AFC West Report Card: Grades for the Chargers, Raiders, and Chiefs in the 2024 NFL Draft
ICARO Media Group
In the highly anticipated 2024 NFL Draft, the AFC West teams made their moves to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season. Here is a division-by-division assessment of the draft hauls for the Chargers, Raiders, and Chiefs.
The Los Angeles Chargers secured their quarterback situation early on, leaving them in a favorable position going into the draft. They patiently waited as three teams ahead of them scrambled to select signal-callers, ultimately landing Joe Alt as the fifth overall pick. With Rashawn Slater already on their roster, the Chargers now have two stellar bookend protectors for their young quarterback, Justin Herbert.
The Chargers continued to make impactful selections in the later rounds, adding players like Ladd McConkey, who is expected to be a standout receiver in the NFL. Junior Colson was chosen to fill the shoes of Kenneth Murray, while Justin Eboigbe provides depth on the defensive interior. The additions of Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart further strengthen the Chargers' secondary. The Chargers also picked up potential gems in Kimani Vidal and receivers Brenden Rice and Cornelius Johnson, addressing their offseason exodus at the position.
The Las Vegas Raiders, unfortunately, missed out on drafting a quarterback as all the top signal-callers were off the board before their turn. However, they managed to secure Brock Bowers at the 13th overall pick. Bowers, considered one of the best players in college football in 2023, gives the Raiders an immediate playmaker for their quarterback in the 2024 season.
The Raiders also made smart moves in the draft, selecting Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round, who was projected as a first-round pick for much of the pre-draft process. DJ Glaze provides options at right tackle, addressing a position that lost Jermaine Eluemunor. The Raiders also prioritized strengthening their cornerbacks, adding a running back for competition, and boosting the safety position.
Meanwhile, the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, made an impressive move by trading with the Buffalo Bills to secure Xavier Worthy. Worthy, known for his exceptional speed, addresses the Chiefs' need for a deep threat, giving them a weapon similar to Tyreek Hill, who was traded to Miami.
Kingsley Suamataia, a promising offensive lineman, was added to challenge Wanya Morris at left tackle. The Chiefs also made strategic choices to bolster their roster, selecting Jared Wiley for tight end depth and adding two defensive backs to compensate for L'Jarius Sneed's departure. The Chiefs continued their successful draft by investing in offensive linemen and bringing in Holy Cross' C.J. Hanson, a seventh-round pick who could prove to be a valuable asset in the future.
Overall, each AFC West team made significant moves to enhance their squads through the 2024 NFL Draft. The Chargers addressed their offensive line and receiving corps, while the Raiders found a playmaker and strengthened various positions. The Chiefs prioritized their needs with aggressive trading and strategic picks. It remains to be seen how these draft selections will fare on the field, but the teams have positioned themselves well for the upcoming season.