The AFC West’s free agency/offseason started fast, with the Raiders and veteran quarterback Derek Carr deciding to part ways. The Super Bowl champions had a decision to make at tackle and they did, grabbing one of the AFC’s best. The Chargers brass has hired a new defensive coordinator and the Broncos traded for a new head coach. The dominoes are starting to fall in one of the league’s most competitive divisions.
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs
Offensive Free Agents
OT Orlando Brown, Jr. (Agreed to terms with Bengals)
OT Andrew Wylie (Agreed to terms with Commanders)
OG Nick Allegretti (re-signed)
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (Agreed to terms with Patriots)
WR Mecole Hardman (Agreed to terms with Jets)
WR Justin Watson
RB Jerick McKinnon
RB Ronald Jones II
FB Michael Burton (Agreed to terms with Broncos)
TE Blake Bell
Defensive Free Agents
DE Carlos Dunlap
DT Khalen Saunders (Agreed to terms with Saints)
DT Derrick Nnadi
S Deon Bush
S Juan Thornhill (Agreed to terms with Browns)
2023 Free Agency report/Other Notes:
QB Chad Henne announced his retirement
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy left the team to take the same position with the Washington Commanders
The team promoted former Chicago Bears head coach and current quarterbacks coach Matt Nagy to the offensive coordinator position vacated by Bieniemy
Placed a RFA tender on P Tommy Townsend, re-signed DT Tershawn Wharton
QB Patrick Mahomes restructured his contract
Reportedly agreed to terms with OT Jawaan Taylor (Jaguars) on a four-year deal, DE Charles Omenihu (49ers) on a two-year deal, LB Drue Tranquill (Chargers) on a one-year deal, S Mike Edwards (Buccaneers) on a one-year deal
Re-signed OG Nick Allegretti
Lost OT Andrew Wylie (Commanders), OT Orlando Brown (Bengals), DT Khalen Saunders (Saints), FB Michael Burton (Broncos), WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (Patriots), WR Mecole Hardman (Jets), S Juan Thornhill (Browns)
Promoted secondary coach Derrick Ansley to defensive coordinator to replace Renaldo Hill, who left to join the Miami Dolphins as their defensive pass game coordinator
Hired former Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to the same position
DE Khalil Mack and DE Joey Bosa restructured their contracts
S Nasir Adderley announced his retirement
Re-signed QB Easton Stick to a one-year deal, OT Trey Pipkins on a three-year deal, DE Morgan Fox, TE Donald Parham on a two-year deal, P JK Scott
Lost OT Storm Norton (Saints), S Nasir Adderley (retired), LB Troy Reeder (Vikings)
Denver Broncos
Offensive free agents
RB Mike Boone
RB Latavius Murray
RB Marlon Mack
RB Chase Edmonds (released and agreed to terms with Buccaneers)
FB Andrew Beck (Agreed to terms with Texans)
TE Eric Saubert (Agreed to terms with Dolphins)
TE Eric Tomlinson
OG Tom Compton
OG Dalton Risner
OG Graham Glasgow (released)
OT Billy Turner
OT Calvin Anderson (Agreed to terms with Patriots)
OT Cameron Fleming
Defensive free agents
DE DeShawn Williams (Agreed to terms with Panthers)
DE Dre’Mont Jones (Agreed to terms with the Seahawks)
In late January 2023, the team traded a 2024 second-round pick and 2023 first-round pick (30th overall) to the New Orleans to receive Saints former head coach Sean Payton and a 2024 third-round pick
Hired Payton to a five-year contact to be its next head coach
Released OG Graham Glasgow, RB Chase Edmonds (signed with Buccaneers)
Reportedly agreed to terms with OT Mike McGlinchey (49ers) on a five-year deal, OG Ben Powers on a four-year deal, QB Jarrett Stidham (Raiders) on a two-year deal, DE Zach Allen (Cardinals) on a three-year deal, TE Chris Manhertz (Jaguars) on a two-year deal, RB Samaje Perine (Bengals) on a two-year deal, FB Michael Burton (Chiefs) on a one-year deal, CB Tremon Smith (Texans) on a two-year deal
Re-signed LB Alex Singleton to a three-year deal
Lost DT Dre’Mont Jones (Seahawks), DT Dashawn Williams (Panthers), TE Andrew Beck (Texans), OT Calvin Anderson (Patriots), TE Eric Saubert (Dolphins)
