AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

Broncos second-round QB Drew Lock won’t start Thursday’s Hall of Fame game against the Falcons, as the rookie is still third on the depth chart behind QB Kevin Hogan. Lock says that’s not his concern, though, as he’s just focused on doing the best with the chances he’s given. 

“It’s obviously not the 1s that are going to go out and play this game,” Lock said via Kyle Fredrickson of the Denver Post. “There will be a lot of young guys, a lot of draft picks, a lot of couple-year guys — the juices will be flowing, people will be riled up, but let’s calm down, let’s show we can drive down the field, be crisp, be smart, no penalties before the snap — be a really clean quarterback that doesn’t force the ball downfield, that can check it down and keep moving the sticks.”

That said, this is Hogan’s third team since 2018 and Lock plans to be around much longer than the veteran if he can play up to his talent. 

“Of course, I’ll be a little fired up to show people what I can do and bring the juice that I brought through college,” Lock said. “I think you’ll still see the same me. I’m confident in what I can do, whether I go in right at the beginning of the game or at end of the game. I’m going to be the same guy and prove to people that one day, I should be starting these games.”

• The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala says WR Nick Williams, signed off the street a few days ago by the Broncos, has a legitimate chance to make the team. 
• Williams offers depth at slot receiver and returner, where injuries have affected the Broncos. 
• He’s also familiar with the offense from his time with the Redskins, Falcons and Titans, who all ran variants of what Denver is expected to run in 2019.

Chiefs

• According to Brooke Pryor of the Kansas City Star, Chiefs DE Frank Clark was late to practice for being pulled over while speeding.
• The Chiefs are moving CB Tremon Smith to running back, per B.J. Kissel of the official team website.

Raiders

Raiders QB Derek Carr said Raiders’ recently signed WRs Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams, and J.J. Nelson allows him to “take more chances” with his passes. 

“(Brown, Williams and Nelson) will make some of the worst throws look really good,” Carr said, via Vic Tafur of The Athletic. “If you underthrow the ball a little bit, AB and Tyrell, they’re good at adjusting and making it perfect because they understand where the defender is, the coverage, that kind of stuff. Absolutely it helps. In my mind, I can take more chances.”

Nelson said he’s already developed a close relationship with Carr. 

“I love Derek, man,” Nelson said. “Like … I really love Derek Carr. I have been in the NFL for five years, been playing since I was little and he is one of the best teammates I have ever had. Honestly. And I am not just saying that because he is my quarterback and I want passes. Great guy. I love Derek Carr.”

• HC Jon Gruden said DL Ronald Ollie, who starred on Netflix’s Last Chance U, never made an impact during practice, which is why he was cut: “Well, I haven’t seen Ollie do anything.” (Vic Tafur)
• Gruden said Raiders DT Johnathan Hankins could be the “most improved player on our team” this offseason.  (Josh Schrock)