driving and alcohol charge. Honestly, I think the Broncos are moving on from Williams and if he gives them anything when he comes back they will take it.

Fabio Contu from Italy wants to know what position I think the Raiders will look for in the first round of the 2013 draft.

BW: I think Oakland has to look at cornerback. Starters Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer are not signed beyond this season and there isn’t really much behind them. Players such as Dee Milliner (Alabama), Johnthan Banks (Mississippi State) and David Amerson (North Carolina State) should be on Oakland’s radar.

During the week, Oakland coach Dennis Allen said Michael Huff could play some cornerback Sunday against Pittsburgh.

Apparently, Huff is going to play a lot of cornerback against the Steelers. The Contra Costa Times reported that Huff will start opposite Pat Lee on Sunday at cornerback. Matt Giordano wall take Huff’s spot at safety.

The Raiders are riddled by injury and overall depth problems at cornerback. Starters Ronald Bartell and Shawntae Spencer are out.

The Huff move makes sense. He played cornerback at Texas and he practiced there this week. It allows Joselio Hanson to stay at nickelback, where he is more comfortable. Giordano is experienced at safety, so this decision strengthens the Raiders’ secondary in an emergency situation.

It looks like Michael Huff, at least for now, may be moving positions.

The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting Huff is taking repetitions in practice Wednesday at cornerback. Perhaps he is just getting comfortable there in case of an emergency. Or perhaps the Raiders believe they are already in an emergency state and are moving Huff from safety to cornerback for the time being.

Monday, we looked at that possibility. I think that what’s Oakland needs to do with Huff. Starters Ronald Bartell (shoulder) and Shawntae Spencer (foot) are out and the Raiders have more depth at safety than cornerback. Huff played cornerback in college and I think having him there for now is the right move.

UPDATE: Oakland coach Dennis Allen told reporters why he thinks Michael Huff could be a good cornerback. Inside the Bay Area reports Joselio Hanson and Pat Lee are Oakland’s starting cornerback going into the Pittsburgh game, but Huff could be in the mix.

To help their depth at cornerback, the Raiders signed a player Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie is familiar with: Brandian Ross from the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad. He was on the Packers’ practice squad last year when McKenzie was still in Green Bay.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that former Oakland cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke has been “an awesome surprise” to the Steelers. His biggest impact has come on special teams. He was cut by Oakland earlier this month.

Also, Oakland added cornerback Akwasi Owusu-Ansah and defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga, who was earlier with the team, to the practice squad.

In other AFC West news:

Two strong outings have propelled San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers to No. 4 on Mike Sando’s MVP Watch.

Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel said tight end Kevin Boss will likely be out of practice for the next few days as he recovers from a concussion. He must pass a test before being able to play Sunday at New Orleans.

The previous Oakland Raiders’ regime reportedly had planned to move Michael Huff from safety to cornerback.

The new Oakland regime may be forced to make the move.

One of Oakland’s thinnest position got even thinner Sunday when starter Shawntae Spencer suffered a foot injury. Monday, Oakland coach Dennis Allen said it is significant.

In the opener, fellow starter Ronald Bartell went on the injured reserve with a broken shoulder blade. He can come back in about six weeks. Pat Lee is starting for Bartell. Joselio Hanson, the team’s nickel corner, could move up to start for Spencer.

Yet, I think the Raiders should consider moving Huff to cornerback. He was a cornerback at Texas. The Raiders have more dopth at safety than cornerback. I think a combination of Huff and Lee and Hanson as the top three cornerbacks is better than anything else the Raiders can do right now.

Either way, Oakland, which is 0-2 for the first time in five years, is in a challenging spot. The Raiders face Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan in their next three games.

There is very little available talent on the street, Chris Carr could be considered, but he wouldn’t make a huge impact.

It will likely sting the Raiders to see 2011 third-round pick DeMarcus Van Dyke wearing a Pittsburgh uniform in Oakland on Sunday. The Steelers signed him after the Raiders gave up on him early this month. Van Dyke is far from a finished product, but you’d think the Raiders would like to have him right now.

In addition to Spencer, Allen said right tackle Khalif Barnes suffered a significant groin injury. Willie Smith, claimed off waivers earlier this month, will start at right tackle.

Barring a setback, it looks like Ryan Mathews’ wait is over.

