In this Nov. 25, 2016, file photo, Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks to throw against Baylor during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas.
AFC West teams added excitement to the draft Thursday night with two Broncos rivals making splashes to add offensive talent.
Kansas City moved from pick 27 to No. 10 to draft quarterback Patrick Mahomes from Texas Tech. It gave up its first-round pick this year, a third-round pick and a 2018 first-round pick, to get its quarterback of the future.
It was a stunning move considering the Chiefs’ allegiance to veteran quarterback Alex Smith and the fact that Deshaun Watson of national champion Clemson was still on the board.
Mahomes led all FBS teams with 5,052 passing yards this past season. Chiefs coach Andy Reid has had a lot of success grooming quarterbacks and he now has a new prize pupil.
Smith may still be the Chiefs starting quarterback in 2017, but Mahomes will likely be expected to take over in years to come. Most draft experts felt Mahomes had the best arm and freelance ability in the draft, but he needs time to refine his game and become a more polished pocket passer.
Three picks earlier, the Los Angeles Chargers added a potential number one receiver for Philip Rivers when they drafted Mike Williams from Clemson. Williams, considered by many to be the draftap best receiver, uses his 6-foot-4 frame to body cornerbacks and win battles in the red zone.
The Broncos will get an immediate look at Williams when they host the Chargers for their season opener September 11th. It’ll be quite a battle between Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib and Williams.
Denver’s no-fly zone has controlled the passing game in the AFC West over the last few seasons, but the Chiefs and Chargers are trying to fight back.
The Oakland Raiders opted to fix their leaky secondary by adding Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley. He was considered by many as a top-15 talent, but fell to the Raiders pick at 24 partially because of being accused of rape earlier this month.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, many teams vetted Conley, who offered to take a polygraph test, which he reportedly passed.
The Broncos selected Utah offensive tackle Garett Bolles to fill their biggest need at left tackle.
The AFC West is likely to be just as competitive in 2017 as it was in 2016 with all four teams having reason to believe they can vie for a playoff spot.
Rick Scuteri, Associated Press file
Former Valor Christian and Stanford star running back and wide receiver Christian McCaffrey was selected eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers.
In this Oct. 29, 2016, file photo, Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey (5) stiff-arms Arizona linebacker Paul Magloire Jr. during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Tucson, Ariz. The NFL Draft will be held April 27-29, 2017, in Philadelphia.
Samantha Baker, Associated Press file
Leonard Fournette was the first from a pool of strong running back talent in this draft class to have his name called. Fournette was the No. 4 overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
This Nov. 12, 2016, file photo shows LSU's Leonard Fournette (7) rushing downfield during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark. With power and speed to spare, the only nit to pick is elusiveness. Top-10 pick, unless NFL’s running back value appraisals drag him down.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
The Cleveland Browns kicked off the 2017 NFL draft by selecting Myles Garrett, a 6-foot-4, 272-pound defensive end out of Texas A&M with the No. 1 overall selection.
Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett catches a pass during a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 5, 2017, in Indianapolis.
Gregory Payan, The Associated Press
Mitchell Trubisky, selected by the Chicago Bears.
North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is seen in a drill at the 2017 NFL football scouting combine Saturday, March 4, 2017, in Indianapolis.
Michael Conroy, The Associated Press
Solomon Thomas, selected by the San Francisco 49ers.
Stanford defensive end Solomon Thomas runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2017.
David Dermer, Associated Press file
Corey Davis, drafted by Tennessee Titans.
In this Oct. 15, 2016, file photo, Western Michigan receiver Corey Davis celebrates scoring a touchdown during the team's NCAA college football game against Akron in Akron, Ohio. Davis headlines a group of receivers from smaller schools who are hoping for additional success at the next level. Players like Davis can put up huge numbers in college, but since they’ve faced weaker competition, itap hard for NFL teams to evaluate them.
John Raoux, The Associated Press
Jamal Adams, drafted by the New York Jets.
LSU safety Jamal Adams moves on defense against Louisville during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA football game, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.
John Bazemore, Associated Press file
Mike Williams, drafted by the Chargers.
This Jan. 10, 2017, file photo shows Clemson's Mike Williams catching a pass in front of Alabama's Marlon Humphrey during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game in Tampa, Fla. The NFL Draft will be held April 27-29, 2017, in Philadelphia.
Ben Margot, Associated Press file
John Ross, drafted by the Bengals
This Nov. 5, 2016, file photo shows Washington's John Ross, left, running against California's Cameron Walker during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Berkeley, Calif. The NFL Draft will be held April 27-29, 2017, in Philadelphia.
Ron Jenkins, Associated Press file
Patrick Mahomes, drafted by the Chiefs.
In this Nov. 25, 2016, file photo, Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks to throw against Baylor during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas. Mahomes is bypassing his senior season for early entry in the NFL draft. Mahomes, the FBS leader this season with 5,052 yards passing, announced his decision during a campus news conference Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017.
Sue Ogrocki, Associated Press file
Marshon Lattimore, drafted by the Saints
This Sept. 17, 2016, file photo shows Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) getting his hands on a pass intended for Oklahoma wide receiver A.D. Miller, rear, during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla. Long, athletic and aggressive at the line, but needs to locate the ball better. In a deep cornerback class, Lattimore is mostly likely to be first off the board.
