Draft Grades (AFC West)

Denver Broncos- While I don't question Denver's wanting to draft Vanderbilt Jay Cuter for the simple fact that he might have the most potential of any quarterback on the board at the NFL level, but at the same time, it makes me wonder about Jake Plummer's future. Plummer had his finest season as a pro quarterback last year. They then traded for Green Bay receiver Javon Walker, who is said to be recovering nicely from his injury last season. Denver took Western Michigan's speedy tight end Tony Scheffler with their second round pick. A name to watch out for is Elvis Dumervil, Lousiville's defensive end. He got off to an amazing start last season, racking up 15 sacks in the first half of the season, but his numbers dropped off and in a big way after that point in the season. If he had kept things up, he may have gone in the first or second round, but dropped to a 4th round pick. He's a guy to keep an eye on though. Grade- B

Kansas City Chiefs- New head coach Herm Edwards and company made a solid first round pick in Tamba Hali, the raw and gifted defensive end from Penn State. They made a suspect pick in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Quarterback Brodie Croyle, while having a solid throwing arm, has had four major injuries in the past five years. His durability or lack there of is a major question mark. The Chiefs may have gotten themselves a steal in the 6th round, drafting San Diego State wideout Jeff Webb. The guy is 6'2'' and ran a 4.4 40. It's amazing that he got drafted at pick #190. Grade- B-

Oakland Raiders- They passed on Matt Leinart with the 7th pick, but picked up Texas cornerback Michael Huff instead, whom they need more after picking up Aaron Brooks. UTEP outside linebacker Thomas Howard and USC safety Darnell Bing were Oakland's two other defensive picks. They attempted to help their offensive line out some, but they may have just made the picks to add depth and hopefully provide their team with solid back-ups. Grade- B-

San Diego Chargers- The Chargers' draft disappointed me some. Their first round pick was Florida State cornerback Antonio Cromartie, but the guy didn't play a game last year, out with a knee injury. He does have good size and speed, but not a lot of playing experience. He definitely shouldn't have been a first round pick. The only draft choice of San Diego's that I liked was their second round selection of Auburn tackle Marcus McNeill. The Chargers are simply the Chargers. They got lucky with the trade they made with Atlanta and snatching up LaDanian Tomlinson. Both teams fared well there. But, then they drafted Phillip Rivers and let go of Drew Brees after two very productive seasons. They desperately need secondary help and they grab a guy who didn't play a game last season in Cromartie and he was the only player in the secondary that they drafted. Grade- D