With the 2026 NFL Draft in the books, it’s time to assess how each AFC West team fared over draft weekend. Every general manager in the division probably feels like he came away with several shiny new toys to tinker with. Is that confidence warranted, or is it hubris?
The grades below are based on a combination of my own player rankings, consensus data, asset management within the context of each team’s needs, and how franchises operated relative to how the draft as a whole unfolded. Let’s get into it.
Las Vegas Raiders: B
Draft Class
- Pick No. 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
- Pick No. 38:Â Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona
- Pick No. 67:Â Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn
- Pick No. 91:Â Trey Zuhn III, G, Texas A&M
- Pick No. 101:Â Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
- Pick No. 122:Â Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas
- Pick No. 150:Â Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona
- Pick No. 175:Â Hezekiah Masses, CB, Cal
- Pick No. 195:Â Malik Benson, WR, Oregon
- Pick No. 229:Â Brandon Cleveland, DT, NC State
Analysis
After sleeping on it, I adjusted my methodology, which nudged the Raiders’ grade from a B-minus to a solid B. Mendoza, McCoy and Masses were legitimate hits, and the class has real depth. The problem is the middle of the draft. All three Day 2 picks felt like substantial reaches, and while none of them are bad players, the scheme fits are awkward at best, particularly in the short term. Still, this is a class with a real ceiling. Four or five of these players could be starters, or at minimum meaningful contributors, by 2027. The AFC West should be officially put on notice now.
Kansas City Chiefs: B+
Draft Class
- Pick No. 6: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
- Pick No. 29: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
- Pick No. 40: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
- Pick No. 109: Jeadon Canady, CB, Oregon
- Pick No. 161: Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
- Pick No. 150:Â Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona
- Pick No. 175: Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati
- Pick No. 249: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Analysis
The Chiefs had an impressive draft. They were prudent in moving up to sixth overall to secure the best cornerback in the draft by a wide margin in Delane, given what we now know about McCoy. They followed that up by selecting Peter Woods at the back end of the first round. Woods slid due to Clemson’s struggles as a team, and assuming that was an aberration, the pick looks like a steal.
The Chiefs also delivered on Day 3. Emmett Johnson is an exciting addition at running back, and Garrett Nussmeier has a legitimate shot at winning the backup quarterback job immediately. There’s a reason why the Chiefs remain atop the AFC West.
Los Angeles Chargers: C-
Draft Class
- Pick No. 22: Akheem Messidor, EDGE, Miami
- Pick No. 63: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
- Pick No. 105:Â Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
- Pick No. 117: Travis Burke, OT, Memphis
- Pick No. 131:Â Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
- Pick No. 145: Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina
- Pick No. 202: Logan Taylor, G, Boston College
- Pick No. 206: Alex Harkey, G, Oregon
Analysis
What were the Chargers thinking? Unable to find a trade-back partner at No. 22, they still should not have selected a 25-year-old EDGE defender. Messidor is a solid player, but he lacks first-round upside.
From there, the Chargers devoted four picks to offensive linemen, an understandable priority following last season’s struggles up front. The concern, however, is that none of those selections may ever crack the starting lineup in Los Angeles. Their best-case scenario hinges on second-round reach Jake Slaughter, a center out of Florida, successfully converting to guard and outcompeting Trevor Penning for a starting spot. That is a shaky foundation to build on.
To make matters worse, the Chargers used their third-highest pick on a receiver who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 164 pounds. It is hard to see the logic there for this AFC West squad.
Denver Broncos: C-
Draft Class
- Pick No. 66: Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M
- Pick No. 108: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
- Pick No. 111: Kage Casey, OT, Boise State
- Pick No. 152: Justin Joly, TE, NC State
- Pick No. 246: Miles Scott, S, Illinois
- Pick No. 256:Â Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah
- Pick No. 257: Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo
Analysis
It is worth noting that Denver spent its first-round pick on Jaylen Waddle, though this grade reflects the value of the picks themselves rather than the trade. The Broncos made just one selection in the top 100, using it on Tyler Onyedim. After some research, Onyedim projects as a high-floor prospect capable of contributing early, though the pick likely would have delivered better value a round later.
Jonah Coleman in the fourth round represents strong value, but he is a poor scheme fit for Denver’s system. Beyond those selections, Casey adds offensive line depth, while Joly could develop into a more affordable version of Evan Engram. To close out the draft, Red Murdock is an outstanding Mr. Irrelevant pick who figures to become every Broncos fan’s favorite player by the end of the preseason.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images