ESPN NFL

Straight from the not-a-shocker-category, Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater was named the AFC special teams player of the week for his efforts in the Broncos’ 13-10 overtime win over the Chicago Bears.

Prater nailed a 59-yard field goal with three seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game at 10-10 and to send it to overtime. He then ended the game with a 51-yard effort. It was the second time in NFL history a kicker kicked field goals of 50-plus yards in the final minute of regulation and in overtime.

In other AFC West news:

According to ESPN’s playoff predictor Denver has a 78.8 percent chance of making the playoffs. The Oakland Raiders have a 23 percent chance.

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates is five catches from becoming the team’s all-time leading receiver.

Another theory why Denver is winning games late.

Do you think the Kansas City Chiefs’ job opening is better than the openings in Miami and Jacksonville? I’d vote Miami, but that’s just me.

Denver signed cornerback Tony Carter off the practice squad and waived safety Kyle McCarthy. Denver starting cornerback Andre Goodman is dealing with a concussion and perhaps Denver was lacking for depth in case Goodman can’t play Sunday against the New England Patriots.

The Chargers announced they need to sell 2,000 tickets by Thursday for Sunday’s final home game of the season against Baltimore to avoid a television blackout . There is a good chance the Chargers will sell enough to avoid the blackout. Sunday’s game against Buffalo was blacked out. About 5,000 tickets remained when the blackout was enforced.

Kansas City coach Todd Haley said newly claimed quarterback Kyle Orton will get about 40 percent of the repetitions in practice this week. Haley continues to say Tyler Palko is the team’s starter for now, but he isn’t ruling anything out.

I’d still be surprised if Orton doesn’t play Sunday. The team is paying him $2.5 million for the rest of the season. Palko has thrown six interceptions in his two starts. Why would Orton be getting snaps if the Chiefs didn’t want to use him?

In other AFC West news:

• Denver linebacker Von Miller remains No. 1 on ESPN.com’s Rookie Watch.
• Todd McShay has a look at rookie receivers and defensive linemen. There is a strong AFC West presence in the piece.
• Here’s another "First Take" debate on Tim Tebow.
• Denver safety Brian Dawkins talks about Denver’s turnaround in a radio interview.
• Kansas City signed offensive lineman Rob Bruggeman and receiver Zeke Markshausen to the practice squad.
• Denver signed defensive back Tony Carter and receiver Greg Orton to the practice squad. Carter spent time on Denver’s 53-man roster in 2009.
• On-field communication has been a problem in Kansas City.
• Does Tebow belong on ESPN.com’s MVP Watch list?

The release of Justin Fargas in Denver means a few things.

First, it means Fargas’ career may be coming to an end. The former effective Oakland back showed very little in his 19-day stint in Denver. He had 17 yards on 10 carries in the preseason. He had a hard time getting a job after Oakland cut him in March because of his history of health issues. His short stint in Denver will likely not make teams want to reconsider him.

Also, his release means running backs Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter are probably getting closer to the field. Their injuries were one of the reasons why Fargas was inked.

Denver could scour the waiver wire for running backs. Backups LenDale White and Lance Ball are intriguing, but it wouldn’t be a shock if the Broncos continue to study running backs now that Fargas is out of the picture. In addition to Fargas, Denver waived/injured cornerback Tony Carter.

The Denver Broncos had the type of draft in 2009 that was supposed to give the team a nucleus.

Thanks to several trades (including one that sent Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler to Chicago), the Broncos finagled five picks in the first two rounds. It was an impressive display of draft chip building by first-year Denver coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Brian Xanders.

There’s no doubt that if the Broncos become a premier team in the near future it will be because of the development of the 2009 draft class. However, it appears solid production from this class is not a foregone conclusion. The class produced very little last year for Denver, which also wheel-and-dealed this year and produced five players in the top No. 87 picks, including receiver Demaryius Thomas and quarterback Tim Tebow in the first round.

“I like how Denver has found ways to acquire picks, and it’s a good way of building a great foundation,” said Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. “I’m just not sold on the players they have taken.”

While the 2010 class prepares to begin their rookie season, the 2009 class in Denver is preparing to make progress from a disappointing NFL start. Denver also has hope fourth-round picks David Bruton and Seth Olsen (guard) and fifth-round pick Kenny McKinley (receiver) will contribute as well. But the attention is on the five picks in the first two rounds.

The following is a look at those top five picks from Denver’s 2009 class:

No. 12, Knowshon Moreno, running back

Recapping 2009: Moreno had 947 yards and averaged 3.8 yards per carry. His production dipped terribly as the season wore on. He had 173 rushing yards in the final four games as the Broncos, who started the season 6-0, fell out of playoff contention and finished 8-8. Moreno’s 2.7-per-carry average in that time span was alarming. Overall, he didn’t show much explosiveness at all. His longest carry of the season was 27 yards.

