Tag: AFC

Well…..the draft has come and gone and there were some interesting picks to say the very least. Some were outstanding and some, to be frank, were flat out head scratchers. Let’s take a look at the class, give it a grade and look at the best UDFA signing for each team. Without further ado, let’s roll…..

 

Denver Broncos

Round 2: No. 63 (from KC from DET ) – Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Oklahoma

Round 3: No. 67 (from IND) – Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

Round 3: No. 83 (from SEA)  – Riley Moss, CB, Iowa

Round 6: No. 183 (from DEN through DET) – JL Skinner, S, Boise State

Round 7: No. 257 (from NO) – Alex Forsyth, IOL, Oregon

Draft Grade: B- This Draft could have received a higher grade because of the value the Broncos received with their first two picks but trading away a future 3^rd round pick to move up for CB Moss was a true head scratcher.

Best Pick – LB Drew Sanders – Getting this kid in the 3^rd round was a true steal. If he is used in a creative manner as not only a MLB but also as a rush LB, LOOK OUT!

Best UDFA Signing – OT Demontrey Jacobs – This kid will need to clean up his fundementals and gain some weight, but hs is 6’6″ and has 36″ arms. He could be a great depth find at the OT position

 

Kansas City Chiefs

Round 1: No. 31 – Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

Round 2: No. 55 (from MIN through DET) – Rashee Rice, WR SMU

Round 3: No. 92 (from CIN) – Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma

Round 4: No. 119 (from DET through MIN) – Chamarri Conner, S, Virginia Tech

Round 5: No. 166 – BJ Thompson, LB, Stephen F. Austin

Round 6: No. 194 (from DET) – Keondre Coburn, DT, Texas

Round 7: No. 250 -Nic Jones, CB, Ball State

Draft Grade: B This was a very solid draft that addressed a lot of the teams needs but moving up 8 spots for a WR that had a lower grade than other prospects at the position still on the board was a huge reach.

Best Pick – EDGE Anudike-Uzomah – This kid has a relentless motor and is tenacious getting after the passer as well as the ball carrier.

Best UDFA Signing – RB Deneric Prince – The Chiefs know how to find talent at the RB position. This kid is 6’0″, 216 pounds, with 4.41 speed. He is a great fit.

 

Las Vegas Raiders

Round 1: No. 7 – Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

Round 2: No. 35 (from IND) – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Round 3: No. 70 – Byron Young, DT, Alabama

Round 3: No. 100 (from KC through NYG) – Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati

Round 4: No. 104 (from HOU) – Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland

Round 4: No. 135 (from NE) – Aiden O’Connell, QB, Purdue

Round 5: No. 170 (from GB through NYJ) – Christopher Smith, S, Georgia

Round 6: No. 203 (from NYG through HOU) – Amari Burney, L, Florida

Round 7: No. 231 (from NE) – Nesta Jade Silvera, DL, Arizona State

Draft Grade: B The first two picks have incredible potential to be pro bowl players. After that, almost every player selected was taken a round earlier than the grade on them, except for CB Bennett.

Best Pick – EDGE Wilson – This kid is a freak athlete that will get to learn from a potential HOFer. He has the skill set to be a true nightmare for years to come.

Best UDFA Signing – OG McClendon Curtis – It was a shock that he did not get drafted. He is a 6’6”, 324 LBS mauler at RG. He was a fantastic signing for the Raiders.

 

Los Angeles Chargers

Round 1: No. 21 – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

Round 2: No. 54 – Tuli Tuipulotu, DE, USC

Round 3: No. 85 – Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State

Round 4: No. 125 – Derius Davius, WR, TCU

Round 5: No. 156 – Jordan McFadden, G, Clemson

Round 6: No. 200 – Scott Matlock, DL, Boise State

Round 7: No. 239 – Max Duggan, QB, TCU

Draft Grade: B- I guess this is TCU West. Johnston is a big, fast field stretcher with 1^st round talent but he does have way to many dropped passes. This draft was solid but RB should have been addressed at some point.

Best Pick – DE Tuipulotu – This kid won’t come off the field. He can line up at every position on the defensive line except NT. Great fit for this defense.

Best UDFA Signing – EDGE Brevin Allen – This kid has the size at 6’3”, 265 LBS with 34” arms to be a menace on the edge and is a natural stand up rusher.

 

We all know that it takes 3 years for a draft prospect to really be graded but it is always fun to do these  early assessments. The season will be here soon and we will really get to judge if our team did well or if they screwed the pooch. Let’s enjoy the ride…….