Las Vegas Raiders
Offensive free agents
QB Derek Carr (released and signed with Saints)
QB Jarrett Stidham (agreed to terms with Broncos)
RB Josh Jacobs
RB Ameer Abdullah
FB Jakob Johnson
WR Mack Hollins
WR Keelan Cole
RT Jermaine Eluemunor (re-signed)
OT Brandon Parker (re-signed)
TE Foster Moreau
Defensive free agents
DE Clelin Ferrell (Agreed to terms with 49ers)
DE Isaac Rochell
DE Tashawn Bower
DT Jerry Tillery (re-signed)
DT Andrew Billings (Agreed to terms with Bears)
OLB Jordan Jenkins
LB Micah Kiser
LB Denzel Perryman (Agreed to terms with Texans)
LB Jayon Brown
CB Anthony Averett
CB Rock Ya-Sin
CB Sidney Jones
SS Matthias Farley
SS Duron Harmon
2023 Free Agency report/Other Notes:
Released QB Derek Carr in mid-February of 2023 and he signed with the New Orleans Saints
Re-signed OT Brandon Parker, TE Jesper Horstad, DE Jerry Tillery, RT Jermaine Eluemunor
DE Maxx Crosby restructured his contract
Reportedly agreed to terms with QB Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers) on a three-year deal, S Marcus Epps (Eagles) on a two-year deal, CB Brandon Facyson (Colts), WR Jakobi Myers (Patriots) on a three-year deal, LB Robert Spillane (Steelers), CB David Long (Rams) on a one-year deal, TE Austin Hooper (Browns) on a one-year deal
Traded TE Darren Waller to the New York Giants for a 2023 third-round pick (103rd overall)
Lost QB Jarrett Stidham (Broncos), DE Clelin Ferrell (49ers), DT Andrew Billings (Bears), LB Denzel Perryman (Texans)
Notable picks:The team traded its 10th overall pick, yet still got the draft’s 21st player overall at Pick 20.In addition, the team nabbed our 32nd-ranked player in Risner early in the second round. Although Lock was deeper on our board (54th overall), we don’t think the Broncos could have waited any longer to pull the trigger on the third-best QB in the draft.Of the team’s undrafted free agents, Nevada’s Malik Reed has the most suddenness and could have easily been a draft pick.For the second consecutive year, John Elway added solid players to an underrated nucleus.Ultimately, however,this draft’s eventual grade will come down to the development of Lock.
Round,
Selection,
Player
School
DN Big Board
Rank/
Grade
‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (20) Traded its first round pick (10th overall) to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the team’s
Although his teammate T.J. Hockenson won the 2018 John Mackey Award, it was Fant who earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as voted on by the coaches. Fant’s 4.5 speed will be a welcome addition down the seams for new quarterback John Flacco.
2 (41)
Dalton
Risner
OL/Kansas State
32/2nd Round
It doesn’t take long to understand the value of Risner, who despite having natural lateral quickness, needs to close off the bottom of the pocket more consistently as an outside tackle.If he moves back into the center position (where he started in 2015), then we think he’ll challenge for a starting spot.
2 (42)
Acquired from Cincinnati
Drew Lock
QB/Missouri
54/2nd Round
Lock can challenge all parts of the field with range that is comparable to Joe Flacco, the man he is asked to backup initially in Denver.We felt that the former Tiger needed a bridge quarterback and Flacco fits the bill.
Jones’ outstanding footwork frequently allowed him to work over guards after gaining an edge.For him to become a legitimate starter, he will have to play heavier at the point of attack.
Hollins proved during 2019 East-West Shrine practicesthat he was at least adequate as an exchange LB.It is a big reason he took home East-West Shrine Game Defensive MVP honors.The former Duck forced eight fumbles in school.
Winfree has unique route-running skill and underrated field speed.The former Terrapin rarely has to idle himself into patterns.The Broncos struck gold by staying in-state a year ago with UDFA Pro Bowler Phillip Lindsay and hope to do so again with its sixth-round pick.
Hardman averaged nearly 21 yards per punt return in 2018 and accounted for eight touchdowns (7 REC, 1 PR).
