All four teams in the AFC West had a great draft this year, adding some depth to their roster and filling some significant needs as they head into the 2014 season.
Here’s a quick look at the 2014 AFC West draft picks.
The Broncos drafted Bradley Roby, Cody Latimer, Michael Schofield, and Lamin Barrow.
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Dee Ford, Phillip Gaines, De’Anthony Thomas, Aaron Murray, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, and Zach Fulton.
San Diego drafted Jason Verrett, Jerimiah Attaochu, Chris Watt, Ryan Carrethers, and Marion Grice.
Lastly, the Oakland Raiders selected Khalil Mack, Derek Carr, Gabe Jackson, Justin Ellis, Keith McGill, Travis Carrie, Shelby Harris, and Jonathan Dowling.
With the Broncos, Chiefs, and Chargers all making the playoffs last season, there was little they needed when it came draft time. The Raiders, however, were in need of pretty much everything come draft day, and Reggie McKenzie delivered. Khalil Mack was the fifth overall pick this year and will be the rookie with the biggest impact this season.
Mack will have an immediate impact on the Oakland defense alongside guys like Sio Moore and Justin Tuck. The 6’3”, 251 pound linebacker was one of the best defensive players in the draft. He can defend the run and rush the passer at a superior level, which is an area the Raiders needed to improve. (Lamarr Houston led the Raiders with six sacks last year, with Nick Roach right behind him with five and a half).
Defensive coordinator Jason Tarver, now has both experienced veterans and young up and comers on his staff this year, and will be able to excel at taking advantage at the opposition's weaknesses.
When it comes to Mack the expectations are high as head coach, Dennis Allen, has compared him to Denver’s Von Miller, which is quite the compliment for the young rookie.
Last season, the Raiders allowed the second-most points per game in franchise history at 28.3, but with the acquisitions of Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, and Antonio Smith as well as youngsters such as Mack and Moore, this revamped defense has an opportunity to make some big plays and put up some excellent numbers in 2014.
Oakland was in need of a young defensive playmaker, and that’s exactly what they got with their first round pick. The Mack Attack will have an immediate impact with the silver and black, and put a lot of pressure on the quarterback.