The first phase of Free Agency is complete, and the AFC West was surprisingly busy as well as effective in the additions/subtractions that were made. Some very large needs were filled and have changed the draft for several teams. Let’s get this party started…

 

Denver Broncos

Key Additions: G Ben Powers, RT Mike McGlinchey, RB Samaje Perine, FB Michael Burton, QB Jarrett Stidham, DE Zach Allen, TE Chris Manhertz, CB Tremon Smith, WR Marquez Callaway, WR Marquise Godowin, LB Matthew Adams

Key re-signings: LB Alex Singleton

Key losses: DT Dre’Mont Jones, G Graham Glasgow, RB Chase Edmonds, CB Ronald Darby, RB Mike Boone, FB Andrew Beck, TE Eric Saubert, DE DeShawn Williams, OT Calvin Anderson

Without a 1^st or 2^nd round pick, the Broncos had to fill some holes via free agency and Coach Payton along with new owner Rob Walton knew this. The Broncos surrendered 63 sacks in 2022, most in the NFL. They went out and signed two starters in Powers and McGlinchey for their Offensive Line.

Free Agency Grade: A-

Team Needs: Edge, WR, OL

The Broncos only got to the quarterback 36 times last year (bottom 10 in the NFL). They added DE Allen but need more help.

Mock Draft: DE Derick Hall, 6’3”, 254, Auburn

 

Kansas City Chiefs

Key additions: OT Jawaan Taylor, EDGE Charles Omenihu, LB Drue Tranquill, S Mike Edwards

Key re-signings: G Nick Allegretti, DT Derrick Nnadi

Key losses: OT Orlando Brown Jr., EDGE Frank Clark, S Juan Thornill, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, OT Andrew Wylie, DT Khalen Saunders, FB Michael Burton, QB Chad Henne

The Chiefs free agency was quite puzzling to say the least. Paying OT Taylor almost 16MM more over 4 years than what OT Brown was given does not add up not to mention almost 30MM more in guaranteed money. The DE Omenihu signing was a great addition.

Free Agency Grade: C

Team Needs: DL, WR, Edge

The loss of DT Saunders is a lot bigger than most think. Finding a replacement for DE Clark would be wise as well.

Mock Draft: DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, 6’3”, 255, Kansas State

 

Las Vegas Raiders

Key additions: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, WR Jakobi Meyers, LB Robert Spillane, S Marcus Epps, CB Brandon Facyson, WR Phillip Dorsett, WR Cam Sims, TE O.J. Howard, CB David Long, CB Duke Shelley, TE Austin Hooper

Key re-signings: RB Josh Jacobs, OT Brandon Parker, RB Ameer Abdullah, RB Jakob Johnson, DT Jerry Tillery, OT Jermaine Eluemenor, WR Keelan Cole

Key losses: QB Derek Carr, TE Darren Waller, QB Jarrett Stidham, EDGE Clelin Ferrell, LB Denzel Perryman, TE Foster Moreau, CB Rock Ya-Sin, WR Mack Hollins

The Raiders went with addition by subtraction in signing Garoppolo and Meyers and releasing Carr and trading Waller. Talent wise the advantage goes to Carr and Waller but scheme fit goes to Garoppolo and Meyers. The secondary additions of CB Shelley and SS Epps are homeruns and both are huge upgrades.

Free Agency Grade: A-

Team Needs: CB, DT, QB

Finding a CB1 is a must. Adding a run stopping DT and a long term QB to be groomed are needed high as well.

Mock Draft: CB Christian Gonzalez, 6’1”, 197 Oregon

 

Los Angeles Chargers

Key additions: LB Eric Kendricks

Key re-signings: G/OT Trey Pipkins, DT Morgan Fox, QB Easton Stick, P J.K. Scott, TE Donald Parham

Key losses: LB Drue Tranquil, LB Kyle Van Noy, S Nasir Adderley, QB Chase Daniel, OT Storm Norton, LB Troy Reeder

After last season’s spending, the Chargers were not expected to be major players this year. With that said, only one signing is still quite surprising. This is only the first part of free agency, but it is a quiet one for the Chargers.

Free Agency Grade: C-

Teem Needs: RB, WR, DL

With Ekeler asking and receiving permission to seek a trade, a new RB1 is now a top priority. A speed receiver and a run stopping DT are also top needs.

