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AFC West Roundup
by Dave Wilson
Oakland Raiders
After interviewing Ken Whisenhunt, and making Louisville coach Bobby Petrino an offer, Al Davis named Art Shell as head coach of the Raiders for the second time. Although he will be a popular choice with the Oakland faithful, being one of their own, a question mark hangs over his ability to get this team back to the playoffs. Shell has not been a head coach since 1994, and has not coached in any capacity since 2000. One thing he has got going for him is that his specialty is the offensive line, and that is what let the Oakland offense down last year.
As for the roster, Oakland is in far better shape than when Norv Turner arrived, but have been hurt by two glaring weaknesses: at outside linebacker and at guard. It is impossible to predict a Raider draft with Al Davis calling the shots, but you have to believe that A.J. Hawk is on their radar picking at number 6 or 7 (coin flip). Mario Williams might also be hard to resist if he is still available. There are a number of solid offensive guard prospects this year as well, and Oakland has the opportunity to upgrade significantly in both their need areas. A fly in the ointment is that the Packers draft one place ahead of Oakland at number 5, and have basically the same needs.
There have been unsubstantiated rumors of Charles Woodson being traded to Baltimore for Ray Lewis. Raider fans will hope those rumors come to fruition, for as long as he is healthy, Lewis is the best linebacker in the game. Woodson has done little for the Raiders over the last 3 years, and they would be unwise to offer him the long term contract he wants. If Steve Hutchinson enters free agency, you can bet the Raiders will go after him, but the rumor is that Seattle will franchise him.
Denver Broncos
Mike Shanahan must be wondering how the Broncos didn't make it to the Super Bowl this year, but Denver are strong all across the roster. They also have 2 first round picks this year, which will make them even more dangerous. Terrell Owens is currently linked to the Broncos, and after initially ruling out Owens joining the team, the Broncos owner seems to have left the door open.. Owens has alienated himself from the Eagles, and despite his obvious talent, many teams would be reluctant to take on such a problem child. Rod Smith isn't getting any younger however, and Ashley Lelie has never fully lived up to his potential, so receiver is an area where the Broncos may look to upgrade. There is also rumor of a trade for Ricky Williams, although why Mike Shanahan should want another running back when he already has such a well stocked backfield is anyone's guess.
Outside of receiver, Denver have the luxury of being able to draft the best players available. Don't be surprised to see a quarterback taken on the first day. Plummer once again made crucial errors under pressure in the big game, and Mike Shanahan will want an insurance policy for the future. Brodie Croyle? He showed well in the Senior Bowl, and would certainly be available when the Broncos pick.
In a salary cap move, Denver will try to rework Tackle Matt Lepsis's contract, as they need to free up some space. Mike Shanahan wants the current offensive line to stay together next year, and there is no reason why that should not become a reality. Center Tom Nalen has already been signed to a new 3 year deal The other news is that safety John Lynch will play another year, which is good news for him and the team. Elsewhere in the secondary, safety Sam Brandon has agreed a new four year deal, and all pro cornerback Champ bailey has been told that he will not need surgery on his dislocated shoulder.
Kansas City Chiefs
With Dick Vermeil retiring it is the end of an era. New Head Coach Herman Edwards has inherited a great offense, with Larry Johnson emerging from the shadow of Priest Holmes to become a star in his own right, running behind what has been the best offensive line in the league.
In the draft, the Chiefs could have an interest in a wide receiver. This is not a good receiving draft however, and Kansas have bigger needs on defense, specifically at tackle. Gabe Watson or Rodrique Wright would help shore up the middle of the line. It seems that guard Will Shields has had a change of heart and wants to play one more season. Shields has been an integral part of the best offensive line in the game, and Larry Johnson for one will be glad of his change of heart.
Kansas is another team that continues to be linked to Terrell Owens, and current receiver Eddie Kennison isn't happy about it. He has stated that the current receiving corps for the Chiefs is doing just fine, and the constant talk of the need to strengthen the group appears to be a source of some annoyance.
San Diego Chargers
The Chargers should have done a lot better than 9-7 this season with their talent level. They have a young and aggressive defense and Shawne Merriman was a great pick in last years draft, making the pro bowl in his first year. Where San Diego could use an upgrade is on the offensive line, which has been a patchwork unit at best, and has limited the effectiveness of LaDainian Tomlinson as a runner.
With their draft position they would be able to take one of the excellent crop of tackles coming out this year, such as John Scott or Winston Justice. There will also be some useful guards available in the mid rounds . They could use help at wide receiver, but this is a weak year. They might go for a player like Santonio Holmes, and with a good draft could return to the playoffs next year.
The Chargers have a new quarterbacks coach in John Ramsdell, who has spent 11 years with the Rams in the same position, but have lost assistant receivers coach Pete Carmichael Jnr to the New Orleans saints. On the subject of quarterbacks, the Chargers have set a date of Feb 23rd in which to decide whether to designate QB Drew Brees as a franchise or transition player. The latter is more likely as he is recovering from shoulder surgery, and they have strength in depth in backup Philip Rivers. It seems that the Chargers have made an initial long term offer to Brees, and it remains to be seen how the deal works out. There is a suggestion that if Brees does not accept the Chargers offer, they may let him test free agency. In another move, San Diego has given a new five year deal to defensive end Jacque Cesaire.