AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

It’s only been two games, which Broncos HC Vic Fangio made sure to remind reporters of, but second-round rookie QB Drew Lock has been superb in his first two starts, both wins. He’s completed 72.7 percent of his passes and thrown five touchdowns to two interceptions. Broncos GM John Elway, whose ability to pick quarterbacks has come under fire, was understandably ready to bask in the glow of Lock’s first two starts. 

“I thought he played great,” Elway said in a radio interview via the Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala. “I think obviously it’s OK to be excited about him, because I think he’s played very, very well his first two starts. He’s handled himself great. Obviously, he’s a young guy with two starts, but we couldn’t be happier with how he came out of the gate and know that there’s still going to be ups and downs. We’re going into Kansas City against a defense, and he’s going to see a lot more looks than he’s seen the first two weeks. But you know what, we’re excited about where he is. Plus, it’s nice to go on the road and get a real good win against a very good football team in the Houston Texans.”

• Elway has also been impressed with first-round TE Noah Fant‘s progress, with two 100-yard receiving games in his past five: “Noah has just continued to get better and I think we’ve just scratched the surface with him. He’s got so much ability that we really think that he’s going to continue to grow.” (Jhabvala)

Chargers

• ESPN’s Eric Williams says finding an heir to QB Philip Rivers should be the Chargers’ No. 1 draft priority this year. 
• Chargers released DB KeiVarae Russell from their practice squad.

Chiefs

• ESPN’s Adam Teicher identifies cornerback as the top need for the Chiefs with their first-round pick this year, as Bashaud Breeland, Kendall Fuller and Morris Claiborne are all in the last year of their contracts. 
• Chiefs signed CB Chris Lammons to their practice squad and released DE Cameron Malveaux.
• Kansas City worked out CBs Kemon Hall and Trevon Mathis on Tuesday and hosted G Bryan Witzmann for a visit. (Howard Balzer)

Raiders

• ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez writes that finding a true No. 1 wide receiver to replace Antonio Brown and a starting middle linebacker to replace Vontaze Burfict are the Raiders’ biggest needs with their two first-round picks. 
• Raiders released LB Preston Brown, S D.J. Swearinger and DT Terrell McClain. (NFLTR)
• Raiders placed TE Foster Moreau on injured reserve.
• Raiders signed RB Rod Smith.
• Raiders placed CB Dylan Mabin on the practice squad injured list.