Mock Draft: WR Jordan Addison, 5’11”, 173, USC

 

We are now a little over two weeks away from the draft and expectations are either going to be met or destroyed. Some fans will be happy while some will be drinking their sorrows away and asking, “what the fuck”. One thing is for sure, here is MS, we will give your team props for a great pick and kick you in your teeth if they screw the pooch. Whichever way it goes, it is always entertaining.

Viva the NFL!!!

“I have returned.”

-General Douglas MacArthur

It has been a long time coming but I have finally returned. It has been hard to be away for all of you guys and the rehab really, really sucked but it is over and the old fart is back!

Well, it is draft/free agency time when every team and fan has hope for the upcoming season. It is also that time for the ultimate speculation into what we think each team needs and who they will draft with their 1^st pick. Let’s go!

 

Denver Broncos

Draft Picks:

• Round 3, Pick 68 (from IND)
• Round 3, Pick 69
• Round 4, Pick 108
• Round 5, Pick 140
• Round 6, Pick 194 (from PIT)
• Round 7, Pick 247 (from MIN)

Denver traded their 1^st and 2^nd round picks for Russell Wilson and Coach Sean Peyton.

Projected Cap Space: $12,235,634 (15^th in the NFL Spotrac)

Team Needs: OL, DL, RB (NFL.com)

Mock Draft: OT Blake Freeland, 6’8”, 305 BYU

Without top draft capital, expect the Broncos to be patient and take the BPA in each round.

 

Kansas City Chiefs

Draft Picks:

• Round 1, Pick 31
• Round 2, Pick 63
• Round 3, Pick 95
• Round 4, Pick 122 (from MIA)
• Round 4, Pick 134
• Round 5, Pick 168
• Round 6, Pick 197 (from MIA)
• Round 7, Pick 227 (from ATL)
• Round 7, Pick 251

Chiefs have the last pick in the 1^st round after winning the Superbowl (FUCK THE CHIEFS).

Project Cap Space: $-473,578 (18^th in the NFL Spotrac)

Team Needs: OT, WR, Edge (NFL.com)

Mock Draft: Edge Keion White, 6’5”, 285 Georgia Tech

This may seem to be a luxury pick but this guy would be a steal.

 

Las Vegas Raiders

Draft Picks:

• Round 1, Pick 7 overall
• Round 2, Pick 38 overall
• Round 3, Pick 70 overall
• Round 4, Pick 109 overall
• Round 5, Pick 143 overall (from ATL)
• Round 5, Pick 146 overall
• Round 6, Pick 189 overall (from DAL)
• Round 7, Pick 198 overall (from ARI)
• Round 7, Pick 209 overall (from NE)

The Raiders are picking in the top 10 and have more holes than Swiss cheese.

Projected Cap Space: $46,284,005 (3^rd in the NFL Spotrac)

Team Needs: QB, OL, CB (NFL.com)

Mock Draft: QB Will Levis, 6’3”, 232, Kentucky

Even if the Raiders sign a veteran QB, they need one to groom for the future.

 

Los Angeles Chargers

Draft Picks:

• Round 1, Pick 21
• Round 2, Pick 54
• Round 3, Pick 85
• Round 4, Pick 125
• Round 5, Pick 158
• Round 6, Pick 200
• Round 7, Pick 241

The Chargers have the 21^st pick and have Herbert’s contract extension looming.

Projected Cap Space: $-19,922,446 (28^th in the NFL Spotrac)

Team Needs: WR, DL, TE (NFL.com)

Mock Draft: WR Jalin Hyatt 6’0”, 185 Tennessee

The Chargers need some speed at WR and they may have to make some tough choices at that position.

 

Football, Football and more Football. I have missed it and all of you (even you lord, LOL)

MAY THE FO BE WITH YOU!

Its been a crazy month for my family and I, but I am glad to say that we are all doing much better (especially the War Department, THANK GOD!). Time to get back to football and I have to admit I missed my MS family, you assholes. Let’s Rock……

GRADES
Raiders
Josh Jacobs has donned his Superman cape in October and become flat out unstoppable. He has gone over 140 yards rushing in all three game this month. Derek Carr was 21 of 27 (77.7%) for 241 yards and a touchdown. Josh Jacobs had 20 carries for 143 yards and 3 touchdowns with 3 receptions for 12 yards. Davante Adams had 8 receptions for 95 yards. The defense had 1 sack and 3 tackles for loss and 1 interception returned for a touchdown. Daniel Carlson was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 5 for 5 on extra points. The defense sucked in the 2nd and 3rd quarters but pitched shutouts in the 1st and 4th quarters. Jacobs is simply killing any and everyone.
Grade: A-