What’s expected in 2010: The Broncos have been pleased with what they have seen from Moreno this offseason and he seems to be more prepared for the long NFL season. He will be the starter and Denver hopes that he can get in the 1,200-1,400-yard range as the Broncos move to a more traditional power-blocking scheme.

A scout’s view: “I liked Moreno as a late-first round pick but not at No. 12. You don’t take a running back that high unless he is Adrian Peterson, a superstar. I don’t think Moreno will be a superstar, but he should be better in Year 2. He’s a good player, but not an elite player.” -- Matt Williamson

No. 18, Robert Ayers, linebacker:

Recapping 2009: Ayers started just one game last season, finishing with 19 tackles. He didn’t have any sacks. That was disappointing for Denver because it drafted him to be a pass-rusher. He was moved to linebacker to use his explosiveness, but he didn’t show it as a rookie. Ayers was a late draft riser after a so-so college career.

What’s expected in 2010: It hasn’t started great. After being lauded by McDaniels for much of the offseason, Ayers didn’t practice for the first two days of the mandatory minicamp earlier this month. Finally, on the third day, Ayers did some work and McDaniels said the problem had been resolved. Ayers can’t have any more setbacks. He will get a chance to start at linebacker, but he must earn his keep.

A scout’s view: “I think he’s more of a 4-3 defensive end than a 3-4 linebacker. I don’t know if he is a good fit for Denver’s scheme. I’d be reluctant to write him off because he is adjusting to a new scheme.” -- Matt Williamson

No. 37, Alphonso Smith, cornerback

Recapping 2009: Smith’s rookie season was as a disaster partly because of how he was acquired. That’s not his fault, but he has to deal with it. When Smith, who was expected to be a late first-round pick, fell to No.37, Denver jumped up and traded its 2010 top pick (which turned out to be No. 14) to Seattle for him. Smith didn’t live up to the price tag. He couldn’t keep his nickel cornerback job as he was beaten out by veteran pickup Ty Law and undrafted rookie Tony Carter.

What’s expected in 2010: The Broncos expect Smith to be the nickel cornerback. If he doesn’t keep the job this year, the alarms will sound loudly.

A scout’s view: “I liked the move to get him at No. 37; I’m not so sure about giving up a first-round pick. He is tough as nails and he is a good player. I’m not sure why he had a slow start.” -- Matt Williamson

No. 48, Darcel McBath, safety

Recapping 2009: McBath was decent when he played, but for now, he is just a backup safety. He was a good special-teams player, but his season was cut short because of injuries.

What’s expected in 2010: To continue to develop and help on defense when needed and be a special-teams standout. He will replace Brian Dawkins when he retires.

A scout’s view: “I thought he was a good pick and he could be a good player. But he’s backup for now.” -- Matt Williamson

No. 64, Richard Quinn, tight end:

Recapping 2009: Like Smith, Denver gave up a lot to get Quinn. He was the centerpiece of a trade in which Denver sent two third-rounds picks away in 2009. Quinn was clearly targeted. Yet, on draft day, Quinn admitted that he expected to be selected much lower in the draft. Denver took him because of his blocking. He played in 15 games and didn’t have a catch. He made noticeable mistakes in games and in training-camp practices.

What’s expected in 2010: He needs to develop. The team is using more of a power-blocking scheme so he may be on the field with Daniel Graham more in double-tight end sets.

A scout’s view: “He’s a blocking tight end. He’s not dynamic enough to use that high of a pick on. The Broncos already have Graham and Quinn is a Graham clone. It’s clear that’s what they want out of the position, but I’m not sure he’ll give them the production that’s expected because of what they gave up to get him.” -- Matt Williamson

Denver signed Miami nickel cornerback Nathan Jones on Friday evening. He has three interceptions in six NFL seasons.

This may be a sign that second-year player Alphonso Smith may not be completley ready to contribute. Smith was replaced by undrafted free agent Tony Carter late last season. Denver gave up its 2010 No. 1 pick (No. 14 overall) to Seattle to draft Smith at No. 37 last year.

• Kansas City re-signed backup running back Jackie Battle. He played in 17 games the past three seasons for the Chiefs.

• Former Denver starting guard Ben Hamilton is visiting with the Seahawks. Denver does not want to bring him back.

• Here is a chance to keep up with all the free- agency movement on ESPN.com.

• Oakland brought back left tackle Khalif Barnes. He was hurt last year, his first in Oakland. If he stays healthy, he could vie for playing time.

• Oakland hired Kevin Ross to work with the secondary. He replaces Clancy Pendergast, who quit Oakland two weeks after he took over as the defensive coordinator at Cal.

• New England re-signed guard Stephen Neal. He was a considered a possibility in Denver and Kansas City.

• Detroit cut massive defensive tackle Grady Jackson. Jackson, 37, could interest both Oakland and San Diego. He could fit both the 4-3 and 3-4 defenses.

» NFC Draft Rewind: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

» Draft class lists: Denver | Kansas City | Oakland | San Diego

Examining the draft classes of each division team:

Denver

Biggest surprise: The surprise is how little production the class has given Denver. The Broncos had 10 picks and just haven’t gotten much out of the group. Top-pick running back Knowshon Moreno has been decent, but he has not been as productive as you would want from the No. 12 overall pick.

Jury is still out: First-round pick Robert Ayers. The No. 18 overall pick just hasn’t done much. Denver hasn’t had to rely on the pass rushing linebacker, but the team would like to see more from him.

Bust alert: Cornerback/returner Alphonso Smith has not made much of an impact. He gave up critical plays in the past two games, both Denver losses. He was benched in favor of rookie Tony Carter against the Raiders as the nickel corner. Carter was on the practice squad until one day before the Oakland game. Denver gave its top pick next year to draft Smith, who was selected No. 37 overall. He has the talent, but has yet to show it.

Kansas City

Biggest surprise: Kicker Ryan Succop has been outstanding. The final pick of the draft, Succop has been reliable and has shown a great leg. He could be in Kansas City for years.

Jury is still out: On the class itself. The eight picks have made little impact and it is unclear if the 2009 class will give the Chiefs the depth it needs.

Bust alert: You must have Tyson Jackson on this list. He was by far the prize of the class. Taken at No. 3, Jackson hasn’t shown much flash in Kansas City. The Chiefs loved the defensive lineman because he fit the 3-4 defense and he still has a chance to be a solid player. Jackson was taken about 10 to 15 picks higher than projected.

Oakland

Biggest surprise: Fourth-round pick Louis Murphy has outplayed first-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey. Murphy has made several clutch plays. But he has been far from perfect. He has the worst catch percentage of any receiver in the league. According to ESPN Stats and Information, Murphy has caught just 33 percent of passes that he has been targeted. Still, he has shown enough to generate excitement.

Jury is still out: Second-round pick Mike Mitchell has not done much. The Raiders still like the safety a lot, but he has a ways to go before Oakland can rely on him in the secondary.

Bust alert: It has to be Heyward-Bey. He hasn't played the past three games because of a foot injury and Oakland really hasn’t missed him. He has nine catches in 11 starts. Heyward-Bey was considered a major reach at No. 7 and he hasn’t proved otherwise.

San Diego

Biggest surprise: Sixth-round pick Kevin Ellison has become a solid contributor. The safety is a hard hitter who seems like he has a decent future with the club.

Jury is still out: Fourth-round pick Vaughn Martin. The mammoth defensive lineman from Western Ontario in Canada was considered a project, so his slow development is not overly alarming. But the Chargers have had several injuries and Martin hasn’t made much of an impact.

Bust alert: It has to be No. 16 overall pick Larry English. The linebacker doesn’t really seem like he will be a bust, but he has been quieter than expected. Still, he has made enough plays to provide hope for the future.

The Broncos signed rookie cornerback Tony Carter to their 53-man roster from their practice squad Saturday.

Tackle Herb Taylor was cut to make room for Carter. The Broncos have some injuries in their defensive backfield so Carter was likely promoted to provide depth Sunday against Oakland. Both cornerback Ty Law and safety Renaldo Hill have been hobbled this week.

ESPN.com is reporting Florida State’s legendary coach Bobby Bowden will retire, ending a 34-year reign there.

Bowden’s Florida State teams have filled NFL rosters for years. This year is not different. The following is a look at the current players in the AFC West who were influenced by Bowden at Florida State:

Oakland

T Mario Henderson

K Sebastian Janikowski

WR Javon Walker

San Diego

CB Antonio Cromartie

DL Travis Johnson

Denver

CB Tony Carter (practice squad)

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

Here is Denver’s announcement of its practice squad:

The Denver Broncos on Sunday signed tight end Marquez Branson, cornerback Tony Carter, guard Mitch Erickson, cornerback D.J. Johnson, inside linebacker Braxton Kelley, defensive lineman Everette Pedescleaux, running back Darius Walker and wide receiver Matthew Willis to their practice squad

Here is Kansas City’s seven-man list. The limit is eight:

• Jackie Bates, CB
• Tom Crabtree, TE
• Dion Gales, DE
• Bobby Greenwood, DE
• Darryl Harris, G
• Javarris Williams, RB
• Rodney Wright, WR

The Oakland Tribune has six practice-squad additions in Oakland.