As the NFL combine continues this week and free agency looms, draft boards are likely to shift in the coming days. Before things get too chaotic, here is one final AFC West mock draft.
This version runs two rounds with no trades, using the Draft Professors simulator. Let’s get started.
AFC West Mock Draft: How does the division shape up after two rounds?
Rd. 1, Pick No. 1: The Raiders Select… Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Duh. This pick has been etched in stone since the Raiders clinched the top pick. If you really need analysis, you can find it here. Moving on…
Rd. 1, Pick No. 9: The Chiefs Select… Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Chiefs would end up lucking into Jeremiyah Love, a dynamic back who checks just about every box. Kansas City needs to give Patrick Mahomes more help, and Love would upgrade the running game immediately.
He also adds value as a receiver, giving Mahomes another dependable safety valve out of the backfield. Once again, the rich get richer.
Rd. 1, Pick No. 22: The Chargers Select… TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
The Chargers could have addressed the interior offensive line here, but Penn State’s Vega Ioane was already off the board. Instead, Los Angeles turns to the defensive side.
Los Angeles needs an infusion of talent in the front seven, and Parker can help in multiple ways. He could trim down slightly and play outside linebacker or add some weight and become a true 3-4 defensive end. Either role would fill a need for the Chargers.
Rd. 1, Pick No. 30: The Broncos Select… Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
Denver’s priority this offseason should be straightforward: enhance Bo Nix’s supporting cast. Sarratt’s route running aligns well with Sean Payton’s offense, and his effectiveness on underneath routes would complement Cortland Sutton nicely.
The Broncos are in good shape defensively. They just need more offensive firepower to get over the hump.
Now on to the second round…
Rd. 2, Pick No. 36: The Raiders Select… Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
The Raiders cannot expect Mendoza to succeed behind the offensive line play they showed last season. Getting Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson back, along with moving on from Brennan Carroll as offensive line coach, should help, but there are still holes to fill.
In this scenario, a first-round caliber tackle in Iheanachor falls to Las Vegas in the second round. He can compete with DJ Glaze at right tackle right away. The loser of that battle could slide inside and provide quality guard play, too.
Either way, this pick has the potential to upgrade two spots up front.
Related: Raiders rebuild the trenches for Fernando Mendoza
Rd. 2, Pick No. 40: The Chiefs Select… Chris Brazell, WR, Tennessee
Mahomes getting hurt may end up being the best thing that ever happened to him. If he returns next season with a game-changing running back and a physical freak at wide receiver, the Chiefs will have the kind of support that can flip an offense fast.
Brazell is a tall, 6-foot-5 speedster who can stress defenses vertically. He is also polished enough as a route runner to give Andy Reid plenty of room to get creative. With these two picks, Kansas City could be right back in the mix quickly.
Rd. 2, Pick No. 55: The Chargers Select… Logan Jones, Center, Iowa
Bradley Bozeman’s retirement leaves the Chargers with an Andre James-sized hole at center. His departure thins an offensive line that already lacked depth last season, making the interior a clear priority.
Enter Jones. The Iowa product brings a defensive lineman’s mentality to the offensive line, the kind of edge Jim Harbaugh is likely to love. At 6-foot-3, he can play a bit high at times, which could create pad-level issues at center. If he has to slide to guard, though, the Chargers need help there, too.
Rd. 2, Pick No. 62: The Broncos Select… Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Again, the plan should be simple: keep giving Bo Nix help. One of the biggest needs is a reliable tight end, ideally a big body who can also be a plus blocker in the run game—in other words, not Evan Engram.
At 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, Klare has the prototypical build for a traditional in-line tight end. He could boost the offense in multiple ways right away.
That wraps up this AFC West mock draft. Check back after the combine for an updated look as boards begin to shift.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images