Next division up in this deep dive into every NFL team’s draft needs is the AFC West. Although this division is lopsided in terms of individual team success recently, each franchise goes into this draft with specific needs to address before next season.
2024 Draft Needs For Each AFC West Team
Denver Broncos
Notable Picks: 12, 76, 121
Draft Needs: QB, CB, Edge
One year into the Sean Payton era, and the Broncos are tearing everything down. The departure of several key players this offseason would indicate a complete rebuild, and their top priority will be to draft players that can help this team get back to being an NFL powerhouse in a few years.
Their first concern would be to obtain a franchise quarterback, and Denver might have to get tricky to pull this off in the draft. They’ll likely use the 12th pick to take corner Quinyon Mitchell to pair with Patrick Surtain II in their secondary. Then, if they want to land the best available quarterback, they’ll have to use some assets to trade up. Look for the Broncos to target Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr., should they choose to trade up for a higher pick.
Kansas City Chiefs
Notable Picks: 32, 64, 95
Draft Needs: DT, WR
For a team coming off of back-to-back Super Bowl wins, the Kansas City Chiefs still have weak spots on their roster that they will hope to strengthen during this draft.
Signing Marquise Brown in free agency could be huge for their offense, but the Chiefs will still want more targets for Patrick Mahomes to hit downfield. The Chiefs have several wide receiver options to consider, including the Texas duo of Xavier Henry and Adonai Mitchell. They would likely have to trade up for Henry, and the Chiefs would probably rather keep their picks for later and just take Mitchell at No. 32.
With picks No. 64 and 95, the Chiefs will look for the best available defensive tackles. Even with the re-signing of Chris Jones, the Chiefs still need more depth around him on the defensive line. By reinforcing their defense and fixing their wide receiver issues, the Chiefs will be even more deadly to start the season.
Las Vegas Raiders
Notable Picks: 13, 44, 77
Draft Needs: QB, RT, CB
The Raiders find themselves in a situation similar to the Broncos with a slightly more positive upside. Las Vegas also is in need of a franchise quarterback but will just miss out on the best of the best with the picks they have. If guys like J.J. McCarthy, or Jaden Daniels fall to that 13th spot, obviously the Raiders should take them, but in the likely event that doesn’t happen, Vegas might trade up for Nix or Penix Jr.
Whatever the Raiders do, it will be a quarterback carousel in Vegas, at least to start the season. Aiden O’Connell was named starter to begin the season by Coach Antonio Pierce. However, with the signing of Gardner Minshew and with a potential rookie QB from the draft, the Raiders will probably give plenty of opportunities to each of these guys to see who will be the more permanent QB1.
Aside from the quarterback needs, the Raiders will need to deepen their offensive line. Troy Fautanu and Taliese Fuaga are projected to be the best two guys available for the Raiders and either of them would be the logical pick at No. 13.
Los Angeles Chargers
Notable Picks: 5, 37, 69
Draft Needs: WR, CB, DT
The Chargers perspective on the draft changed this offseason when they lost their two best receivers in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. With Justin Herbert now missing a go-to guy at that position, it’s very clear that the Chargers need to take Malik Nabers with the fifth pick. With all his skill and competitiveness, he would be an excellent wide receiver to pair with the arm talent of Justin Herbert.
Like many NFL teams, the Chargers badly need improvement in their backfield. Unfortunately for most teams, the prospected cornerback talent runs out after the first few picks in that position. However, the Chargers have an opportunity to land a good corner at pick 37 before the talent level drops off. They’ll likely have their choice between Kamari Lassiter or Ennis Rakestraw Jr. at that spot.
After bringing Coach Jim Harbaugh back to the NFL to lead the team this season, the Chargers are trending upward. If they have a successful draft, they might be able to bring more balance to the lopsided AFC West.
Next Division: NFC South
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