Grading The Draft: AFC WEST
Oakland Raiders
1(7): WR Darrius Heyward-Bey – Where do we begin? This pick may haunt the Raiders for years. Gridiron Experts would like to go on record and say that Heyward-Bey will be the next Troy Williamson or Ted Ginn Jr. Al Davis needs to allow his coaches to make the decisions, as his love for speed is destroying the Raiders.  Heyward-Bey will have more pressure on him than any other player in the draft.  If he can overlook the  fact that Raider fans wanted Crabtree and just go out and play, then his future could be great in Oakland, but most likey the media will kill him if he struggles early.
2(15): SS Mike Mitchell – This pick, even with the rumors of the Bears wanting him, is still a reach. Mitchell and Heyward-Bey are fast and could develop into star players, but value on draft day is key; Oakland could have gotten these two players and so much more by trading down or showing patience.
Other Moves: It’s hard to find anything worth talking about in this draft class. The Raiders no doubt had the worst draft of the league, and unless one of their later round projects turns out to be a full time starter, or Heyward-Bey proves the world wrong, the Raiders will need to block all memory of the 2009 draft.
Draft Grade: D

Denver Broncos
1(12): RB Knowshon Moreno – The Broncos surprised many by drafting a running back over some much needed defensive help. The pick created the release of Selvin Young, and may cause more cuts as Moreno has a chance to become a star in this league. Under the Broncos old style of running the ball (the Alex Gibbs one cut, hit the hole, zone blocking attack) we’d figure Moreno would flourish in Denver, but with the team being flipped upside down under new coach Josh McDaniels, who knows how he’ll fit. The best part of Knowshon’s game is that he can do it all; the Broncos have a legitimate star in the making.
1(18): DE/LB Robert Ayers – Ayers fits the scheme that is being installed in Denver, but without more attention paid to the defensive line, the 3-4 may struggle in it’s first year. Good pick, but there were nose tackles available at this point.
2(5): CB Alphonso Smith – The cost of drafting Smith will not be forgotten by Bronco fans. This pick was the Seahawks 2nd, and to move back into the second round it cost Denver next years extra 1st round pick. However, Smith has excellent upside and may start in nickel situations.
For more insight into the Denver Broncos Draft please check back as our Broncos writer David East is writing an article for us later this week.
Our Draft Grade: C+


San Diego Chargers
1(16): LB Larry English – This is a great pick; the lack of a pass rush killed the Chargers all season last year, and with English the options for Ron Rivera are greatly increased. English may struggle in the 3-4 defense early on, but if used as a ball hawking blitzer, the Chargers can ease his introduction into the 3-4. Solid starter!
3(14): G Louis Vasquez – The holes weren’t there like they were in previous years, and with Vasquez chewing up space with his massive frame (6′5″, 333 lbs) LT will have more holes to punch through; another great pick.
4(13): DT Vaughn Martin – May be a risk; his college competition came from Canadian schools, as he played north of the border. His pro day was excellent, and the Chargers felt the gamble had great odds.
Other Moves: After Martin, the picks become more long shot projects, with the exception of CB Brandon Hughes from Oregon State. Hughes is tough and will be a great special teams player, maybe becoming a nickel corner.
Draft Grade: B


Kansas City Chiefs
1(3): DE/LB Tyson Jackson – This was a surprise pick for us, but the Chiefs think Jackson is a perfect fit into their defensive scheme. I wonder if there was a chance to move down and save money and gain picks? Either way, the Chiefs are happy with their guy. Jackson is an instant starter at KC, and should add toughness day one to a defense that has been struggling for years.
3(3): DT Alex Magee – Will most likely be moved to the defensive end position with his speed and size fitting well into a rotating starter spot.
4(2): CB Donald Washington – Very raw, but has potential. May be moved around to best suit his height and speed. We think the Chiefs may try him out at the safety position, due to his very agile quick feet and coverage skills. Good pick.
Other Moves: Fans and experts weren’t blown away with this draft class, but adding in newly acquired quarterback Matt Cassel for the 2nd round pick shuts everybody up. The trade for Cassel was what boosted their draft grade.
Draft Grade: B+