U-T San Diego is reporting the Chargers running back will practice Wednesday and is expected to play Sunday against Atlanta. That has been the expectation for the past several days. Mathews was cleared for contact last Thursday. So, he will practice with contact for more than a week before hitting the field. Mathews broke his clavicle on his first preseason carry.

Mathews’ return will give the Chargers a big boost. They are 2-0, but his return will only improve this offense that scored 38 points in a lopsided win over the Titans on Sunday.

In other AFC West news:

Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel said running back Jamaal Charles’ surgically repaired knee is fine. He was taken out of a 35-17 loss at Buffalo on Sunday after he was banged up after taking a hit on the knee.

CBS Sportsline reported the Chargers will work out veteran cornerback Chris Carr this week. The Chargers are thin at cornerback. Carr recently worked out for the Chiefs and I could see the Raiders showing interest, because starter Shawntae Spencer is hurting with a foot injury and the team’s other starting cornerback, Ronald Bartell, is out for another six weeks. The Raiders are paper thin at cornerback.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting Denver pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil is planning to file a lawsuit in Miami over a false arrest this summer. He was arrested in July in a road rage incident, but charges were never filed.

The Oakland Raiders’ change at cornerback was a strong message from their new brass: No one is on scholarship and none of Al Davis’ decisions will be given special consideration moving forward.

The Raiders drastically changed the look of the cornerback position when they signed veteran Joselio Hanson. The 31-year-old was cut by the Eagles on Friday. To make room for Hanson, the Raiders surprisingly cut second-year cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke. He was a third-round pick in 2011.

Van Dyke was a classic Davis draft pick. He was the fastest runner at the combine in 2011 and the Raiders used a high pick on him because of his speed despite the fact that he wasn’t overly productive in college. Van Dyke struggled last year. He came back and had a nice training camp this season, but he wasn’t overly impressive in preseason games.

Still, because of the team’s investment in him, his youth and speed, he wasn’t considered to be in danger of being cut. No one expected Oakland to keep newly signed Coye Francies over a third-round pick like Van Dyke. This decision has to show the rest of the roster that few players are safe.

The Van Dyke cut comes on the heels of the team cutting 2011 fourth-round pick Chimdi Chekwa. He was put on the practice squad.

Both Van Dyke and Chekwa were expected to push free-agent signing Ronald Bartell and Shawntae Spencer. Yet, the youngsters couldn’t push either player.

Hanson is a fairly respected nickel cornerback and he will give Oakland solid experience. Still, the Raiders are still in flux at the position for the long run. Bartell, Spencer and Hanson are not high-level players. They are all over 30 and all are signed to one-year deals.

So, while Oakland’s cornerback position -- which was very solid in 2010 with Nnamdi Asomugha and Stanford Routt as the starters -- is drastically different for the short term and it will likely look much different next year. It’s early, but you’d have to think a cornerback will be very high on Oakland’s draft wish list next year. The picks of Van Dyke and Chekwa were designed to fill the cornerback needs for years to come.

Meanwhile, in addition to Chekwa, the Raiders filled out their practice squad with defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga, center Colin Miller and running back Jeremy Stewart to the practice squad.

The Raiders start to put in some 3-4 looks for the defense during practice Friday. The fact that they waited until the fifth day of camp is another strong sign that this will be a 4-3 base with the occasional 3-4 setup.

The Denver Post reports that Broncos safety Quinton Carter will miss the first two preseason games because he had minor knee surgery this week. He was hurt early in camp, where he was competing with Rahim Moore for a starting job. Denver is also looking at veteran Jim Leonhard. He reportedly is going to visit Saturday.

Great quote by Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles, who is coming back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, when asked about his confidence level: “I’m out here practicing every day. I’m not scared.”

According to reports, Oakland fifth-round pick Juron Criner had a huge day Friday. He was a star during organized team activities, so it is nice for the Raiders to see him play well in a camp practice. On the flip side, starting cornerback Shawntae Spencer has been struggling.

That is not good for a team without much veteran experience at the position. Yes, second-year cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke had a terrific week, but Spencer will be needed. At this point, injured veteran Ronald Bartell and Van Dyke might be your best bets to be the starting cornerbacks in Week 1.

