NFL Draft Grades: AFC West

With the 2021 NFL Draft officially complete, theScore's NFL editors hand out their initial grades for how teams fared.

NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST

Denver Broncos

Grade: B+

The Broncos continue to stack their roster with players that can soon become stars. Surtain and Williams were theScore's top-ranked cornerback and running back, respectively, while Johnson was our third-ranked safety. All three players impact spots that Denver has short- and long-term questions about. However, the Broncos didn't select a quarterback despite having the No. 9 pick, keeping the team without the final and most important piece of the puzzle. Although Denver improved its roster in the draft, it's still hard to imagine the club succeeding with its current quarterback situation.

Kansas City Chiefs

Grade: B-

The Chiefs lost a few picks as part of the Orlando Brown trade, including their first-rounder, but overall the reigning AFC champions addressed all of the team's roster needs. Granted, Kansas City's star-loaded squad doesn't have major areas of concern, but both Bolton and Humphrey could be contributors straight away. The Chiefs arguably could've selected a receiver and edge rusher with more upside - Powell and Kaindoh come with big questions - but Andy Reid and Co. overall found pieces that should keep K.C. competitive for a long time.

Las Vegas Raiders

Grade: B-

The Raiders once again seemed to like players that most experts weren't high on. That affinity explains why the organization made one of Day 1's biggest reaches in Leatherwood. However, Las Vegas compensated for a questionable first round with a major steal on the second day, addressing its secondary with Moehrig. The Raiders also plan to use Deablo as a linebacker, and his versatility and speed should have an impact straight away. At the end of the seven rounds, Vegas' draft class does come with question marks, but addressing the needs for a good value pumps the final grade.

Los Angeles Chargers

Grade: A

The Chargers' first two picks were perhaps the best of the entire draft. Los Angeles addressed two big needs for a solid value with Slater and Samuel, arguably the top players available. The rest of the class has small reaches in it - such as McKitty in the third round - but in general, it's focused on positions where the Chargers suffered losses during free agency. Although L.A. already had a solid roster entering the draft, the team leaves the event clearly more prepared to compete in the AFC West.