Chargers
The Chargers came out flat and at the end of the 1st quarter they were down 17-0, and then it went down hill. Justin Herbert was 33 of 51 (64.7%) for 293 yards and 2 touchdowns with a interception, fumble and 3 carries for 22 yards. Austin Ekeler had 9 carries for 31 yards and a touchdown with 12 receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown. Mike Williams had 7 receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks and 6 tackles for loss with an interception and a safety. Taylor Bertolet was 3 for 3 on extra points. The rush defense is shear trash as they were raped for 213 yards.
Grade: F

Chiefs
The Chiefs went on the road, faced the #1 defense in the NFL and put up 44 points, easily. This offense is insane. Patrick Mahomes was 25 of 34 (73.5%) for 423 yards and 3 touchdowns and a interception. Isiah Pacheco had 8 carries for 43 yards. JuJu Smith-Schuster had 7 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 5 sacks and 4 tackles for loss with 2 interceptions and a safety. Harrison Butker was 0 for 1 on fieldgoals and 6 for 6 on extra points. This game was a flat out massacre.
Grade: A

Broncos
The Broncos defense is one of the best in the NFL and play like it week in and week out, the offense is a disgrace. Brett Rypien was 24 of 46 (52.1%) for 225 yards and a interception with 3 carries for 9 yards. Melvin Gordon had 11 carries for 33 yards with 2 receptions for 17 yards. Jerry Jeudy had 7 receptions for 96 yards. The defense had 3 sacks and 2 tackles for loss. Brandon McManus was 1 for 2 on fieldgoals and 0 for 1 on extra points. This game was flat out UGLY and would have been even worse were it not for the defense.
Grade: D+

PREDICTIONS
Denver Broncos vs Jacksonville Jaguars (London)
Which offense will show up for both teams…..only the shadow knows.
Jaguars 23 Broncos 17
Spread: +2.5 Broncos
Over/Under: 40.5

Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints
Which defense will show up for both teams…..only the shadow knows.
Raiders 26 Saints 24
Spread: -1.5 Raiders
Over/Under 49.5

The Chiefs and Chargers are on their bye weeks. Let’s get this party started.

Its been a crazy few weeks but I have returned. I want to thank everyone again for the well wishes and prayers. Let’s rock and roll….

GRADES
Chargers
The Chargers almost blew a 21 point lead but found a way to close out and get the win. Justin Herbert was 27 of 39 (69.2%) for 340 yards and 2 touchdowns. Austin Ekeler had 13 carries for 60 yards and 2 touchdowns with 6 receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown. Mike Williams had 7 receptions for 120 yards. The defense had 4 sacks and 6 tackles for loss with 2 interceptions. Dustin Hopkins was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 4 for 4 on extra points. The offense was great and the defense put up big numbers but giving up 131 rushing yards on 14 carries to a rookie is NO BUENO.
Grade: B-

Broncos
The Broncos had an all around bad game. Russell Wilson was 17 of 25 (68%) for 237 yards and 2 touchdowns with 4 rushes for 29 yards and a touchdown. Javonte Williams had 10 carries for 28 yards. Jerry Jeudy had 4 receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. Brandon McManus was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 2 for 3 on extra points. The Broncos got pushed around up front but losing Javonte Williams and Randy Gregory only added insult to injury.
Grade: D

Raiders
The Raiders played their best game of the season and got thier first win because of it. Derek Carr was 21 of 34 (61.7%) for 188 Yards with 7 carries for 40 yards. Josh Jacobs had 28 carries for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns with 5 receptions for 31 yards. Davante Adams had 9 receptions for 101 yards. The defense had 3 sacks and 7 tackles for loss with a fumble recovery return for a touchdown. Daniel Carlson was 4 for 4 on fieldgoals and 2 for 3 on extra points. This was a much needed win but it was also great to watch Josh McDaniels give his old team the big “FO”.
Grade: A

Chiefs
The Chiefs are starting to play at an elite level on offense and that should scare the entire NFL. Patrick Mahomes was 23 of 37 (62.1%) for 249 yards and 3 touchdowns with a interception and 4 carries for 34 yards. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 19 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown with 1 receptions for 2 yards and a touchdown. Travis Kelce had 9 reception for 92 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 1 sack and 2 tackles for loss with 2 fumble recoveries. Matthew Write was 2 for 2 on field goals and 5 for 5 on extra points. This team is flat out scary.
Grade: A

