AFC West Offseason Grades 2023
Kansas City Chiefs’ Offseason 2023
Draft Picks
- Round 1 (31): EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State
- Round 2 (55): WR Rashee Rice, SMU
- Round 3 (92): T Wanya Morris, Oklahoma
- Round 4 (119): S Chamarri Conner, Virginia Tech
- Round 5 (166): EDGE BJ Thompson, Stephen F. Austin
- Round 6 (194): DI Keondre Coburn, Texas
- Round 7 (250): CB Nic Jones, Ball State
Signings
- OT Jawaan Taylor: 4-year, $80 million deal
- EDGE Charles Omenihu: Signed
- LB Dru Tranquill: 1-year deal
- OT Donovan Smith: Signed
- RB Jerick McKinnon: Re-signed
- WR Richie James: Signed
- DT Derrick Nnadi: Re-signed
- LB Drue Tranquill: 1-year deal
- DT Byron Cowart: Signed
- TE Blake Bell: Re-signed
- S Mike Edwards: 1-year deal
Losses
- OT Orlando Brown: Signed with Bengals
- WR JuJu Smith-Schuster: Signed with Patriots
- S Juan Thornhill: Signed with Browns
- WR Mecole Hardman: Signed with Jets
- ED Frank Clark: Free Agent
- G Nick Allegretti: Free Agent
- G Andrew Wylie: Signed with Washington Commanders
- T Orlando Brown Jr.: Free Agent
- TE Blake Bell: Free Agent
- RB Ronald Jones: Free Agent
- RB Jerick McKinnon: Free Agent
- FB Michael Burton: Free Agent
- WR Mecole Hardman: Free Agent
- WR Justin Watson: Free Agent
- QB Chad Henne: Free Agent
- DE Carlos Dunlap: Free Agent
- DT Derrick Nnadi: Free Agent
- DT Khalen Saunders: Free Agent
- DT Brandon Williams: Free Agent
- S Deon Bush: Free Agent
- S Juan Thornhill: Free Agent
Restructures
- Frank Clark: Attempted to rework deal but failed, leading to release
Overview
The Chiefs made significant moves in free agency, including letting Orlando Brown sign with the Bengals and opting to bring in Jawaan Taylor. They also cut Frank Clark in favor of bolstering the pass rush via the draft. The Chiefs’ biggest move was the signing of Jawaan Taylor to a 4-year, $80 million deal, solidifying their offensive line.
In the draft, the Chiefs focused on rebuilding the receiving corps and bolstering the pass rush. They selected Felix Anudike-Uzomah in the first round and added intriguing prospects like Rashee Rice and BJ Thompson.
The Chiefs also made key re-signings, including Derrick Nnadi, and brought in new faces like Charles Omenihu and Dru Tranquill. The loss of Orlando Brown and Juan Thornhill will be felt, but the team has made moves to mitigate those departures.
With Patrick Mahomes at the helm and a strong draft class, the Chiefs are well-positioned for another Super Bowl run. The team’s focus on maintaining the offensive line and improving the defense’s ability to rush the passer should pay dividends in the long run.
Las Vegas Raiders’ Offseason 2023
Draft Picks
- Round 1 (7th overall): EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
- Round 2 (35th): TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
- Round 3 (70th): Byron Young, Alabama
- Round 3 (100th): WR Tre Tucker, Cincinnati
- Round 4 (104th): CB Jakorian Bennett, Maryland
- Round 4 (135th): QB Aidan O’Connell, Purdue
- Round 5 (170th): S Christopher Smith, Georgia
- Round 6 (203rd): LB Amari Burney, Florida
- Round 7 (231st): DI Nesta Jade Silvera, Arizona State
Signings
- Brian Hoyer, QB: Signed a two-year contract.
- DeAndre Carter, WR: Signed a contract.
- Alex Bars, G: Re-signed.
- John Jenkins, DT: Signed a contract.
- Keelan Cole, WR: Re-signed.
- Jimmy Garoppolo, QB: Signed as a free agent.
- Jakobi Meyers, WR: Signed as a free agent.
- Austin Hooper, TE: Signed as a free agent.
- Marcus Peters, CB: Signed as a three-time Pro Bowl corner.
- Jermaine Eluemunor, OT: Re-signed.
- Josh Jacobs, RB: Re-signed.
Losses
- Derek Carr, QB: Released after nine years with the organization.
- Rock Ya-Sin, CB: Lost to free agency (Baltimore Ravens).
- Denzel Perryman, LB: Lost to free agency (Houston Texans).
- Foster Moreau, TE: Lost to free agency (New Orleans Saints).
- Duron Harmon, S: Free agent.
