AFC Notes: Broncos, Patriots, Raiders

Broncos

• The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin writes the Broncos could save $7.8 million and $8 million respectively by trading or releasing CB Chris Harris and DE Derek Wolfe.
• Mike Klis projects second-round G Dalton Risner as the only opening-day starter for the Broncos, though first-round TE Noah Fant will likely start several games as he develops into the No. 1 tight end. 

Patriots

• According to Reiss, Patriots LB Jamie Collins has a signing bonus of only $150,000.  
• Reiss says Collins is happy to be back in New England after the Patriots traded him to Cleveland instead of signing him to a major contract. 
• Reiss mentions WR Dontrelle Inman‘s ability to quickly learn the playbook after joining the Bears and Colts midseason the past two years as an asset for learning a notoriously challenging Patriots playbook. 
• The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin says the signing of LB Jamie Collins could threaten LB Elandon Roberts‘ roster spot. 
• According to the Athletic’s Jeff Howe, how first-round WR N’Keal Harry performs in training camp with QB Tom Brady will be a key barometer in what to expect from him this season.
• Howe says if RB Rex Burkhead stays healthy and appears ready to contribute, his roster spot could come at the expense of a linebacker or defensive end. 
• Howe writes that last year’s second-round CB Duke Dawson could be on his final season with the Patriots if he doesn’t show marked improvement from last year, especially given New England’s depth in the secondary. 
• Howe mentions S Obi Melifonwu has a chance to resuscitate his career with extra practice reps as S Patrick Chung recovers from surgery.

Raiders

• The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin writes that the drafting of S Johnathan Abram makes Raiders S Karl Joseph a potential trade chip. 
• The Raiders declined Joseph’s fifth-year option last month and his name came up as a potential trade candidate last year.