Draft needs for AFC West Division: Comprehensive Team Analysis.
The AFC West remains one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, with all four teams making strategic moves to either sustain success or rebuild for the future. The Kansas City Chiefs continue their dominance, the Denver Broncos are retooling their roster, while the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers—two teams looking to reassert themselves as contenders in the division.
The 2025 NFL Draft is less than two months away, and as the league prepares to meet in Green Bay on April 24, the football-watching world is abuzz with mock drafts and predictions about how the first round will go.
We have made some analysis for the draft needs of the AFC West teams, examining their 2024 performances, current roster statuses, and strategic directions for the upcoming Draft.
Table of Contents
Kansas City Chiefs.
Denver Broncos.
Las Vegas Raiders.
Los Angeles Chargers.
Conclusion.
Kansas City Chiefs:
The Kansas City Chiefs continued their dominance in the 2024 season, clinching the AFC championship and making their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes showcased his elite skills, but the team faced challenges, particularly in the receiving corps.
A significant concern arose with the arrest of wide receiver Xavier Worthy on charges of assaulting a family or household member. Worthy had an impressive rookie season, setting a record in Super Bowl LIX, and was anticipated to be a key player for Mahomes in the upcoming season. His legal issues cast uncertainty over his availability, exacerbating the team’s need for reliable wide receivers.
Additionally, the Chiefs traded veteran offensive lineman Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears, creating a void at the left tackle position. Thuney had been lauded as one of the best value free-agent signings of the decade, and his departure necessitates finding a capable replacement to protect Mahomes’ blind side.
Possible Draft Picks:
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The Chiefs require offensive line assistance, which they can have with the huge and versatile Ersery, who could be a bargain at this stage in the first round.
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Scourton has good size and tenacity, and he can play on all three downs as a dual-phase edge.
Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Conerly, who had the best 10-yard split of any lineman at the combine, had elite quickness and recovery balance.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos experienced a resurgence in the 2024 season, securing their first playoff berth since their 2015 Super Bowl-winning season. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix’s emergence as a quality starter was pivotal to their success.
However, the Broncos face several roster challenges entering the 2025 offseason. Notably, running back Javonte Williams is set to become a free agent. Williams has been inconsistent and inefficient in recent seasons, averaging less than 4.0 yards per carry in each of the past two years. His potential departure necessitates exploring options to revitalize the running game.
The receiving corps also requires attention. While Courtland Sutton remains a reliable target, the Broncos lack depth at wide receiver and tight end positions. No tight end on the roster reached 200 receiving yards during the regular season, indicating a need for playmakers to complement Nix.
Defensively, the potential loss of linebacker Cody Barton and defensive tackle D.J. Jones in free agency could impact the team’s front seven. Additionally, adding depth in the secondary would enhance the Broncos’ pass defense.
Possible Draft Picks:
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina.
He is suited to play strong safety and linebacker on occasion. That versatility allows him to roam the box and employ his physicality against the run, as well as cover running backs and tight ends.
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina.
Whether it’s a pass catcher or a dynamic running back, Denver will most likely be looking for an offensive difference-maker here, and Hampton, displays the values on the field.
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Loveland has the capacity to improve the Broncos’ passing attack. Payton will appreciate the combination of athleticism, precise route running/separation, and size.
Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have entered a new era after acquiring quarterback Geno Smith via trade from the Seattle Seahawks. Smith, a former Pro Bowler, brings experience and stability to the quarterback position. However, for the Raiders to succeed, they must build a strong supporting cast around him.
The Raiders’ offensive line was inconsistent throughout the 2024 season. While left tackle Kolton Miller remains a solid piece, the interior line struggled, particularly in pass protection. Improving the offensive line will be a priority to give Smith the time he needs to operate efficiently.
Star wide receiver Davante Adams remains an elite talent, but the Raiders lack a reliable No. 2 option. Last season, Adams faced constant double-teams, and the lack of a secondary playmaker limited the offense. Finding another weapon in the draft would ease pressure on Adams and help Smith thrive.
Defensively, the Raiders must address both the interior defensive line and the secondary. Defensive tackle depth is a major concern, as they struggled against the run last season. Meanwhile, the cornerback group lacks a true shutdown player, making it another area of focus in the draft.
Possible Draft Picks:
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Jeanty brings it all – speed, power, elusiveness, contact balance and vision. He ran for 2,601 yards this past season, and he can make a dent as a pass catcher.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Upgrading the talent on the perimeter is a top priority for a Raiders offense that relied extensively on rookie tight end Brock Bowers in 2024.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Sanders could be the top pick, but if he slips this far he would be a solid building block for Pete Carroll.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL in Justin Herbert, but they have yet to build a consistent contender around him. Injuries and roster inconsistencies plagued them in 2024, leading to another frustrating season. With a new coaching staff in place, the team must focus on improving offensive weapons and bolstering the defense through the draft.
The biggest concern for the Chargers is the wide receiver position. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams were long-time staples of the offense, but injuries and cap constraints forced the team to part ways with one or both. The Chargers need to find young, explosive receivers to ensure Herbert has the weapons necessary to lead a high-powered attack.
Herbert has taken too many hits over the past few seasons. While Rashawn Slater remains a key piece at left tackle, the right tackle position and interior offensive line must be reinforced to protect their franchise quarterback.
The Chargers’ defense showed flashes of dominance but lacked consistency. The pass rush, outside of Joey Bosa, needs another dynamic edge rusher. Additionally, the linebacker unit requires more athleticism and playmaking ability to handle the elite offenses in the AFC West.
Possible Draft Picks:
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
I don’t think there’s a better prospect-team match than Hampton and the Chargers. He is an ideal fit for Greg Roman’s offense.
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
It will be a great move to bolster the arsenal for Justin Herbert, and Golden is explosive and versatile for the role.
Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
The Chargers could still use more offense, and Taylor is a smooth-moving tight end who thrives in the passing game.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL Draft presents a pivotal opportunity for all teams to address their respective roster needs and reinforce their competitive standings within the AFC West. With smart draft selections, each team have the potential to improve significantly and challenge for divisional supremacy in 2025. The draft will be a defining moment for their respective futures.