- Mack Hollins, WR: Lost to free agency (Atlanta Falcons).
- Andrew Billings, DI: Lost to free agency (Chicago Bears).
The Raiders’ offseason moves reflect a significant shift in their offensive strategy, with a focus on strengthening their defense and adding depth to their receiving corps. The release of Derek Carr and the signing of Jimmy Garoppolo signal a new direction at the quarterback position. The draft also brought in promising talents like Tyree Wilson and Michael Mayer, who could make immediate impacts.
Los Angeles Chargers’ 2023 offseason
Draft Picks
- Round 1 (21st): WR Quentin Johnston, TCU
- Round 2 (54th): EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
- Round 3 (85th): LB Daiyan Henley, Washington State
- Round 4 (125th): WR Derius Davis, TCU
- Round 5 (156th): T Jordan McFadden, Clemson
- Round 6 (200th): DI Scott Matlock, Boise State
- Round 7 (239th): QB Max Duggan, TCU
Signings
- LB Eric Kendricks: Headlined the free agency class for the Chargers.
- DI Morgan Fox: Signed
- OT Trey Pipkins: Signed
- CB Bryce Callahan: Signed
Losses
- LB Drue Tranquill: Signed with Kansas City Chiefs
- ED Kyle Van Noy: Free Agent
- S Nasir Adderley: Free Agent
Other Notable Moves
- The Chargers opted not to make any big splashes in free agency, with veteran LB Eric Kendricks headlining their class. Kendricks regressed in terms of coverage grade each of the past two seasons but was among the best in the league in the category in 2019 and 2020.
- With over $12 million in cap space remaining, Los Angeles could consider re-signing some of their own free agents who remain unsigned.
- The Chargers were quick to address their depth issue at wide receiver by taking Quentin Johnston with the 21st overall pick. His 532 yards after the catch in 2022 was second-best among all receivers in the draft class.
- The Chargers were dismal against the run last season, largely due to the play of the defensive interior. The entire unit graded below 60.0 on run plays, and the unit returns intact this year, with the only draft addition being sixth-rounder Scott Matlock from Boise State.
Overview
The Chargers made up for an uninspiring free-agent class with a solid draft, focusing on injecting youth and athleticism into the skill positions. Quentin Johnston is expected to make a quick impact, and the Chargers devoted Day 2 to defense, drafting USC edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu and Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley.
Denver Broncos’ 2023 offseason
Draft Picks
- Round 2 (63rd): WR Marvin Mims, Oklahoma
- Round 3 (67th): LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas
- Round 3 (83rd): CB Riley Moss, Iowa
- Round 6 (183rd): S JL Skinner, Boise State
- Round 7 (257th): C Alex Forsyth, Oregon
Signings
- OT Mike McGlinchey: Signed as a free agent, ranked as PFF’s 11th-ranked free agent.
- G Ben Powers: Signed as a free agent, ranked 15th among guards in PFF WAR in 2022.
- DI Zach Allen: Signed away from Arizona for less money than Dre’Mont Jones got from Seattle, ranked 15th in PFF WAR in 2022.
- LB Alex Singleton: Signed
- S Kareem Jackson: Signed
- RB Samaje Perine: Signed
- CB Kyle Fuller: Signed
- P Riley Dixon: Signed
Losses
- DI Dre’Mont Jones: Signed with Seattle Seahawks
- G Dalton Risner: Free Agent
- G Billy Turner: Signed with New York Jets
- T Cameron Fleming: Free Agent
Other Notable Moves
- Offensive Line Overhaul: With the signings of Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers, the Broncos should now have a formidable starting offensive line.
- Defensive Line Upgrade: Denver signed Zach Allen away from Arizona, who ranked 15th in PFF WAR in 2022, to replace Dre’Mont Jones, who ranked 60th.
- Running Back Depth: With Javonte Williams recovering from a severe knee injury, the Broncos signed former Bengals backup RB Samaje Perine. There may be a need for another veteran back come August.
- Early Position Battle: Marvin Mims vs. Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick for a significant early role as a receiver.
Overview
The Broncos made the most of their situation in the draft, despite not having a first-round pick due to last year’s trade for Russell Wilson. They made three solid picks on Day 2, including Marvin Mims, known for his after-the-catch ability.
In free agency, the Broncos quietly upgraded both the offensive and defensive lines. The signings of Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers should bolster the offensive line, while Zach Allen’s addition could improve the defensive line.
The outlook for 2023 is promising if head coach Sean Payton can get Russell Wilson playing at a level reminiscent of his Seattle days. The rest of the pieces are largely there for the offense, and an already-strong defense could improve with Allen’s arrival. Denver could be a surprise playoff team in 2023.