After receiver Plaxico Burress mentioned the Raiders as a team he would play for, Oakland coach Dennis Allen was asked if the interest was mutual. Let’s be real. Burress will play anywhere that will sign him.

Allen didn’t kill the idea, saying that everything will be considered. But this is important: He didn’t add fuel, either. My take is that Oakland will continue to try to develop its young receivers. If the need for a veteran becomes apparent later in camp, perhaps the Raiders could investigate Burress, but I wouldn’t count on it.

NAPA, Calif. -- One of the biggest curiosities in the NFL this summer is what is occurring in Wine Country. Graced with the prettiest training camp setting in the league, the Oakland Raiders are changing in front of our very eyes.

On the same practice field where the late Al Davis used to famously stalk practice from a nearby golf cart, the Raiders are a drastically different franchise as they enter their first full season since Davis died last October at the age of 82.

The team is now run by first-time general manager Reggie McKenzie, a respected former Green Bay executive and former Raiders linebacker. He was handpicked by several of Davis’ closest confidantes. McKenzie chose Dennis Allen, who at 39 is the NFL’s youngest coach, to take over the team.

For a franchise that was closely ruled by Davis until his death, the Raiders are hoping a dose of NFL modern structure will pay dividends. Even though it has been 8-8 in the past two seasons, Oakland hasn’t had a winning record in 10 years and it is tied for the second-longest playoff drought in the league.

Perhaps McKenzie and Allen are the winning combination for Oakland.

“I think everybody is interested to see what happens,” said Oakland safety Michael Huff, who has been with the Raiders since 2006. “I’ve only known one way. To have this new structure is new to me.”

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Keep McFadden healthy: The Raiders’ best player is running back Darren McFadden. He has to stay healthy, but that hasn’t been easy for the fifth-year player. He has missed at last three games in each of his four NFL seasons. He missed the final nine games of last season with a serious foot injury. If McFadden can stay healthy, the Oakland offense will be dangerous and it will help quarterback Carson Palmer make a difference in his first full season in Oakland. If McFadden can’t stay healthy, the Raiders could be in trouble. They are not deep behind him and lose a major dimension with McFadden sidelined. McFadden has looked good so far, but the key is that he looks healthy.

2. Improve on defense: Allen is the first defensive-minded head coach of the Raiders since John Madden, who was hired in 1969. There is a reason McKenzie went with a defensive coach: the Raiders need the most help on that side of the ball. Oakland has been sloppy and has allowed too many big plays on defense. Allen helped change the defensive culture in Denver last year during his one season as the defensive coordinator there. His quest to improve Oakland’s defense begins now.

3. Cut down on penalties: The Raiders set NFL records for penalties and penalty yardage last season. It has long been a problem in Oakland. Now, it is up to Allen to get it figured out. Playing disciplined, correct ball is a focus of every camp. It has to be drilled into this team on a daily basis. To his credit, former coach Hue Jackson tried to fix penalties on a weekly basis last year and it didn’t work. It's now one of Allen’s greatest challenges. Allen stresses the importance of discipline every day and he will need to change this self-destructive trend.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM

This roster has a lot of talent on it. The Raiders were on the edge of the playoffs last year, and there are lot players who think they are capable of taking the next step. Palmer has talked playoffs, and McKenzie says he thinks his team is headed in that direction.

The offense has the capability to score a lot of points, and the defense is loaded up front. It’s not like this team is going to be horribly overmatched on a weekly basis. You can watch training camp and you see good players on the field.

REASON FOR PESSIMISM

This team is pretty thin at a lot of places because of the loss of several players through free agency, salary dumps and small draft classes the past two years. Again, there is talent assembled in this camp, but there are holes on this team. Positions such as running back, tight end, offensive line, linebacker and the secondary cannot afford too many injuries.

This camp is about keeping the top players healthy and hoping it all comes together. If injuries occur, Oakland will have to get creative to stay competitive.

