Because he finds it enjoyable, Gregg Rosenthal will I forecast starting lineups for all 32 clubs after the 2024 NFL Draft and the most of free agency pass. See the breakdowns of the AFC West below.
There are enough distinct flavours among the Broncos’ backfield players. In October, Javonte Williams will have undergone two years without an ACL reconstruction; Samaje Perine excels in third-down situations; and Jaleel McLaughlin is a dynamic big-play threat. Additionally, keep an eye on Audric Estime, a fifth-round pick who may someday contend for the number one place. I give those that Payton brought in the tiebreaker when it comes to position contests in Denver. Josh Reynolds, a free agency acquisition, and rookie Troy Franklin are thus two wideouts to keep an eye on. After missing two complete seasons due to injuries, maybe seasoned player Tim Patrick can demonstrate that he’s healthy once more.
If Dulcich can maintain his health, he will share the tight end position with Adam Trautman. With the exception of Lloyd Cushenberry III at centre, the offensive line appears to be set. Last season, the group outperformed expectations. The defensive front is this roster’s strongest point. The starting lineup above is entertaining, gifted, and diversified, and Jonathan Cooper offers yet another superior advantage.
I had just one inside linebacker on my list. Alex Singleton can play next to converted edge Drew Sanders or Cody Barton. Pat Surtain II, one of the best cornerbacks in football, and the Broncos’ secondary are among the worst in the league. Riley Moss was selected in the third round of the 2023 draft, and his potential is mentioned, but there are open snaps at safety and cornerback. When I wrote last year about this roster’s dearth of talent that can make a difference, Denver fans got upset. Once more, not many position groups on the Broncos fit the above-average profile. Their coaching staff and line play should keep them close to.500, which is their best chance.
The largest question mark on the roster of the two-time Super Bowl champions is at left tackle, where, barring a seasoned addition, last year’s third-round pick Wanyama Morris and this year’s second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia will fight for the starting position. One developing spot can be worked with by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City coaches because the rest of the line is a strength. The backup to Mahomes is Carson Wentz. I just figured you should be aware. The Chiefs’ decision to re-sign Clyde Edwards-Helaire is surprising, even though CEH had a strong finish to the previous campaign. Overall, I’m not a huge fan of the backfield depth. Jerick McKinnon is still a free agent that the team may sign.
The storyline surrounding the growth of first-round receiver Xavier Worthy is quite important, particularly in light of Rashee Rice’s uncertain status due to offseason legal issues. Worthy is a more versatile route runner than pre-draft assessments suggested. Similar to the record-holder in the 40-yard dash, Marquise Brown increases the pace. This wide receiver corps may be superior to the units that helped Kansas City win the previous two Super Bowls if and when Rice enters the game.
Although the edge group is strong, it could still be wise to add a veteran. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, the Chiefs’ first-round pick from the previous season, could start contributing right away. Charles Omenihu just had an ACL tear. After an outstanding 2023 season, Drue Tranquill will now start all games, and Leo Chenal will be his third linebacker option. Chenal can spy on opposition quarterbacks who move quickly. The trade of L’Jarius Sneed by Kansas City doesn’t really worry me. The Chiefs have intriguing youthful depth behind their reliable and seasoned (for the players’ ages) starting trio. Steve Spagnuolo is a master at developing cornerbacks.
Kansas City’s defence is as young, skilled, and deep. Although defences are by nature less reliable than offences, the Chiefs have the consistency to once again be a top-tier team. On paper, this K.C. squad might be superior to the one from the previous campaign. Attempts to complete a three-peat provide more difficulties than simply building a team.
Antonio Pierce’s statement that Aidan O’Connell, a second-year player, will play quarterback for the first time during the offseason surprised me. Although O’Connell showed promise as a fourth-round rookie (better than Bryce Young, the first overall pick!), it seems like the money speaks louder in this case. Gardner Minshew was given a two-year contract for $15 million with full guarantees by the team. With Josh Jacobs allowed to leave and no one being selected highly at the position, running back Zamir White was a major offseason winner for the Raiders. Arriving from Minnesota is Alexander Mattison, who is probably a backup.
Tight end Brock Bowers was selected in the first round, which makes sense for a squad that plans to play with 12 players and run the ball a lot. Michael Mayer and Bowers work well together, with Mayer adhering closer to the formation. Tre Tucker, the third wide receiver, who showed promise as a rookie, is somewhat relieved by the Bowers selection. Andrus Peat gives Las Vegas’ offensive line some variety as he was a productive tackle for the Saints previous season. Jackson Powers-Johnson, a second-round selection, could play centre and should start as a rookie. The OL profiles of the Raiders are adequate.
Less double teams will be positioned close to Maxx Crosby for Christian Wilkins and vice versa. Malcolm Koonce also had a fantastic season last year, so this is a dangerous line, particularly if Tyree Wilson, the top-10 pick from the previous year, bounces back from a subpar rookie year. Robert Spillane is adored by Pierce. The Divine Deablo is now better. That Pierce is adept at developing his linebackers as coaches makes sense.
It’s troubling about the defense’s back end. The Raiders don’t just lack a CB1, but they also have a CB2 available. Jack Jones, who was cut by the Patriots in November of last year, is expected to start. Start with Brandon Facyson as an additional option. Even while the safety group is strong enough, there are reasons to doubt that Vegas’ defensive gains under Pierce will continue, starting with this secondary. I adore Pierce’s enthusiasm, the receiver group, and this defensive line. Love nothing else. There is once again competition for at least second place in the AFC West.
This offence should be run-heavy, however the running back position isn’t really talented. Gus Edwards was referred to as a “bell cow” by the Chargers at the time of his signing, so it’s reasonable to assume that J.K. Dobbins will be gradually added back as he heals from his second season-ending injury in three years. Dobbins is more advantageous. Kimani Vidal, a sixth-round choice, has the benefit of being a new regime draft selection. One of the best offensive lines in football may be this one. It still seems weird to say that about a Chargers team. It’s worth keeping an eye on the situation where top-five pick Joe Alt is being forced to go to the right side.
If Ladd McConkey, a second-round selection in 2023, can stay on the pitch despite suffering from injuries, he will see a lot of targets. Josh Palmer and McConkey are suited as second or third options, while Quentin Johnston is returning off a difficult rookie campaign. Here, it would make sense to have some veteran insurance. Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst were inexpensive free agents who were signed as part of a wise short-term troubleshooting plan.
Ladd McConkey, a second-round pick in 2023, will see a lot of targets if he can stay on the pitch despite injuries. McConkey and Josh Palmer make sense as second or third possibilities, and Quentin Johnston is coming off a challenging rookie season. It might be prudent to obtain some veteran insurance in this situation. Signing Hayden Hurst and Will Dissly, two cheap free agents, was part of a smart short-term troubleshooting strategy.
LB in the third round Junior Colson, who excelled under Harbaugh at Michigan, is a strong candidate to start for the Chargers as a rookie at another position that is comparatively weak. In my opinion, Kristian Fulton was an excellent value addition during the free agency period due to his youthful age, wealth of experience, and impressive performance in his early career. Still, Patrick Mahomes won’t be alarmed by this group of cornerbacks. When forced to create plays rather than step in for subpar teammates, Derwin James performs better. Especially on defence, this team is still a year away from being a serious title contender. However, having a top-notch quarterback, offensive line, and coaching staff provides a solid base upon which to grow.