Each AFC West team has specific needs as they prepare for the 2015 season.  The Denver Broncos won the division, and while the Chiefs and Chargers made a playoff push, they came up short.  It has been a crazy week with free agency and trades, but as the draft approaches, teams take a look at their needs and evaluate their rosters. Here’s a look at each team in the AFC West’s biggest needs after this week of free agency.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos finished the season with a 12-4 record, and were eliminated by the Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs.  Denver has dealt with some drama this offseason with the firing of John Fox and uncertainty of Peyton Manning’s future, but they are now back on track with Manning passing his physical and the hiring of Gary Kubiak.  

Before talking about their needs, lets take a quick look back at what they’ve done this offseason through free agency.

They lost Julius Thomas, a key playmaker for Manning, as he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars to become the highest paid tight end in the NFL.  While this Thomas is gone, the Broncos put the franchise tag on Demaryius Thomas, who is also key to their offensive success.

So far, they have added tight end Owen Daniels, defensive end Vance Walker, punter Karl Schmitz, and have agreed to terms with safety Darian Stewart, and guard Shelley Smith.

With Julius Thomas’ departure, they needed to address the tight end position and have done so already.  While Thomas is one of the best in the game, Daniels has experience with Kubiak and knows his offensive schemes, he will fit in nicely with this offense.

A main concern with the defense was also the defensive line with the departure of Terrance Knighton.  They’ve added Walker, who knows the AFC West very well playing for the Raiders, Chiefs, and now joining the Broncos.

Entering free agency, the Broncos needs included offensive line help, tight end, and some defensive line reinforcements.  They didn’t really make a splash this free agency, but they didn’t need to.  They have a talented team, and have addressed some of their needs already.  

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs finished the 2014 campaign with a 9-7 record, missing out on the playoffs.  This was partially because of their lack of firepower from the receiving core, as they had trouble getting in the endzone.  KC has great talent at the running back position with Jamaal Charles, and they’ve found a gem in Travis Kelce.  

Taking a look back on what they’ve done thus far this offseason, they have made some good signings.  The biggest, of course, is the addition of Jeremy Maclin, who provides a downfield threat and can serve as a great playmaker for Alex Smith.  They’ve also improved defensively by signing Tyvon Branch, who was released by the Raiders after a few injury prone seasons, as well as Ron Parker.  They needed to make improvements with the offensive line as well, and have began to address that with the signing of Paul Fanaika after losing Rodney Hudson, who was their best offensive lineman last year.

Looking ahead they need to continue to build a better offensive line to protect Smith and give him time to make plays.  Last season, they did better than expected, but there is still work to be done.  With the signing of Maclin, they also need to bring in another wide receiver to serve as a solid number two receiver, especially considering how deflated they were at the position last year.  They can address this situation in the draft as this year’s draft class is stacked with wide receivers.  There is also a need at the tight end and cornerback positions.

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers also finished the season 9-7 with an opportunity to make the playoffs, but in the end came up short by losing must win games.  Quarterback Philip Rivers carried the team, as the offense greatly struggled at times, especially with the run game.

The Chargers have a few areas to address this offseason, but have started doing so through free agency.  They have been in need of a new running back, some offensive line reinforcements, secondary help, a pass rusher, as well as a wide receiver.  

Ryan Mathews signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, but wasn’t too productive the past few seasons for the Chargers and has proven to be unreliable.  The Chargers still need to bring in a running back capable of establishing a strong run game and taking some pressure off Rivers.  They have addressed their woes at wide receiver by signing Stevie Johnson and Jacoby Jones in an effort to bring in playmakers for their quarterback, further improving this offense.  They have also signed guard Orlando Franklin and defensive back Jimmy Wilson.

A running back is a prime need for the Chargers this offseason, and they still need to improve on the secondary, but they’ve brought in some offensive playmakers to help their quarterback move the ball better downfield.

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders finished the 2014 season with a 3-13 record, and were last in the AFC West.  They had plenty of money to spend last offseason, but their free agent acquisitions didn’t pan out like they’d hoped.  This offseason, they have plenty of money to spend, yet again, but so far have made questionable signings while letting the top playmakers sign elsewhere.  

There isn’t much the Raiders don’t need.  As a team in rebuilding mode, trying to get on a winning path, there are many holes to fill.  So far this offseason they have brought in quite a few players, but not many names that stand out.  

After having nearly $70 million to spend in cap space, the Raiders have signed: linebacker Curtis Lofton, defensive tackle Dan Williams, center Rodney Hudson, tight end Lee Smith, safety Nate Allen, cornerback James Dockery, quarterback Christian Ponder, and most recently running back Trent Richardson.  Not quite the free agent haul one would expect from a team with so much money to spend.

All that being said, they’ve addressed a few of their needs thus far.  They lack playmakers, and still have not brought any in.  The best signing for the silver and black so far is arguably Hudson, who will improve the Raiders o-line, but they are still in need of help on the receiving core, as well as defensively in the secondary and more of a pass rush threat.  

Oakland will most likely address their lack of playmaking receivers in this year’s draft as they have the fourth overall pick, but the silver and black still have a lot of needs as the offseason continues.