AFC Notes: Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

Though he wasn’t a common name in a lot of mock drafts, Broncos CB Michael Ojemudia ended up going in the third round to Denver in this past draft. At 6-1, 200 pounds and a 4.45 40-yard dash at the Combine, Ojemudia’s traits appealed to Denver as they looked at rebuilding their secondary this offseason. 

“We’re delighted to have Michael,” Broncos DC Ed Donatell said via USA Today’s Jon Heath. “Michael brings size [6-1, 200 pounds], he brings speed [4.45 40-yard dash] and he can judge a ball down the field deep. Those are very important parts to a DB. He’s really on schedule as a tackler and a hitter, which we know is very important to the Broncos’ style of defense.”

In a normal year, Ojemudia would be a strong candidate to potentially start on the outside with CB Bryce Callahan kicking inside to slot corner in nickel packages. Even during the current work restrictions, though, Ojemudia has been impressing coaches so far.  

“How he fits in — we want him to do as much as he can as a rookie,” Donatell said. “Time will only tell that. What I can tell you is he’s really, really in the top part of the class as far as his learning curve. He’s picked up our scheme in a virtual sense as about as good as you’ll find in a rookie. He’s off to a good start. We’re just really eager to get him on the field and get started coaching him in a physical sense.”

Chiefs

• Former NFL GM and analyst for the Athletic Michael Lombardi writes the most obvious question for the Chiefs in 2020 is if they can become the first repeat Super Bowl champions since the Patriots in 2004. 
• Lombardi adds it also bears watching to see if the defense can continue to improve after making huge strides in 2019 with DC Steve Spagnuolo and S Tyrann Mathieu.

Raiders

• Former NFL GM and analyst for the Athletic Michael Lombardi writes the most obvious question for the Raiders in 2020 is if QB Derek Carr can propel the team to a winning record as they continue their rebuild. 
• He adds the Raiders also must figure out how to be a second-half team, both in games, as Las Vegas had the worst third-quarter point differential of any team, and over the season, as the Raiders faltered after a 6-3 start.