AFC Notes: Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

Broncos QB Drew Lock has high hopes for TE Noah Fant this year.

“Not only this season, but I think every season, my expectations are high on Noah, and he knows that,” Lock said, via Broncos Wire. “One of the big things that, again, not a lot of people have known or talked about, is [that] me and Noah got a lot of work in this offseason. He was in Colorado for a decent amount of time, and every time we were throwing, he was right there. We found things we thought he needed to work on, and he even came with things to me that he wanted to work on with me.

“So there’s been a lot of work that me and him have been able to put in this offseason. Regardless of the year for him, just me knowing the type of player he is and the type of work he’s put in, that my expectations are going to be high and he kind of welcomes that.”

Chiefs

Chiefs HC Andy Reid said fifth-round TE Noah Gray is proving to be a hard worker in their offseason program and praised his route running. 

“He’s a smart kid and he works hard,” Reid said, via ChiefsWire. “You can see that. You can see that he’s a good route-runner.”

Reid added that they’ll continue to evaluate Gray when training camp comes around, but the rookie has proven willing to learn thus far. 

“There’s more to that spot than just doing that, so we’ll see once he gets pads on, but he sure is willing to do whatever we’ve asked. And you get a sense that he’s quarterback-friendly so that always helps if you’re a receiver. If quarterbacks like throwing the ball to you, that’s a plus, and he’s presented himself that way so far.”

Raiders

• Tashan Reed of The Athletic writes that his largest takeaways from the Raiders’ defense in the offseason program thus far is that their defensive secondary is “crowded,” their linebacking corps is “questionable,” and that the players are enjoying DC Gus Bradley’s Cover 3 system. 
• Regarding their secondary, Reed notes that the Raiders have 18 defensive backs in 12 cornerbacks and six safeties. This means that there will be a lot of competition for spots and roster casualties “should be intense.” 
• As for the Raiders’ linebacking corps, Reed writes that only a few are “proven commodities” after LBs Nicholas Morrow and Nick Kwiatkoski played well in 2020.
• Reed mentions that Raiders LB Cory Littleton must have a “bounce-back season in a major way,” while LBs Tanner Muse, Javin White, and James Onwualu hardly played.
• Reed writes that Bradley’s Cover 3 scheme is “far less complicated” than former DC Paul Guenther‘s Cover 6 system given it is more simplified and avoids confusion. 
• Reed expects Kwiatkoski to start as the Raiders’ primary middle linebacker barring any injuries. However, if he’s unable to improve in coverage, Morrow could take more snaps on passing downs.