2022 NFL Draft Grades: AFC West
With the 2022 NFL Draft officially complete, theScore's NFL editors hand out their initial grades for each team's incoming rookies.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Denver Broncos
Grade: C
There isn't a whole lot to get excited about here. The Broncos weren't on the clock until late in the second round and ended up with Bonitto, who will likely be a rotational edge rusher as a rookie. The rest of their picks also added little more than depth and competition. There's nothing wrong with that, as Denver's roster was already in a good place. But with an eye on competing this year with Russell Wilson, perhaps the Broncos could have put the Day 2 picks to better use by filling starting spots at defensive tackle, right tackle, and linebacker.
Kansas City Chiefs
Grade: A
The Chiefs had four picks in the top 62 after the Tyreek Hill trade, and they really couldn't have put them to much better use. McDuffie is a potential star who fills a major need at corner. The same goes for Karlaftis, an absolute steal at No. 30 overall. Moore is a great fit for Kansas City's high-powered offense, and Chenal is a stout linebacker whose presence helps address the Chiefs' issues defending the run. This was never a rebuild. The Hill trade allowed Kansas City to reload, and the club did precisely that.
Las Vegas Raiders
Grade: B
The Raiders sent their first two picks to Green Bay for Davante Adams, so the host team had a long wait before getting on the clock in Las Vegas. However, it was one value pick after another once they started going to work. Parham should compete for a starting spot as a rookie, as should Farrell and Butler. White will add depth for now, but following the decision to decline Josh Jacobs' fifth-year option, it may only be a matter of time before he's the Raiders' feature back. The new regime in Vegas is off to a good start.
Los Angeles Chargers
Grade: B
Right tackle was a popular pick for the Chargers in mock drafts, but they opted for the next best thing with the value not there at No. 17. Johnson is a supremely talented player to upgrade Los Angeles' offensive line at a different spot than right tackle. He joins 2021 first-rounder Rashawn Slater in giving the Chargers an impressive foundation up front. Woods is a rangy playmaker who, along with Derwin James and Nasir Adderly, gives Brandon Staley a ton of options on the back end. And Spiller provides plenty of value midway through the fourth round, surprisingly ending up as the ninth running back off the board. This is a draft haul that will fly under the radar, but there are a few pieces that could help L.A. get over the top as soon as this year.
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