 

PREDICTIONS
Los Angeles Chargers at Cleveland Browns
This game may come down to rush defense and who can protect the quarterback. Upset alert!
Browns 26 Chargers 23
Spread: -2.5 Chargers
Over/Under: 47.5

Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos
This game is really a toss up with all of the injuries on both teams.
Broncos 23 Colts 17
Spread: -3.5
Over/Under: 42

Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
This game could/should be over at halftime.
Chiefs 31 Raiders 20
Spread: -7 Chiefs
Over/Under: 51
Season: 5-4 (No Picks last week)

Well……it is good to be back and witness all of the shit talking again. Joe, that was a hell of a find of jazz and R&B records. Balls, thanks for stepping in Bro. lord, you can go fuck yourself, I saw your comment about Joe and I.
GO RAIDERS!!!
FUCK YOUR TEAM!!!

Week 1 is in the books, and we learned a lot about the division. In some cases, there were new things to discover, and, in some cases, we learned our concerns were well founded.  Let’s rock and roll….

GRADES

Chiefs

The Chiefs are the returning division champs and after week one, Mahomes and company look like they are planning on repeating. Patrick Mahomes was 30 of 39 (76.9%) for 360 Yards and 5 touchdowns. Isiah Pacheco had 12 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown. Travis Kelce had 12 receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 7 carries for 42 yards with 3 receptions for 32 yards and 2 touchdowns. The defense had 3 sacks and 4 tackles for loss. Harrison Butker was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 4 for 4 on extra points. When you score 44 points in the opening week, you are putting not only the division but the entire AFC on notice.

Grade: A

 

Chargers

The Chargers have been one of the pre-season favorites to make a Super Bowl run and they got off to a great start with a win in their home opener. Justin Herbert was 26 of 34 (76.4%) for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns. Austin Ekeler had 14 carries for 36 yards with 4 receptions for 36 yards. Keenan Allen had 4 receptions for 66 yards. The defense had 6 sacks and 5 tackles for loss with 3 interceptions. Dustin Hopkins was 1 for 2 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This was a great way to start the season for Chargers.

Grade: A-

 

Raiders

The Raiders were a playoff team last year and created some hype with the additions they made but the offensive line and secondary remained a large concern and for good reason. Derek Carr was 22 of 37 (59.4%) for 295 Yards and 2 touchdowns with 3 interceptions. Josh Jacobs had 10 carries for 57 yards and 1 reception for 16 yards. Davante Adams had 10 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 5 tackles for loss. Daniel Carlson was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. The bright spots were watching Davante Adams go nuts and Jacobs averaging 5.7 yards per carry but, when you surrender 6 sacks, fumble 3 times and create no turnovers, you cannot expect to win especially on the road.

Grade: C-

 

Broncos

The Broncos started the Russell Wilson era in primetime against the Seahawks and though it was a close game it did not have a fairytale ending, it was more like a nightmare. Wilson was 29 of 42 (69%) for 340 yards and a touchdown. Melvin Gordon had 12 carries for 58 yards with 2 receptions for 14 yards. Jerry Jeudy had 4 receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. Brandon McManus was 3 for 4 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. The Broncos got within the 3 yards line and only scored 3 points. They are also the first team since 1987 to lose two fumbles at their opponent’s one yard line. Clock management and going for a 64-yard fieldgoal was, well puzzling to say the very least.

Grade: C

 

PREDICTIONS

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs

This will be a flat-out barn burner. The winner will take early control of the division and remain undefeated. Thursday night special too.

Chiefs 31 Chargers 24

Spread: -3.5 Chiefs

Over/Under: 54.5

 

Arizona Cardinals at Las Vegas Raiders

This should be a great game but injuries and needed adjustments for both teams from week one makes this a very hard game to predict.

Raiders 28 Cardinals 24

Spread: -5.5 Raiders

Over/Under: 51.5

 

Houston Texans at Denver Broncos

The home opener for the Broncos should be great game for them. The offense should be front and center in this game.

Broncos 28 Texans 16

Spread: -10 Broncos

Over/Under: 44

Last Week: 2-1

 

This was a very interesting start to the season but there are a lot of questions still to be answered. Football is back and none too soon.

