Draft Grades - AFC West: Broncos get their QB, Chiefs stockpile picks
With the 2016 NFL Draft officially complete, theScore's NFL editors hand out their initial grades for how teams fared during all seven rounds.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Denver Broncos
| Rd. | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | QB Paxton Lynch |
| 2 | DT Adam Gotsis |
| 3 | S Justin Simmons |
| 4 | RB Devontae Booker |
| 5 | G Connor McGovern |
| 6 | FB Andy Janovich |
| 7 | P Riley Dixon |
After failing to pick up a replacement for Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler earlier this offseason, the Broncos moved up and landed Paxton Lynch toward the end of the opening round. The Memphis product is a strong fit for Gary Kubiak's offensive scheme. Adam Gotsis and Justin Simmons could be slated for reserve roles at their respective positions, and Devontae Booker may be limited to a passing-down role behind C.J. Anderson, but that's the reality of having a Super Bowl-caliber roster. This class could pay off in the long term.
Grade: C
Oakland Raiders
| Rd. | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | S Karl Joseph |
| 2 | DL Jihad Ward |
| 3 | DE Shilique Calhoun |
| 4 | QB Connor Cook |
| 5 | RB DeAndre Washington |
| 6 | LB Cory James |
| 7 | G Vadal Alexander |
The Raiders got off to a good start in the first round, as Joseph fills arguably the most pressing need on the roster. Both a tone-setter against the run and a playmaker in coverage, he's a potential foundation piece on the defensive side. Oakland's "best player available" approach became even more apparent thereafter, landing a pair of defensive linemen and a value quarterback to develop behind Derek Carr. While this isn't necessarily a flashy class, it can be considered solid nonetheless.
Grade: B-
Kansas City Chiefs
| Rd. | Player |
|---|---|
| 2 | DT Chris Jones |
| 3 | CB KeiVarae Russell |
| 4 | G Parker Ehinger |
| 4 | CB Eric Murray |
| 4 | WR Demarcus Robinson |
| 5 | QB Kevin Hogan |
| 5 | WR Tyreek Hill |
| 6 | CB D.J. White |
| 6 | LB Dadi Nicolas |
Kansas City positioned itself to make a number of additions to bolster an already talented roster by trading back on two separate occasions. The team focused on value meshed with positional need, especially within the first three selections. Chris Jones adds a potentially dominant interior presence to complement one of the league's best edge-rushing groups. KeiVarae Russell is a talented cover man who could immediately step into a role opposite Marcus Peters. Parker Ehinger is a potential Day 1 starter at guard. Don't rule out D.J. White pushing for a nickel role in the secondary, either.
Grade: B
San Diego Chargers
| Rd. | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | DE Joey Bosa |
| 2 | TE Hunter Henry |
| 3 | C Max Tuerk |
| 4 | LB Joshua Perry |
| 5 | LB Jatavis Brown |
| 6 | P Drew Kaser |
| 6 | FB Derek Watt |
| 7 | G Donavon Clark |
San Diego made the first surprise pick of the draft, opting for Bosa over several other top talents in play at No. 3. The only concern for that decision is whether Bosa will be a fit on the edge in a 3-4 front. In looking at the middle rounds, it's tough to take issue with any of the Chargers' picks. Hunter Henry, a rare well-rounded tight end prospect, joins the club as Antonio Gates' heir apparent. Joshua Perry and Jatavis Brown add some much needed talent and competition at inside linebacker, while the addition of Max Tuerk finally upgrades the interior offensive line.
Grade: B