AFC West 2025 NFL Draft Outlook, Team Needs: Are Raiders, Ashton Jeanty a Good Fit?

Offseason news in the NFL is always entertaining.

Soon after the green and white confetti fell from the rafters, rumors and speculation began to circulate. My favorite story this offseason so far was reported by Broncos beat reporter Ciely Lammey: Rob Gronkowski is considering leaving the broadcast booth to play again, and the Broncos could be a potential landing spot. However, the recent signing of Evan Engram suggests that the Broncos may have decided against pursuing the four-time All-Pro for now.

However, imagining Gronk playing for the Raiders seems more appealing to me — though it's not just because I'm a Raiders fan. Think about it: he followed Tom Brady to Tampa, and a Chip Kelly offense featuring both Brock Bowers and Gronk would be an incredible sight. It could also do wonders for the run game.

Since we are talking about the AFC West, let’s look at this division and possible moves that need to be made by each team as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.

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2025 AFC West Odds

• Kansas City Chiefs -110
• Los Angeles Chargers +320
• Denver Broncos +450
• Las Vegas Raiders +2200

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AFC West 2025 NFL Draft Outlook and Team Needs

Kansas City Chiefs

2025 Draft Picks

• 1st round: Pick 31
• 2nd round: Pick 63
• 3rd round: Pick 66
• 4th round: Pick 133
• 7th round: Pick 226

2024 Record and Division Finish

• 2024 Record: 15-2
• Division Finish: 1st

Departures, Additions, and Team Needs

• Notable Departures: (WR) DeAndre Hopkins, (S) Justin Reid, (WR) Mecole Hardman, (G) Joe Thuney, (WR) Justin Watson, (DL) Joshua Uche, (RB) Samaje Perine, DL Turk Wharton
• Notable Additions: (DT) Jerry Tillery, (QB) Gardner Minshew, (OT) Kristian Fulton, (RB) Elijah Mitchell
• Team Needs: OL, DL, S

As for the three-peat, it was “NO SOUP FOR YOU,” Chiefs Kingdom.

Not only did you miss the nearly impossible feat, you also got your teeth kicked in by a much younger and better team, the Eagles, in the last game of the 2024 campaign.

After the disappointing loss, it is starting to feel like a mini-rebuild might be in order. Patrick Mahomes and the offense have looked nothing like the force we have been accustomed to the last couple of seasons. Some would say it’s the defense that has stepped up led by Steve Spagnuolo. Others could look to blame Matt Nagy and Andy Reid for not keeping with the aggressive nature this offseason has had in years past. Either way, the Chiefs should continue to put wins on the board in the regular season despite these troubles.

But in the NFL and most professional sports, complacency is not an option. Teams must adapt continually with offseason moves and draft picks. The Chiefs have lost many key players during the free agency period, making it crucial to protect the league's best quarterback. Ensuring Patrick Mahomes has a solid offensive line is essential for the team's ongoing success.

One popular choice for the Chiefs could be Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State. However, Emeka Egbuka, WR, also from Ohio State, if available is someone the team could consider selecting. There is uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice's recovery from his ACL tear last season and his pending legal issues that the league needs to address. Additionally, Xavier Worthy has recently encountered legal troubles of his own as well. Travis Kelce has informed the Chiefs that he plans to return for one more season, likely motivated by the bitter taste of their Super Bowl loss. Expect him to make comments during training camp about being "in the best shape of his life."

Egbuka brings exceptional speed and tactical route running to the offense, and together with Mahomes and Kelce, they could form a younger and dynamic trio once they're all on the field.

Los Angeles Chargers

2025 Draft Picks

• 1st round: Pick 22
• 2nd round: Pick 55
• 3rd round: Pick 86
• 4th round: Pick 125
• 5th round: Pick 158
• 6th round: Picks 181, 199, 209
• 7th round: Pick 181

2024 Record and Division Finish

• 2024 Record: 11-6
• Division Finish: 2nd

Departures, Additions, and Team Needs

• Notable Departures: (DE) Joey Bosa, (OT) Kristian Fulton, (WR) Joshua Palmer, (DT) Poona Ford
• Notable Additions: (RB) Najee Harris, (TE) Tyler Conklin, (C) Andre James, (G) Mekhi Becton, (LB) Del’Shawn Phillips, (DT) Naquan Jones, (DT) Da’Shawn Hand, (WR) Mike Williams, (CB) Benjamin St-Juste, (CB) Donte Jackson,
• Team Needs: WR, TE, OL

Defense was the name of the game for the Chargers in 2024. Impressively, they held their opponents to only 18.5 points per game, and for much of the season, they held their opponents to under 15 points.

So, what happened in the playoffs when they allowed the Texans to score over 30 points on them?

The NFL is a tough sport and injuries and perhaps age caught up to the defense. The average age for most of their starters on defense was 29.5 years. Led by Jesse Minter, this defense should be able to build on the new philosophy he brought in, also with some new younger talent. Mix that with keeping a familiar face like Khalil Mack to help continue with the culture Minter is building.