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is a process; working together is success.”

-Edward Everett Hale

This start to this season is very different than the last 6 years. The reason: the division is not only the best in the NFL, but there is also much more parity (at least on paper). Each team could win this year. Each team also could lose as well. There are a lot of questions to be answered and boy oh boy does that make it that much more interesting.

The Broncos traded for QB Russell Wilson. The Chargers traded for DE Khalil Mack. The Raiders traded for WR Davante Adams. The Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill (YAHOOOOO).

There are some great additions to each team, but each team also has some serious question marks. Good, bad or indifferent, the game is played on the field and we are less than two weeks away from the start of the 17 game death match.

The Chiefs have owned this division for the last 6 years and the division has produced only 3 wildcard spots during that time. The question is will we see a division that beats the hell out of each other and only the division champion gets into the playoffs or will we send multiple teams to the show. Time will surely tell.

 

DIVISION STAT LEADERS

Passing Yards:

1. Justin Herbert – 5,175 Yards
2. Derek Carr – 5,025 Yards
3. Patrick Mahomes – 4,890 Yards
4. Russell Wilson – 4,400 Yards

This is the cream of the cream. Not only will Herbert lead the division in passing yards, but he will also lead the NFL. Carr gets arguably the best receiver in the league and one of his best friends to help get him to 5k. Mahomes will knock on the 5k door yet again with his new receiving corps. Wilson will have his career year in Denver.

Rushing Yards:

1. Javonte Williams – 1,200 Yards
2. Austin Ekeler – 1,150 Yards
3. Josh Jacobs – 1,100 Yards
4. Clyde Edwards-Helaire – 950 Yards

This was bar none the hardest to predict because every team will be using a two headed monster in the run game. Williams will establish himself as the guy in Denver, but Gordon will be in the mix. Ekeler will be the guy for the Chargers and is the best receiving back in the division but the addition on Michel will take some of those carries away. Jacobs will be the lead back for the Raiders but White will be utilized to spell him. Edwards-Helaire is the lead guy in Kansas City but the addition of Jones will take some of the carries away.

Receiving Yards (Wide Receivers):

1. Davante Adams – 1,700 Yards
2. Keenan Allen – 1,200 Yards
3. Mike Williams – 1,050 Yards
4. Jerry Jeudy – 1,025 Yards
5. JuJu Smith-Schuster – 1,025

Adams will be the guy in the division and will be top 5 in receiving in the NFL. Allen and Williams will form the only 1,000 yard receiving tandem in the division. Jeudy will top 1,000 yards and Sutton (975 Yards) will just miss giving them a 1,000 yard tandem as well. Smith-Schuster will be the lead guy on the outside for the Chiefs.

Receiving Yards (Tight Ends):

1. Travis Kelce – 1,125 Yards
2. Darren Waller – 1,025 Yards
3. Gerald Everett – 525 Yards
4. Albert Okwuegbunam – 500 Yards

Kelce will be, well……Kelce. He will be top 2 in receiving yards in the NFL. Waller will bounce back this year and post a 1,000 yard season. Everett will be a solid receiving option. Okwuegbunam could post higher number if he stays healthy.

 

PREDICTIONS

Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals

This will be one of the funniest games to watch all season. There will be lots of offense, but the bigger question is which defense will step up.

Chiefs 31 Cardinals 24

Spread: -4.5 Chiefs

Over/Under: 53.5

 

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers

Nothing like starting the season against a division foe. There are so many sub-stories in this match-up that it is impossible to list them all. Buckle-up!

Chargers 27 Raiders 24

Spread: -3 Chargers

Over/Under: 52

 

Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks

Russell Wilson returns to Seattle in Prime Time. This one is going to be fun.

Broncos 27 Seahawks 14

Spread: -6 Broncos

Over/Under: 42

 

Football has returned and this is going to be a fantastic season. Every game in this division is must see tv. Buckle up boys, war has been declared!

Well gentlemen (and lord), the wait is finally over. We are a day away from the draft and this one is going to be very interesting.

The Chiefs have 12 picks with two picks in each of the first four rounds. This should help them refortify the team. The Chargers have 10 picks with four in the final round. The Broncos have 9 picks after trading multiple selections for QB Russell Wilson. The Raiders have 5 picks after trading their top two picks for WR Davante Adams.

This mock will be the first three picks for each team. Let’s rock and roll….