Notable picks: The Chiefs went into the draft looking to add pieces as opposed to having to fill them.One position of note that the team didn’t address until Day 3 is cornerback.Heading into the 2019 campaign, they have a rather unproven group of outside cornerbacks.They will likely have to depend on Kendall Fuller to give them some reps on the flanks after the loss of underrated CB Steven Nelson. In addition, the team is probably depending on Emmanuel Ogbah, who has quietly posted 17 pass break-ups in his career, to be a serviceable left defensive end opposite the recently acquired Frank Clark.
Round,
Selection,
Player
School
DN Big Board
Rank/
Grade
‘Nasty’ Take:
2 (56)
Acquired from Los Angeles via New England via Chicago
Mecole Hardman
All-Purpose/Georgia
72/2nd Round
It doesn’t take long to determine where Hardman is inclined to work.He can become a serious contender for playing time in the slot if he can show increased ball skills and awareness. His biggest strength is the ability to accelerate through the reception, but he left some passes on the field.We think he is one of the top return threats in the draft. `
2 (63)
Acquired from Los Angeles
Juan
Thornhill
DB/Virginia
179/3rd Round
Thornhill, a former corner at Virginia, doesn’t mind mixing it up in coverage.His biggest weakness came when routes broke away from him (either at safety or corner).The former high school basketball star uses outstanding leaping ability to supplement first-rate instincts.He was used in somewhat of a hybrid role in 2018.
3 (84)
Acquired from Seattle
Khalen Saunders
DT/Western Illinois
179/3rd Round
Saunders has some traits that are similar to former Texas DL and current New Orleans Saints DL Malcom Brown.An above average athlete, he was a tough block for guards or tackles.Stamina is a bit of a question mark.
6 (201)
Rashad Fenton
CB/South Carolina
269/4th Round
Have you ever seen a player who may not look as fast as he really is?This is the case for Fenton, who shined as a kickoff returner at various points of his career.His quick-footed nature and overall toughness means he could get looks at the nickel back spot.
6 (214)
Darwin Thompson
RB/Utah State
306/4th Round
An explosive Pro Day forced evaluators to go back to the tape for Thompson.What they found was a patient runner with enough speed to bounce runs outside.A season that featured a 15.3 yards per reception average proved he can catch too.
7 (216)
Acquired from San Francisco
Nick
Allegretti
OG/Illinois
220/4th Round
The former Illini two-time team captain started 36 straight games to end his career. We feel the right guard position gives him the best chance to earn a roster spot. Why?He shifts his weight on opponents as well as any guard in this year’s draft.
Jacobs (No. 8 pictured) scored 14 touchdowns on just 154 touches in 2018.
Notable pick: Newly-hired GM Mike Mayock selected potential core players who add substance to the roster.Ferrell and Jacobs both played large parts in each of their respective team’s national championship runs. Although Abram represented a personality pick, how different is he from former West Virginia safety Karl Joseph?The selection of Crosby means the team now has a number of edge rushers to throw at teams, even if none of them would be described as a dominant game changer. Mullen, Johnson and college free agent Keisean Nixon join a cornerback group suddenly filled with young talent and depth.
Ferrell averaged 17 tackles for loss per year over the course of the last three seasons.His ability to finish on the quarterback is undeniable.The big knock on him was a relative lack of natural bend off the edge.He is long enough to compensate.
1 (24)
Josh Jacobs
RB/Alabama
61/2nd Round
Jacobs’ running style and receiving skill largely mirrors that of the runner who started for the Raiders the last two seasons, Marshawn Lynch when he came out of school.He is just not as fast as Lynch was coming out of school.
1 (27)
Johnathan Abram
S/
Mississippi State,
Georgia
52/2nd Round
Somewhat of a Donte Whitner-type (Bills, 49ers), Abram could become a complement to fellow safety Karl Joseph.The former Georgia Bulldog has covered the slot effectively, but we don’t think that’s a role he will be asked to man consistently in the NFL.He will, however, be asked to lock down tight ends.
2 (40)
Trayvon Mullen
CB/Clemson
95/3rd Round
The former high school WR has positive hand-eye coordination and timing. During his two years as a starter, he displayed a keen sense of handling man or zone assignments.At 6-foot-1, 199 pounds, he is an adequate tackler.
