2009 NFL Draft – AFC West
Which Franchise Has Made Improvements Through The Draft?
The Chargers draft room must have be grinning from ear to ear after the 2009 NFL Draft as they were able to add depth to their roster while their divisional opponents made baffling selections in certain rounds. Here is how each franchise graded out:
Did The Chargers Find A Starting Player?
The Chargers already had one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. By selecting Larry English in the first round, the Chargers found a player who could eventually be replacement to LB Shawn Merriman. San Diego also showed their faith in star player LaDalian Tomlinson by not taking a RB until the fourth round.
Overall this roster needed little improvement but by adding players such as Vaughn Martin has added even more depth to this quality roster.
Overall Grade: B
Did The Chiefs Strengthen?
Scott Pioli was known as wizard in New England for his drafting skills but those were left a little wanting after this years draft for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs surprised some by picking Tyson Jackson with the third overall selection but this was a rather canny pick as Jackson is a player that the Chiefs could build their defence round for years to come. Similarly the pick of DT Alex Magee looks good as he can play in a rotation on the front line.
However the rest of the draft was spent accumulating back-ups even though the Chiefs still desperately needed a pass rusher.
Overall Grade: C+
How Did Josh McDaniels Do In His First Draft?
Josh McDaniels obviously wants to make his mark as a head coach but he has, so far, been a little rash in decisions he has made. First he traded his franchise QB and then he chose running-back Knowshon Moreno with the twelfth pick in the draft. This was strange seeing as the Broncos had already signed three running backs in free agency; while the defence needed major rebuilding.
Similarly the pick of Alphonso Smith raised eyebrows as McDaniels traded next years’ first round pick away to get him. It would be no surprise if McDaniels regrets trading that pick away.
The pick of the DE Robert Ayers was a smart one as he will be able to convert into 3-4 scheme very well, playing between outside linebacker and safety. But by not selecting another linebacker or nose tackle it is hard to Denver making a successful move to the 3-4 scheme this season.
Overall Grade: C-
Has Al Davis Lost The Plot?
When it comes to Al Davis these days nothing really is a shock. But after his selections in the first two rounds of this years draft some will wonder what goes on inside of his head. The first head scratching decision came with the 7th overall selection of Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bey. Though Hayward-Bey ran the quickest 40 time at the draft (4.30) and does have potential but he is extremely raw as a talent. Couple this with the fact that Michael Crabtree was still available makes Davis’ choice dumbfounding. Incidentally Crabtree ended up across the Bay in San Francisco so it will be interesting to see how both players fair with their franchises a stones throw away from each other.
Heyward-Bey may have been a baffling decision but the choice of Mike Mitchell in the second round was just plain idiotic. Now that isn’t to say Mitchell won’t be a bad player but he was rated no better than a fourth round selection. It is impossible to see why Davis picked him ahead of players such as LeSean McCoy.
Overall Grade:D
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