Denver Broncos
Team Needs: OT, TE, LB
Picks #64 Abraham Lucas, OT Washington State
Lucas is a big right tackle with the frame to wall off defenders. With Russell Wilson at the helm, protecting him becomes priority number one. Lucas should be the starter for years to come.

Pick #75 Isaiah Likely, TE Coastal Carolina
Likely is smooth and instinctive in the open-field after the catch. He is a vertical threat with very good speed. Teams will have to game plan for him and he will give Wilson an outstanding weapon to go with Albert O.

Pick #96 Brian Asamoah, ILB Oklahoma
Asamoah is one of the most explosive off-ball linebackers. He is good in coverage and has the speed to match up with backs. He will push for playing time in year one.

 

Las Vegas Raiders
Team Needs: OT, DT, WR
Pick #86 Daniel Faalele, OT Minnesota
Faalele is a massive right tackle with exceptional height, bulk and arm length. He has the power to overwhelm defenders in the run game. McDaniels has had success with big right tackles in his offense.

Pick #126 Matthew Butler, DT Tennessee
Butler has the active hands, body control and top-end speed to develop into a disruptive interior pass-rusher. He is also able to play in either line set which is a requirement for the hybrid defense deployed by the Raiders.

Pick #164 Tyquan Thornton, WR Baylor
Thornton has good instincts and the ability to create separation on the move. He’s a vertical threat with elite speed. This is exactly what the Raiders need for their offense.

 

Los Angeles Chargers
Team Needs: OT, DT, LB
Pick #17 Trevor Penning, OT Northern Iowa
Penning is an outstanding run blocker and relentless mauler who overwhelms defenders at the point of attack. Add him to last year’s pick and the Chargers have a set of the best bookends in the NFL.

Pick #79 Phidarian Mathis, DT Alabama
Mathis has the long arms to lock out blockers. He locates the ball quickly and explodes to and through ball carriers. He is really good against the run and has pass rush ability, that is something the Chargers really need.

Pick #123 Brandon Smith, ILB Penn State
Smith is a rangy run-defender who flies around the field and has outstanding speed. A true thumper in the middle is something that is needed to improve the Chargers horrible run defense.

 

Kansas City Chiefs
Team Needs: WR, EDGE, ILB
Pick #29 Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas
Burks is a thickly built receiver who excels after the catch and is a mismatch. He is AJ Brown 2.0 but because of his 40 time at the Combine he slips to the bottom of the draft and right into Andy Reid’s hands. What a steal.

Pick #30 Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
Mafe has one of the fastest get-offs in this class. He has impressive torso flexibility and explosive finishing burst. He should be great on the other side of Frank Clark.

Pick #50 Christian Harris, ILB Alabama
Harris is a sideline-to-sideline run-defender who sifts through traffic and closes well. He is a great fit and is a technical guru with defensive schemes.

There are going to be a lot of trades and a lot of surprises in this draft. Not sure how it is all going to play out but it should make for some interesting tv. Here is to hoping your team shits the bed. Til then………FO!

Well gentlemen, we are a little over two weeks away from the 2022 NFL Draft and things have never been more exciting in the division. With all of the free agent signings and trades, the division is a lot tighter and the draft has become a required success for each and every team.

The Mock Draft will cover each teams top three picks.
Let’s get it…

Denver Broncos
Team Needs: LB, TE, OT
Pick #64 Trey McBride, TE Colorado State
McBride is a reliable target with great hands and a above average blocker in the run game. With the Broncos trading Fant and with Okwuegbunam’s injury history, getting another quality tight end is a must.

Pick #75 Troy Anderson, LB Montana State
Anderson is an athletic freak with Wide Receiver speed. He is also a tackling machine and would be a instant plug and play guy.

Pick #96 Rasheed Walker, OT Penn State
Walker will need some time to develop but should be ready to start sooner rather than later. The Broncos have been a revolving door at Right Tackle. Drafting Walker should put that to rest.]

 

Las Vegas Raiders
Team Needs: IDL, OT, WR
Pick #86 Phidarian Mathis, DT Alabama
Mathis has size, strength and the ability to play in any defensive front. He also has some pass rush ability.

Pick #126 Abraham Lucas, OT Washington State
Lucas has size, power and movement skills that make him an excellent pass protector. He is pretty good in the run game.

Pick #164 Tyquan Thornton, WR Baylor
Thornton is the fastest receiver in the draft and that is exactly what the Raiders need to add to the team. He has the ability to take the top off of the defense but he will have to add some weight and muscle.

