AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

• Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic offers an early projection of the Broncos’ 53-man roster following the draft. 
• Some of the notable roster cuts to watch, per Jhabvala, include: QB Brett Rypien, RB Khalfani Muhammad, TE Jeff Heuerman, TE Jake Butt, TE Troy Fumagalli, DL DeMarcus Walker, DT Kyle Peko and CB Duke Dawson.

Chargers

New Chargers QB Justin Herbert will be competing with Tyrod Taylor for the team’s starting job in 2020. While it’s likely only a matter of time before Herbert takes over given Los Angeles drafted him No. 6 overall, that could be complicated by the pandemic affecting how soon Herbert will be able to get valuable NFL reps on a practice field. Teams are still holding virtual meetings to learn the playbook but they might not be able to put it into practice until training camp. 

“You can retain it and you can talk about it in a classroom setting, but, I think the thing that separates the good from the great is how they can process it on the field,” Chargers OC Shane Steichen said via the Los Angeles Times. “We know mentally he can do it. Is he going to process it quickly on the field when he gets here? But we’re excited about what he brings.”

• According to Over The Cap’s Nick Korte, the Chargers are projected to receive a third-round compensatory pick in 2021. 
• Korte adds the Chargers could potentially add a seventh-round comp pick or protect their other pick if they cut LB Nick Vigil before he accrues 10 weeks. 
• If the Patriots cut S Adrian Phillips before 10 weeks and Vigil sees significant playing time, it’s possible Los Angeles could lose the third-round pick for the loss of QB Philip Rivers. 
• Vikings undrafted free agent CB Nevelle Clarke said he turned down an offer from the Chargers to sign in Minnesota. (Courtney Cronin)

Chiefs

• According to Over The Cap’s Nick Korte, the Chiefs are projected to receive fourth and fifth-round compensatory picks in 2021. 
• Chiefs exercised QB Patrick Mahomes‘ fifth-year option. (NFLTR)

Raiders

• Per Pro Football Talk, Raiders GM Mike Mayock said first-round WR Henry Ruggs‘ speed will have a ripple effect on the entire offense and “will make Josh Jacobs better, Darren Waller better, everything underneath better and, ultimately, our whole offense better.”