AFC West

Sporting News, The, April 21, 1997 by John Henderson, Adam Teicher, Ron Kroichick, Jay Paris, John Clayton

DENVER BRONCOS

1997 picks First round: 28th; third round: 88th; fourth round: 124th sixth round: 191st; seventh round: 229th. Total: five picks.

For more on the BRONCOS check out www.sportingnews.com/ nfl/teams/broncos

Needs

The team has improved from last in the NFL in defense in 1994 to fourth in '96 partially because of an emphasis on defense in the draft. Guess what? Defense is a priority again. The Broncos are expected to take a defensive player for the sixth time in eight years and will probably look at improving the secondary, where age is a concern. The Broncos also would like a defensive tackle and a running back.

Outlook

The team is looking cornerback first because that's one of the deepest positions. A good prospect should still be around at the 28th pick. However, all the decent tackles should be gone by the time Denver picks. The Broncos really like Kansas State CB Chris Canty. His stock runs hot and cold around the league, and he could be available. Canty's shortcoming is his size, but coach Mike Shanahan is looking for a pure cover guy. The team also likes Louisville's Sam Madison, who could slip into the latter stages of the first round. In the later rounds, the team will look for a running back to back up Terrell Davis. Vaughn Hebron is the current backup, but at 5-8 and 195 pounds, he is more effective as a contrast to Davis and isn't considered a frontline player. Northwestern's Darnell Autry or North Carolina's Leon Johnson fit Shanahan's ideal of relatively big running backs who can catch. Also, don't be surprised if Shanahan trades down to add picks. The Broncos are missing No. 2 and No. 5 choices due to previous trades.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

1997 picks First round: 13th; second round: 47th; third round: 81st; fourth round: 116th fifth round: 163rd: sixth round: 181st, 195th; seventh round: 214th. Total: eight picks.

For more on the CHIEFS check out www.sportingnews.com/ nfl/teams/chiefs

Needs

None is more critical than tight end. The absence of a threat there has crippled the entire passing game because opponents have been able to focus defensive efforts on outside receivers. The club could also use a speedy wide receiver who would provide a downfield threat. Other needs are depth on the offensive line (the team might have to replace tackles John Alt and Ricky Siglar) and a linebacker with speed.

Outlook

The need at tight end coincides with the deepest draft at the position in years. California's Tony Gonzalez or LSU's David LaFleur could be the answer. Gonzalez, a better downfield receiver, would closer fit the need. LaFleur isn't the receiving threat Gonzalez is but is more polished as a blocker and could help in the passing game. The team will probably turn to wide receiver in the second round, with an eye on Kevin Lockett of Kansas State. The hope is that Florida's Reidel Anthony or Ike Hilliard somehow fall to the middle of the round. If a receiver is taken in the first round a tight end--Freddie Jones of North Carolina or Damon Jones of Southern Illinois--likely will be taken in the second. The club could face a quandary in the second round if quarterback Jake Plummer of Arizona State is available. The coaches became infatuated with Plummer at the Senior Bowl and remain convinced he will be a standout player. Florida's Danny Wuerffel is intriguing as well. If he is available in a middle to late round, the temptation may be too great.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

1997 picks First round: 2nd; third round: 72nd, 85th; fifth round:: 157th; sixth round: 166th, 172nd; seventh round: 203rd, 213th; Total: eight picks.

For more on the RAIDERS check out www.sportingnews.com/ nfl/teams/raiders

Needs

The team showered new quarterback Jeff George with money, so it must give him time to pass. It wants to pump youth and playmaking ability into the secondary. The Raiders had 26 takeaways in '96, fewer than all but two teams in the AFC. The team should target the safety position. It also needs to improve at linebacker, since Mike Jones left and Rob Fredrickson will try to return from a shoulder injury.

Outlook

Raiders boss Al Davis eyed one specific player when he moved up to the No. 2 spot in the first round. That player, Ohio State OT Orlando Pace, should be available, unless a team coaxes the top pick away from the Jets to take Pace. Davis knows Jets coach Bill Parcells well, so don't be surprised if the team makes another deal to climb into the top spot. It covets Pace, who would immediately become the starter at left tackle. That would allow Pat Harlow to move to right tackle, his natural position; Lincoln Kennedy then could replace Kevin Gogan at guard. Most of the defensive backs the Raiders like should be gone before they choose again in the third round. The secondary, where age and lethargy are starting to surface, must be upgraded. Thus, the team should try to nab some promising defensive backs, including at least one safety, with its two choices in the third round. It also would be wise to take a chance on a big, physical wide receiver, the way the 49ers did last season with Terrell Owens.