Re-grading every NFL team's 2020 rookie class: AFC West
With the 2020 NFL season officially complete, theScore's NFL editors re-evaluate the performance of each team's rookie class.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Denver Broncos
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | WR Jerry Jeudy |
| 2 | WR K.J. Hamler |
| 3 | CB Michael Ojemudia |
| 3 | C Lloyd Cushenberry |
| 3 | DT McTelvin Agim |
| 4 | TE Albert Okwuegbunam |
| 5 | LB Justin Strnad |
| 6 | G Netane Muti |
| 7 | WR Tyrie Cleveland |
| 7 | LB Derrek Tuszka |
Notable UDFAs: CB Essang Bassey
Grade: C-
One can't help but feel disappointed in the returns from the Broncos' robust draft class. Jeudy and Hamler struggled when given larger roles after Courtland Sutton's season-ending injury. Jeudy caught just 46% of the throws sent his way, and Hamler saw few opportunities to showcase his trademark speed. Cushenberry was PFF's 41st-ranked pass-blocking center, and he drew the league's lowest run-blocking grade. Ojemudia received several starts due to A.J. Bouye's injury, allowing a 120.2 passer rating when targeted. Agim also appeared out of his depth over his 140 snaps.
Kansas City Chiefs
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire |
| 2 | LB Willie Gay Jr. |
| 4 | CB L'Jarius Sneed |
| 5 | DE Mike Danna |
| 7 | CB Thakarius Keyes |
Notable UDFAs: P Tommy Townsend, DT Tershawn Wharton
Grade: B
General manager Brett Veach and his staff did it again, putting together a solid class despite picking at the end of each round. Edwards-Helaire was thought to be a perfect fit for the Chiefs' offense, and although the rookie back didn't put up eye-popping numbers, he did record 1,100 total yards while scoring five touchdowns. Sneed was the true star of the class. The fourth-round selection was thrust right into the fire, and he picked off two passes over his first two games. Sneed played mostly as a slot corner, finishing the year with three picks while adding two sacks. Danna also was given significant playing time, and Townsend became the team's primary punter, though his two Super Bowl shanks proved costly.
Las Vegas Raiders
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | WR Henry Ruggs III |
| 1 | CB Damon Arnette |
| 3 | RB/WR Lynn Bowden |
| 3 | WR Bryan Edwards |
| 3 | LB Tanner Muse |
| 4 | G John Simpson |
| 4 | CB Amik Robertson |
Grade: D+
General manager Mike Mayock's first order of business after the season was to address the disappointing year his two first-round picks logged. So yeah, it wasn't a great draft for the Raiders. Ruggs and Arnette should still develop into standouts, but they left much to be desired as rookies. Ruggs was the first wideout selected in the draft, and he finished the campaign with just 452 receiving yards and two scores. Arnette battled injuries, making nine appearances and recording zero interceptions. The Raiders' next pick must have been better, right? Nope, Las Vegas traded Bowden to Miami before the season even started. Edwards, Simpson, and Robertson played sparsely.
Los Angeles Chargers
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | QB Justin Herbert |
| 1 | LB Kenneth Murray |
| 4 | RB Joshua Kelley |
| 5 | WR Joe Reed |
| 6 | S Alohi Gilman |
| 7 | WR K.J. Hill |
Notable UDFAs: FB Gabe Nabers
Grade: A+
Despite owning the sixth overall pick and selecting the third quarterback in the draft, the Chargers wound up with the Rookie of the Year in Herbert. The young passer was installed as the team's starter just moments before the coin flip in Week 2, and he went on to set multiple rookie passing records and lead the Chargers on a four-game winning streak to end the year. The Bolts' 2020 class would have been a hit because of that selection alone, but fellow first-round pick Murray led the club in tackles, Kelley received 111 carries and filled in admirably for Austin Ekeler, and even Nabers made quality offensive contributions.