With the Kansas City Chiefs coming off a world title, the AFC West will be full of intrigue in 2024. In the NFL Draft, there is one perfect prospect to be paired with each team in the AFC West.
One Perfect Draft Prospect Pairing for Each AFC West Team
Denver Broncos
Bo Nix – QB Oregon
The Broncos are one of the biggest mysteries in the NFL Draft. Even after trading for Zach Wilson, Denver must improve their quarterback room. Without significant draft capital, the Broncos could be in a tight spot come draft day. There is a buzz surrounding Nix as a first-round talent, but beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. Sean Payton is considered one of the league’s best quarterback gurus, but drafting Nix with their 12th pick could be irresponsible. Denver is rebuilding and could still off-load players like Courtland Sutton once the draft kicks off to acquire more picks. While there are questions about his deep-ball accuracy, Nix is experienced and adds an extra dynamic as a runner. His short and intermediate accuracy would make him a perfect fit for Denver, and he could grow under Payton as the Broncos rebuild.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kool-Aid McKinstry – CB Alabama
After taking the league by storm with a high-flying offense, the Chiefs have started to shift their identity to the defense. Last season, the unit ranked amongst the best in the league in several categories. Trading L’Jarius Sneed, however, left a gaping hole in the secondary. McKinstry is considered a first-round talent, and teams always need cornerbacks. The Chiefs will probably need to be aggressive in landing him but have proven willing to trade up for defensive players recently. Pairing McKinstry with Trent McDuffie would give the Chiefs a formidable tandem at quarterback. McKinstry’s football IQ and ability to blitz the quarterback makes him an ideal fit for the top team in the AFC West.
Las Vegas Raiders
Rome Odunze – WR Washington
The chatter around Las Vegas trading up in the first round could materialize, just not in the way that people expect. Outside of Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, the Raiders have a significant drop-off in talent at receiver. Adding a dynamic receiver like Odunze could give this offense a lethal combination of pass-catchers. The Raiders would have to be aggressive in getting Odunze, as he’s considered a top-ten lock. But teams like the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons could be open for business, leaving a window for Las Vegas to move up.
Los Angeles Chargers
Olu Fashanu – OL Penn State
Many expect the Chargers to fortify the offensive line early in the draft. Jim Harbaugh emphasized building through the trenches in San Francisco with the 49ers. He took the same approach at the University of Michigan and Stanford University. With a top-five pick, Los Angeles will have their pick of top offensive linemen. The team also has the flexibility to trade back if a team calls looking for a quarterback or top receiver like Malik Nabers. For a team with as many holes as the Chargers, trading back would behoove them. By taking a trade, the Chargers could move back and land Fashanu. Although Fashanu’s 2023 season at Penn State was not stellar, he has all the tools to be an elite player at the next level. With the ideal size and an ability to get to the second level, Fashanu could flourish in Greg Roman’s offense in Los Angeles.