Scoring points in this division is crucial. With the exception of the Raiders, all other teams ranked in the top half for scoring last season. Scoring only 12 points in their last game must have left a bad taste for them. Enter Matthew Golden, wide receiver from Texas, who's projected to be one of the top wideouts selected in this year's draft.

Unfortunately, his prediction of beating Xavier Worthy's 40-yard dash time did not come true. However, he remains an explosive playmaker with strong hands, capable of making downfield plays while Ladd McConkey operates underneath. The Chargers had similar expectations for Quentin Johnston, but they've recently considered trading him due to his struggles with drops over his first two seasons. This could open up an opportunity for them to pursue another wide receiver in the draft.

Denver Broncos

2025 Draft Picks

• 1st round: Pick 20
• 2nd round: Pick 51
• 3rd round: Pick 85
• 4th round: Pick 122
• 6th round: Picks 191, 197

2024 Record and Division Finish

• 2024 Record: 10-7
• Division Finish: 3rd

Departures, Additions, and Team Needs

• Notable Departures: (WR) Lil’Jordan Humphrey, (RB) Javonte Williams, (QB) Zach Wilson, (CB) Tremon Smith, (LB) Cody Barton, (P) Riley Dixon
• Notable Additions: (LB) Dre Greenlaw, (S) Talanoa Hufanga, (WR) Trent Sherfield, (TE) Evan Engram
• Team Needs: RB, WR, CB, DL, TE

Did the Broncos come down from their highs last season?

It was an impressive year for them. Their rookie quarterback, Bo Nix, took the league by storm and led the team to a winning record. Meanwhile, the defense, led by Vance Joseph, allowed the third-fewest points per game at 19. Even more remarkable was how the defense utilized the unique altitude in Denver to their advantage, giving up only 14.9 points per game throughout the season.

To top it off, the Broncos invested more in their defensive lineup by acquiring a pair of former 49ers, Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga. If this top-ten-scoring offense can continue to develop in 2024, the AFC West might be put on notice that the Broncos are definitely for real.

But don’t get it twisted; the Broncos do have some weaknesses. One of those is at running back. Coach Sean Payton couldn’t seem to decide on who he wanted carrying the ball last season. Perhaps that’s intentional on Coach Payton’s part regarding the running game. If you're a fantasy football manager, it might be wise to steer clear of this position on the team again this season. It’s almost certain that they will draft a running back, but another pressing need is at tight end.

Now, you might be thinking, "Wait, Tipp, they signed Evan Engram in free agency! Why would they pursue another tight end?"

While Engram played the previous two seasons without missing a game, he struggled to stay healthy last year, participating in only nine games. Colston Loveland, a tight end from Michigan, is a smooth, precise route runner with excellent athleticism. Coach Payton has a history of effectively incorporating the tight end position in his offense, as seen with players like Jeremy Shockey, Jason Witten, and Jimmy Graham. Having two talented tight ends could present its own set of challenges for defenses. I believe he wants to invest in the tight-end position this season.

Las Vegas Raiders

2025 Draft Picks

• 1st round: Pick 6
• 2nd round: Pick 37
• 3rd round: Pick 68
• 4th round: Pick 108
• 5th round: Pick 143
• 6th round: Picks 180, 213, 215
• 7th round: Pick 222

2024 Record and Division Finish

• 2024 Record: 4-13
• Division Finish: 4th

Departures, Additions, and Team Needs

• Notable Departures: (S) Tre’von Moehrig, (S) Marcus Epps, (CB) Nate Hobbs, (LB) Robert Spillane (this one hurts), (RB) Alexander Mattison, (TE) Harrison Bryant, (DE) K’Lavon Chaisson
• Notable Additions: (QB) Geno Smith
• Team Needs: RB, OL, LB, S

Keeping this one short and sweet.

The Raiders seem sold on Geno Smith and not on the quarterback prospects in this draft. So, turning to Ashton Jeanty, running back, Boise State looks to be the move. The offensive line will need to be addressed, no question, if this is to work. Although getting a player like Jeanty, whose contact balance is near-elite level, will translate nicely in the NFL His cut ability will also help mask offensive line woes, if it takes time for the newly formed line time to gel.

One thing is for certain: Pete Carroll will want to emphasize running the ball heavily, and Jeanty can handle that type of workload. He was just three touches shy of 400 last year.

The fit is starting to grow on me. I would like to hear your thoughts, Raider Nation.

Good Luck to all the coaches and executive staff members on the Raiders this year! To the other teams, I’ll keep it “G-rated” and I hope you all lose!

More 2025 NFL Draft Outlooks, Team Needs

• 2025 AFC South Draft Outlook, Team Needs
• 2025 NFC East Draft Outlook, Team Needs
• 2025 NFC North Draft Outlook, Team Needs
• 2025 NFC South Draft Outlook, Team Needs

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