OBSERVATION DECK

• The offense looks crisp. The pace of practice has been fast as the team adjusts to playing in the West Coast offense under coordinator Greg Knapp. The unit does not look behind.
• Harry How/Getty ImagesCarson Palmer threw for 2,753 yards in 10 games with the Raiders last season.
  Palmer throws a pretty deep ball. With the Raiders’ speed at receiver, they should parlay that combination into a lot of fast scores this season.
• There is a lot of talent at receiver. I can see this team using five receivers in a game. There will be a lot of options.
• Defensive lineman Tommy Kelly looks to be in good shape. He is one of the more underrated defensive linemen in the league.
• Defensive linemen Matt Shaughnessy is looking good after missing much of last season with a shoulder injury. He is known as a stronger pass-rusher, but he can also stop the run. He is aiming for a big year.
• I don’t anticipate a big adjustment period for second-year player Stefen Wisniewski as he moves from guard to center. He has played center before and he originally projected as an NFL center. He is a smart player who seems comfortable at the position.
• Don’t expect too much from quarterback Terrelle Pryor right away. He is a work in progress and he will be up and down in camp. I think Matt Leinart has a pretty strong hold on the No. 2 job as of now.
• Second-year cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke has a chance to make a push for a starting job. He opened camp as a starter with Ronald Bartell out with a hamstring injury. I could see Van Dyke pushing Bartell or Shawntae Spencer at some point.
• The team is impressed with rookie linebackers Miles Burris and Nathan Stupar. Both players are instinctive and professional. I wouldn’t be surprised if Burris earns major playing time.
• The team is high on third-round guard Tony Bergstrom. The game doesn’t look too big for him, and he is a mature player.
• New defensive coordinator Jason Tarver has a lot of energy. Watching him operate with his lively personality and blond hair invokes memories of a young Jon Gruden wearing the Silver and Black. Like Gruden, the intelligent Tarver is a young coach to watch.
• I think we will see tight ends Brandon Myers, David Ausberry and Richard Gordon all get ample playing time in the preseason. I think that can continue into the regular season if each player carves their own niche.
• Safety Mike Mitchell is the early leader in the clubhouse to replace Rock Cartwright, now in San Francisco, as the punt protector.
• Receivers Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford will get most of the camp looks at punt returner for now.
• Undrafted rookie receiver Rod Streater has taken off where he left off in the OTAs. He has been an early camp star.
• I could see a scenario in which the Raiders keep fullback Owen Schmitt in addition to Marcel Reece. The tough Schmitt and the versatile Reece offer different things to the offense.

NAPA, Calif. -- A player who has a great chance to ascend in the Oakland Raiders’ training camp is cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke.

He has a chance to show he belongs in the starting mix.

Van Dyke, a third-round pick in 2011, took an important step in establishing himself Monday when he was working with the first-team defense with projected starter Ronald Bartell out with a hamstring injury. Bartell should be back at some point, but this will give Van Dyke time to impress the new coaching staff.

So far, so good.

New Oakland coach Dennis Allen lauded Van Dyke for his effort Monday. If he continues to make strides, I think Van Dyke could push Bartell or, more likely, Shawntae Spencer, in the coming weeks.

Mid-week mail call:

Tony from San Lorenzo, Calif., wants to know if I think fullback Owen Schmitt will make the 53-man roster.

Bill Williamson: He was signed partly for insurance if Marcel Reece didn’t sign his tender. Now that Reece has signed his tender, I still think Schmitt can make the roster. They are two different types of players and they fill different roles on the team. Schmitt can be a candidate to carry the ball in short-yardage situations. Also, he has a history with Oakland offensive coordinator Greg Knapp. So, I think Schmitt has a real chance to make the roster.

---

Dennis from San Diego wants to know if I think Robert Meachem will be a No. 1 receiver in San Diego.

BW: I think Malcom Floyd goes to camp as the No. 1 receiver and Meachem goes as the No. 2. In the end, I’m not sure if there will be any designation. I think Philip Rivers will spray the ball around to Floyd, Meachem, Vincent Brown, and Eddie Royal in addition to tight end Antonio Gates and the running backs. It will be a group effort in San Diego with Meachem getting his share of opportunities, especially on deep routes.

---

Eric from Fresno, Calif., wants to know if I think Shawntae Spencer will start at cornerback for Oakland.

BW: I think he goes to camp as the No. 2 cornerback behind Ronald Bartell. But I think Oakland’s young cornerbacks will be given a chance to develop. They will give 2011 draft choices Chimdi Chewka and DeMarcus Van Dyke an opportunity. I would be shocked if Chewka develops quickly enough to take Spencer’s job from him at some point.