AFC Notes: Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

• ESPN’s Jeff Legwold says the Broncos expect either veteran Bobby Massie or Cameron Fleming to start at right tackle, with Massie slated to get the first crack at the job in training camp. 
• While quarterback is still an obvious and gaping need for the Broncos, Legwold notes they’re optimistic that if they stay healthier than last season, either Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater could lead a postseason run. 

Chiefs

New Chiefs WR Darrius Shepherd said it was his dream to play for Kansas City one day.

“Since I can remember, that’s the only team I rooted for growing up,” Shepherd said, via Inforum. “Some of my favorite players were Dante Hall and Eric Berry among other guys. I was a diehard Chiefs fan until 2019 when I became a Packer. I had to put them away for two years and now I’m back. It’s incredible.”

Shepherd added he thinks his experience with Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will make it easier to play with QB Patrick Mahomes.

“I’ve been super blessed to be around a ton of super-talented quarterbacks,” Shepherd said. “I’m just going to go in and try to be a sponge and learn as much as I can. And take what I learned from A-Rod to apply to Pat because they both have such similarities in their games. It’ll be really cool to play with these legends. I know he’s only been in the game so long, but he is really a legend.”

Raiders

The Raiders made WR Henry Ruggs the first receiver drafted in a loaded class last season but didn’t quite get the production they were hoping for. Ruggs finished his rookie season with 26 catches for 452 yards and two touchdowns, leaving GM Mike Mayock openly telling media the former first-round pick needed to step up. So far during OTAs, the Raiders have been impressed with how Ruggs has responded to the challenge. 

“Man, he’s been impressive,” Raiders QB Derek Carr said via the Athletic’s Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed. “The way he’s running routes. He’s being violent in his cuts. I think something clicked in his head. Just like with everybody, you play a season in the NFL, you go back and watch the tape and you’re like, ‘Wow, I know what it takes now.’ And you either do it or you don’t. And he’s showing already that he said, ‘Nah, I’m going to do it.’ And it’s been so impressive.”

Carr added that Ruggs’ impact went beyond the stat sheet because of his blinding speed. 

“Maybe he didn’t have a breakout season, a 1,000-yard season or anything like that, but things he did for us in certain moments, it was impressive,” Carr said. “So now he knows the offense, he knows the quarterback, he knows who’s around him, all those things. He’s working with me after practice. I’m very excited for Henry. Now he’s gotta go do it.” 

• Tafur and Reed say the Raiders hope Ruggs and 2020 third-round WR Bryan Edwards are their two starting outside receivers, but veteran addition John Brown is a backstop if Edwards doesn’t seize the job.