4 (106)
Maxx
Crosby
DE-OLB/Eastern
Michigan
273/4th Round
Crosby’s gangly, unorthodox style conjures up images of former Buffalo Bills star Bryce Paup.For him to make it, he has to play with more sand in the pants.
Johnson’s ability to win in zone coverage comes from his receiving background.In addition, he is one of the top gunners in the 2019 NFL Draft.Standing 6-foot-2, 208 pounds, the former wideout will find playing time in some capacity in Year 1.
4 (137)
Compensatory pick acquired from Atlanta
Foster Moreau
TE/LSU
181/3rd Round
Although he wasn’t featured as a receiving tight end at LSU, Moreau contains underrated athleticism and will be a fine on the move or hand in the dirt Y-tight end.It would not be a surprise to see his receiving skills expand at the NFL level.He can create separation at the top of his routes.
5 (149)
Acquired from Dallas via Cincinnati
Hunter
Renfrow
WR/
Clemson
126/3rd Round
The operative thinking is that Renfrow turns into a multi-year contributor at the slot wide receiver position and you’re done with it…right?What about special teams production for a receiver weighing in the 180-pound range?Despite showing up at the gunner spot (ex: Russell Athletic Bowl ’15), he posted just four career tackles.He did, however, serve as the team’s emergency punter.
7 (230)
Acquired from Atlanta
Quinton Bell
Prairie View A&M
N/A
Bell averaged 13.6 yards per catch before transitioning to defense in 2018.He responded with 7.5 quarterback sacks and 10 tackles for losses.He’s bulked up in weight while still maintaining his explosiveness (41 1/2-inch VJ).
Tranquill (No. 23 pictured), a former safety, finished with 292 career tackles for the Fighting Irish.
Notable picks: Tillery’s unique athleticism (4.33 20-yard short shuttle) and heavy hands (10 5/8”) offsets an inconsistent pad level. Adderley’s range belies his timed speed.Pipkins has a skill-set and profile that closely mirrors incumbent right tackle Sam Tevi.Stick may be used in a surprise role for the team and Broughton can play multiple positions.Tranquill’s foot speed and safety experience could earn him a role in sub-packages, but we expect him to star on special teams immediately.
Tillery has all of the tools to be a multi-purpose defensive lineman in the NFL.His style lends itself to somewhat of an Arik Armstead-type (San Francisco 49ers).Both players were bunch producers in school.
2 (60)
Nasir
Adderley
DB/
Delaware
43/2nd Round
Adderley’s timed speed does not accurately represent the speed that really matters….his eye speed. His ability to read the quarterback’s body language really was unparalleled in this year’s draft class.His major key will be finding a balance when it comes to making open field tackles consistently in space.
He displays positive bend, impressive mobility and an element of finish necessary to compete on Sundays.His short lateral kick-slide will have to deepen if he is going to stay outside.We went into how his outstanding NFL Combine workout would be the final factor in swaying NFL coaches and personnel.
4 (130)
Drue
Tranquill
LB/Notre Dame
194/4th Round
The former safety uses his 4.5 speed to make plays all over the field.His stock stayed steady due to his ability to return from a couple of freak ACL injuries during school.It didn’t stop him from finishing his career with 292 tackles and 25 tackles for losses in 52 career appearances.
5 (166)
Easton Stick
QB/North Dakota State
301/4th Round
His 4.6 40-yard dash time opens eyes, but maybe not even as much as his blistering 6.65 time in the three-cone drill.It is a big reason he rushed for 41 TDs in school.He doesn’t have former Bison QB Carson Wentz’s arm, but he does have even more impressive athleticism.The Chargers will find a way to incorporate it on a deep team.
6 (200)
Emeke
Egbule
OLB/
Houston
490/5th Round
His defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio said of Egbule, “he’s our most versatile player in space.”It will be imperative for him show these traits for scouts during training camp to earn a roster spot.
In a deep 2019 defensive tackle class, it probably isn’t a surprise that Broughton was one of the overlooked prospects.Aside from notching 16.5 tackles for losses in 2018, he also put together a pretty good week at the 2019 East-West Shrine Game. Icing on the cake for Broughton came on Cincinnati’s Pro Day, where he notched an impressive 33 1/2-inch vertical jump at 293 pounds.
