AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

Broncos CB Chris Harris Jr said the team’s offense will benefit from knowing Case Keenum won’t have competition as the team’s starting quarterback.

“The offense, now they know that Case is gonna be that guy, the chemistry is much better and just as a whole we know who our QB is gonna be,” said Harris, via SiriusXM NFL Radio.

Regarding first-round DE Bradley Chubb, Harris compared the rookie to Raiders DE Khalil Mack and added that Chubb has been an “impact player” in OTAs.

“He kinda looks like a young Khalil Mack,” said Harris, via SiriusXM NFL Radio.

Chiefs

New Chiefs WR Sammy Watkins says the team’s offense has been a good mental challenge for him to pick up.

“This offense is the broadest offense I’ve ever been in,” Watkins said, via Chiefs.com. “It’s definitely a mental challenge, but I think that’s what kind of gets me up every day to study the plays and come out here encouraged because anybody can get the ball and I’ve got to learn all the positions.

“I just can’t learn one position. I have to be focused and tuned in, in meetings. You have to do that off-the-field work and stay in your [play] book.”

Watkins added that he’s working to become a complete receiver in the NFL.

“He’s helped me in this short amount of time with just being a complete receiver, not just being a, ‘Oh, he just runs go-routes,'” Watkins said “I’ve got to learn the whole route tree. My standard that he wants, he’s called me out in meetings, which that’s what you need as a player, and I take full advantage of all those things.”

Raiders

New Raiders WR Ryan Switzer believes that the presence of Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson will open things up for him as the slot receiver.

“No question. I’m ecstatic to be here, especially on the offensive side of the ball,” Switzer said, via Scott Bair of NBS Sports. “I think you look at the great slot receivers in this league and all of them have got great outside guys around you. That’s what makes the middle of the field so deadly, is when you’ve got outside receivers who can put pressure, not only on corners but safeties. That leaves me to deal with nickel (cornerbacks) and linebackers. We’ve got a plethora of them. We’ve got All-Pro’s on the outside. I think it’s going to be special for me here. I’m looking forward to helping this team win and contributing.”

Raiders HC Jon Gruden added that Switzer has excelled as a return specialist and slot receiver throughout the offseason program.

“Ryan Switzer has really caught my eye,” Gruden said. “Switzer has come in here and not only been a punt returner, kick returner, he’s come in and been a force as a slot receiver. He’s really done well.”