 

Los Angeles Chargers
Team Needs: OT, DT, WR
Pick #17 Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Penning a flat out mauler and plays with a chip on his shoulder. This would give the Chargers a set of the best bookends in the game and open up their offense even more.

Pick #79 John Ridgeway, DT Arkansas
Ridgeway is a big, strong Nose Tackle that is almost impossible to move in the run game and will be a beast in the middle.

Pick #123 Calvin Austin, WR Memphis
Austin is short (5’8″) but he is a flat out burner and a nightmare to cover. This guy in the slot will be a fantastic option for the Chargers offense.

 

Kansas City Chiefs
Team Needs: WR, DE, ILB
Pick #29 Skyy Moore, WR Western Michigan
Moore was the best all-around Wide Receiver prospect at the Combine. He does everything really well and can play both in the slot and on the outside.

Pick #30 David Ojabo, DE Michigan
Ojabo was considered a top 10 pick but because of his injury (Torn Achilles) he slips down to the Chiefs and they get the steal of the draft.

Pick #50 Christian Harris, LB Alabama
Harris is a high-upside athlete with fantastic coverage skills. He is a great fit and is a technical guru with defensive schemes.

The draft is going to be so interesting this year. How many remotes will get destroyed? How much alcohol will be consumed? Will there be more celebrations or commiserations? Stay tunned……Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel.

“there is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.”
― Miyamoto Musashi, The Book of Five Rings

While attending the National War College, this book was required reading. Since the start of free agency, each team in the AFC West has applied this mentality and have left the rest of the NFL in its dust. The strength of this division is unbelievable and we are still in the middle of free agency with the NFL Draft still to come.

Each year you see a team or two make a big trade or a big free agent signing. What you do not see is a entire division make huge moves that propel it leaps and bounds ahead of the entire NFL. This season will be a downright bloodbath and every week a team in this division will be in a featured game.
Let’s look at the moves each team has made so far….

Denver Broncos:
QB Josh Johnson, QB Russell Wilson, OT Calvin Anderson, OL Tom Compton, DE Randy Gregory, DT D.J. Jones, DT DeShawn Williams, LB Josey Jewell, LB Malik Reed, LB Alex Singleton

The Broncos went all in to get a pro-bowl quarterback and did so with the trade for Russell Wilson. They surrendered 5 draft picks and 3 players to get him and a draft pick but if he can regain his pro-bowl form, this team could be in the mix for a playoff spot. They also were able to sign Gregory who is a terror on the edge.

Kansas City Chiefs
QB Chad Henne, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, OT Orlando Brown, DE Frank Clark, S Justin Reid

The Chiefs did not need to do much but resigning Brown and Clark was very smart. Adding JuJu Smith-Schuster should be great as he will see more one on one coverages on this team than he has ever seen before.

Las Vegas Raiders
QB Garrett Gilbert, RB Ameer Abdullah, RB Brandon Bolden, FB Jakob Johnson, WR Davante Adams, DE Maxx Crosby, DE Chandler Jones, DT Bilal Nichols, CB Anthony Averett, CB Rock Ya-Sin

The Raiders new brain trust started slow but boy oh boy when they did get started. Resigning Crosby was a must and they got it done. To stay up with the rest of the teams in the division, they went out and traded for arguably the best receiver in the NFL and one of the most consistent sack artist as well.

Los Angeles Chargers
QB Chase Daniel, WR Mike Williams, TE Gerald Everett, DT Christian Covington, DT Austin Johnson, DL Sebastian Joseph-Day, LB Khalil Mack, CB J.C. Jackson, LS Josh Harris, K Dustin Hopkins

This was the year that TT and the Chargers decided to swing for the fences and so far it is clean out of the park. He resigned Williams after a career year. Bringing the interception machine that is Jackson to the team was not enough, they also went out and traded for the sack machine that is Mack.

 

The quarterbacks in the division are second to none. The defensive ends are sick. The receivers are top tier. There are just so many good football players in this division with more to come.

Which ever team/s make it to the playoffs from this division, they will be completely battle tested and should make a deep run. No coach can complain that they don’t have the talent to win as each GM has really done their jobs to this point with the draft to come.

There are some serious football warriors in the AFC West and we should see some incredible football this year. Buckle up gents, it is going to be a fun ride.

“The only reason a warrior is alive is to fight, and the only reason a warrior fights is to win”
― Miyamoto Musashi, A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy