AFC West Team Needs

Denver Broncos
1. Defensive Tackle
Even though the Broncos had a very good defense last year, they got hardly any production out of their defensive tackles. Brodrick Bunkley had a good season stopping the run, but he is now a New Orleans Saint. That leaves a huge hole at a razor thin position. Denver has to address this spot in the draft with a deep group of 1st round DTs, they'll more than likely take one at pick #25. Somebody like Devon Still, Jerel Worthy, or Michael Brockers would be perfect.

2. Offensive Line
Despite having some success at the end of the season running the ball, the offensive line has two big gaping holes. At center and left guard. Zane Beedles and JD Walton have been starters since their rookie year, but haven't become the players that former HC Josh McDaniels thought they'd be. Look for Denver to draft somebody to help. They could also move Orlando Franklin inside to guard if they have somebody else at RT.

3. Running Back
Willis McGahee had his best season of his career in terms of production, however he cannot be counted on as the every down back. Knowshon Moreno has ability, but is always injured. John Fox wants to run the ball, even with Peyton Manning now at QB. So look for the Broncos to spend a Day 2 pick on a running back that can help them out. Prospects they could go after could be a LeMichael James, Chris Polk, or Robert Turbin.

Kansas City Chiefs
1. Nose Tackle
Ever since the Chiefs moved to a 3-4 defense, they have never had that space eating nose tackle that you need to be successful. They brought in Kelly Gregg last year, but he didn't have the impact they thought they'd be getting. Add in that 6th round pick Jerrell Powe isn't developing and there is a big problem. Dontari Poe is a candidate at #11, but they could very well wait till Day 2 and get Alemeda Ta'amu or Josh Chapman.

2. Quarterback
I believe the Chiefs are starting to think that Matt Cassell isn't the QB they thought they were getting. When healthy he has been alright, but not the same QB he was in New England. Go figure. The Chiefs could be looking to draft a QB as an insurance policy in case Cassell's struggles continue. KC has been rumored to be interested in Ryan Tannehill, but I doubt they trade up for him. More than likely they'll spend a mid round pick on somebody like a Russell Wilson, Nick Foles, or Kirk Cousins.

3. Inside Linebacker
Linebacker isn't a huge need, but the Chiefs don't have too many glaring needs (maybe health). However the Chiefs are sure to draft an inside linebacker at some point. They are very high on Luke Kuechly and if he is available at #11 that could be their choice. He's a special talent and they have a need next to Derrick Johnson. If they don't get Kuechly they could wait till the 3rd round and take Audie Cole who would be a good fit in a 3-4 defense.

Oakland Raiders
1. Rush Linebacker
With Oakland moving to a 3-4 defense they are without anybody that can play the Rush Linebacker spot. They had Kamerion Wimbley, but they let him go and now he is a Titan. But without a pick in the first 4 rounds it will be extremely hard to find an impact player. A couple of late round guys that might be worth a flyer are Brandon Lindsey (Pittsburgh), Donte Paige-Moss (North Carolina) or Jack Crawford (Penn State).

2. Tight End
Two years ago the Raiders let Zach Miller go and he played well for the Seahawks. They signed Kevin Boss to a big contract, but he has now been cut. They don't have a player on the roster that is even considered a threat. They could go after Deangelo Peterson (LSU) or maybe David Paulson (Oregon).

3. Cornerback
With Stanford Routt now in Kansas City there isn't a whole lot of depth at this position. The Raiders did sign a couple of free agents, but non are more than depth moves. With no early picks it's doubtful that the Raiders will get an impact player, but they could take somebody who has a ton of potential and maybe they'll turn out to be very good. Maybe they take a risk and go for Cliff Harris (Oregon) who has some off the field issues, but a ton of talent.

San Diego Chargers
1. Guard
Kris Dielman has been one of the better guards in the league, but has retired. His shoes will be very big to fill, and the Chargers will likely look for somebody in the early rounds to do so. David DeCastro and Cordy Glenn will be options in the first roud, while Keleche Osemele, Kevin Zeitler, and Brandon Washington will be Day 2 possibilities.

2. Rush Linebacker
What was once a huge strength has pretty much become devoid of talent. Shaun Phillips is getting older and Larry English has been a bust. They did sign Jarrett Johnson, but he is considered to be more of a run defender than a pass rusher. They'll consider pass rushers at #18 like Courtney Upshaw, Whitney Mercilus, Chandler Jones, and Nick Perry. If they wait till the 2nd round they could go after guys like Bruce Irvin.

3. Cornerback
After a long career, Quentin Jammer's skills are declining and he is probably going to need to move to safety. Finding an eventual replacement would be a good idea. Depending on who is available the Chargers could go after Dre Kirkpatrick or Stephon Gilmore. Day 2 players could be Alfonzo Dennard, Jayron Hosley, Josh Robinson, and Brandon Boykin.