AFC West Notes: Chargers, Raiders

Chargers

• Eric D. Williams believes the Chargers would love to see Florida State S Derwin James, Virginia Tech LB Tremaine Edmunds and Georgia LB Roquan Smith fall to them at No. 17 overall. However, it’s unlikely they’ll still be on the board.
• Williams lists Washington DT Vita Vea, Alabama LB Rashaan Evans, Alabama DT Da’Ron Payne, Louisville QB Lamar Jackson and UCLA OT Kolton Miller as more realistic options for L.A. at No. 17.
• On Day 2 of the draft, Williams could see the Chargers focusing on defensive players.
• Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times writes that if Washington DL Vita Vea or Alabama DL Da’Ron Payne are available to the Chargers at No. 16 overall, “it’ll be difficult to look elsewhere.”
• If the Chargers go in a different direction at interior defensive line during the draft, one free agent to keep an eye on for L.A. is Giants DT Jay Bromley.
• We have Bromley featured in our Top 50 Available 2018 NFL Free Agents list.

Raiders

• Scott Bair of NBC Bay Area writes that the Raiders remain confident about getting a long-term extension in place with star edge rusher Khalil Mack this offseason.
• According to Bair, Von Miller’s $114 million contract should be viewed as the “baseline” for Mack’s next contract. Bair adds that Mack could end up securing a six-year contract in the ballpark of $120 million with $65 million guaranteed.
• While Oakland is currently tight on cap space, Bair points out that the Raiders could give Mack a large signing bonus that would actually reduce his 2018 salary cap figure.
• Bair says that the Raiders expect big things from former first-round CB Gareon Conley in 2018.
• At safety, Bair expects newly signed Marcus Gilchrist to start for Oakland and Obi Melifonwu to be in a position where he’ll have to earn a starting role.
• Regarding TE Jared Cook, Bair considers it unlikely that the Raiders would release him at this point in the offseason, especially after they parted ways with Clive Walford a few weeks ago.
• The Raiders would still like to re-sign veteran ILB NaVorro Bowman, but it’s clear they’re sticking to a certain price.