AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

• Per the Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala, Broncos DC Ed Donatell said the team was excited to add veteran DT Jurrell Casey in a trade from the Titans: “He’s been a great interior player, but he adds to the pass rush and that’s important to us.”
• Donatell mentioned Broncos CB A.J. Bouye as another key veteran acquired via trade from the Jaguars: “He brings size and length. A very instinctive player, has been very productive over the years, and he’s really fit in well with our group.” (Jhabvala)
• After missing most of 2019 with a torn ACL, Donatell expects Broncos LB Bradley Chubb to pick up where he left off as a rookie: “He’s just a solid, consistent person in all areas of his life. … He’s going to be a great Bronco for a long time. … We’ve seen him running on tape and he’s full-speed.” (Jhabvala)
• Broncos OC Pat Shurmur says the team plans to use both RBs Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay: “They’ve both been very productive in this league and we intend to use both of them.” (Mike Klis)
• Shurmur explained some of the thought process behind adding Gordon despite Lindsay coming off consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his first two years: “I’m all for adding good players at every position. I think [Lindsay] is an outstanding player we can hand the ball to or throw the ball to. … I really do think you need more than one running back.” (Jhabvala)
• Shurmer noted Broncos QB Drew Lock‘s record down the stretch in his five starts was what really impressed the team: “One of the really good things that happened last year was he was able to play the last five games and you judge a quarterback by their ability to win games and to go 4-1, that was a really good start.” (Ryan O’Halloran)
• The Broncos and Shurmur have also been impressed so far with third-round C Lloyd Cushenberry: “He’s very smart, he’s very intuitive. You can see why he plays center, because they handle a lot mentally up front. He’s really impressed us with how smart he is and his football awareness.” (Jhabvala)

Chargers

• Regarding the Chargers’ quarterback competition, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated expects Tyrod Taylor to beat out first-round Justin Herbert, given that the rookie will likely lose OTAs, minicamp, and have padded practices reduced. 
• In the end, Breer could see the Chargers turning to Herbert “at some point” if they are out of playoff contention. 

Raiders

• Adam Caplan mentions the Raiders weren’t interested in free-agent CB Logan Ryan because they view him as a slot corner and that position is already filled by DB Lamarcus Joyner.
• He adds the Raiders plan for first-round WR Henry Ruggs III to play the “Z” receiver and that Ruggs is expected to be fully recovered from a moving accident by the time training camp starts. 
• Moving forward, Caplan notes the Raiders believe third-round WR Bryan Edwards could become their starting “X” receiver as soon as next year. Las Vegas saw Edwards as a first-round talent who fell because of a foot injury. 
• While Edwards likely will be buried behind WR Tyrell Williams as a rookie in 2020, Caplan points out Williams has no guaranteed money remaining on his deal beyond this season.