It’s the beginning of July, OTA’s and mini-camps are over, and in a few weeks, players report and training camp will start. In 2013, the AFC West put three teams into the playoffs: The Broncos, Chiefs, and Chargers. The Raiders finished at the bottom of the division, missing the playoffs again. All four teams added talent via free agency and the draft, and I’m here to give you a few rookies who could make an impact for their teams in 2014.
Denver Broncos
Cody Latimer WR: The Broncos took Latimer in 2nd round of the draft to replace Eric Decker, who went to the Jets via free agency. He’s 6’3 215 lbs, runs a 4.4 40, runs solid routes, and catches everything. Another big, physical target with speed for Manning to use. If he can pick up the offense fast, gain the trust of Peyton Manning, he could be in for a decent season.
Bradley Roby CB: The Broncos lost future Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey to the Saints via free agency, they also have cornerback Chris Harris returning at some point from a torn ACL. It made perfect sense for them to take the talented Ohio St. Cornerback Bradley Roby with the 31st pick of the first round. Roby is as physically gifted as any of the corners in this year’s draft, he just struggled at times with his concentration and discipline during his final year of college. With hard work and dedication, Roby could come in as a rookie and start for Denver.
Kansas City Chiefs
De’Anthony Thomas KR/RB/WR: The Chiefs lost their multipurpose weapon, Dexter McCluster via free agency to the the Tennessee Titans, and have found his possible replacement. Thomas aka ” The Black Mamba”, is an explosive football player who is a threat to score in a medley of ways. Blessed with elite speed, quickness, and the ability to make sharp cuts on a dime, Thomas should be able to an immediate impact returning kicks, and then eventually on offense as well.
San Diego Chargers
Jason Verrett CB: The Chargers drafted a cornerback in Verrett in the first round who is ready to come in a play from day one, whether it’s outside, or inside at the nickel spot. Blessed with great footwork, quickness, instincts, and toughness, the rookie corner reminds me of former Rams cornerback Dre’ Bly, but is a much better tackler. Always in position to get his hands on the ball, can play press, off man, or zone. He’s arguably the most scheme diverse in this past year’s draft. Look for him to come right in and play from day one.
Oakland Raiders
OLB: The Raiders got one of the top five players in the 2014 NFL Draft in Mack, who possesses the athletic ability, and instincts to make a immediate impact if used in the proper manner. Mack is at his best when put at the end of the line of scrimmage in a 3-4 OLB spot, or in a 4-3 Under scheme. When put in the position to attack at the line of scrimmage, rush the passer, or set the edge versus the run, he’s at his best. He’s also fast, quick, and agile enough to cover backs and tight ends man to man, and be a factor in zone pass coverage. He played at the mid-major level in college, but his tape versus Ohio St. proved that he is more then capable of playing with the big boys.
Derek Carr QB: The Raiders signed former Texans quarterback Matt Schaub to a free agent deal during the free agent period, but they drafted the former Fresno State signal caller Derek Carr in the second round of the draft. Carr came from a dink and dunk type of offense in college, I believe there is going to be a nice sized learning curve for him, but If Schaub plays horribly, best believe the Carr era will start. I don’t question his arm strength, accuracy with the short to medium stuff, but I do question his willingness to stand in the pocket under duress, and make accurate passes. That was one of his flaws when watching his college tape in preparation for the 2014 NFL Draft. In the NFL, it’s a passing league and defenses are designed to pressure the QB, get hits on them, and make their lives hell. Carr has to adjust to this in order to be effective.