Chris O'Meara, Associated Press file
Deshaun Watson, drafted by the Texans.
This Jan. 9, 2017, file photo shows Clemson's Deshaun Watson warming up before the NCAA college football playoff championship game in Tampa, Fla. The NFL Draft will be held April 27-29, 2017, in Philadelphia.
Michael Conroy, Associated Press file
Haason Reddick, drafted by the Cardinals.
In this March 5, 2017, file photo, Temple's Haason Reddick runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. A case can be made that no player in this NFL draft has benefited more from the process that follows the college football season than Reddick. With stellar showings at the Senior Bowl and combine, the Temple linebacker has gone from a possible first-round pick to a potential top-10 selection.
Wade Payne, Associated Press file
Derek Barnett, drafted by the Eagles
In this Sept. 24, 2016, file photo, Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett (9) plays against Florida in an NCAA college football game, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Jay LaPrete, Associated Press file
Malik Hooker, drafted by the Colts.
This Oct. 8, 2016, file photo shows Ohio State safety Malik Hooker escaping the grasp of Indiana running back Devonte Williams after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Columbus, Ohio. Hooker has sideline-to-sideline range and excellent instincts in the passing game, but needs improvement playing close to the line. Safeties are not often selected in the top-10. Hooker and Adams are likely to buck that trend.
Wally Skalij, Los Angeles Times via TNS
Marlon Humphrey, drafted by the Ravens.
Alabama's Marlon Humphrey, middle, intercepts a pass for a touchdown in front of USC receivers Darreus Rogers, left, and Taylor McNamara in the second quarter at AT&T stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016.
Brynn Anderson, The Associated Press
Jonathan Allen, drafted by the Redskins.
Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen , left, looks back after picking up a fumble as Texas A&M quarterback Trevor Knight attempts a tackle during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Allen scored a touchdown on the play.
Mark J. Terrill, The Associated Press
Adoree' Jackson, drafted by the Titans.
Southern California Adoree' Jackson, right, returns a punt as California defensive end Evan Weaver tries to tackle him during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, in Los Angeles.
David J. Phillip, Associated Press file
O.J. Howard drafted, by the Buccaneers.
In this Jan. 11, 2016, file photo, Alabama's O.J. Howard tries to get past Clemson's T.J. Green after a catch during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game, in Glendale, Ariz. Brilliant athlete who was either under-utilized or too passive during his four seasons with Alabama, depending on your perspective. Strong tight end class, but Howard is probably the one first-round lock.
Michael Conroy, Associated Press file
Garett Bolles, drafted by the Broncos
This March 3, 2017, file photo shows Utah offensive lineman Garett Bolles running a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Excellent athleticism has scouts excited about his potential. Wild card in a relatively weak offensive linemen class. Could be first off the board or Day 2 pick.
Phelan M. Ebenhack, The Associated Press
Jarrad Davis, drafted by the Lions.
Linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) runs the 40-yard dash during Florida's NFL Pro Day in Gainesville, Fla., Tuesday, March 28, 2017.
Gregory Payan, The Associated Press
Charles Harris, drafted by the Dolphins.
Missouri defensive end Charles Harris competes in a drill at the 2017 NFL football scouting combine Sunday, March 5, 2017, in Indianapolis.
Mark Humphrey, Associated Press file
Evan Engram, drafted by the Giants.
In this Nov. 19, 2016, file photo, Mississippi tight end Evan Engram (17) catches a 38-yard touchdown pass in the end zone as he is defended by Vanderbilt safety Arnold Tarpley in the second half of an NCAA college football game, in Nashville, Tenn. A downfield threat best used in ways that don't require him to be an in-line blocker. Scheme fit is key and that could keep him out of the first round.
David J. Phillip, Associated Press file
Gareon Conley, drafted by the Raiders.
In this March 6, 2017, file photo, Ohio State defensive back Gareon Conley runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis.
Tony Ding, The Associated Press
Jabrill Peppers, drafted by the Browns.
Michigan linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) escapes a tackle attempt from Colorado tight end Chris Bounds (43) to return a punt for a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. Michigan won 45-28.
Joe Robbins, Getty Images
Takkarist McKinley, drafted by the Falcons.
Defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley of UCLA participates in a drill during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Tre'Davious White, drafted by the Bills.
Tre'Davious White #18 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball against the Missouri Tigers at Tiger Stadium on Oct. 1, 2016 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Paul Sancya, The Associated Press
Taco Charlton, drafted by the Cowboys.
Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) plays against the Maryland Terrapins in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016.
Joel Auerbach, Getty Images
David Njoku, drafted by the Browns.
David Njoku #86 of the Miami Hurricanes catches the ball during first quarter actin against the Florida Atlantic Owls on Sept. 10, 2016 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Michael Conroy, Associated Press file
T.J. Watt, drafted by the Steelers.
This Nov. 19, 2016, file photo shows Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Watt (42) celebrating after returning an interception for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. Frame to grow into a full-time defensive end, but not necessarily the athleticism to be an elite rusher. Last quarter of the first round.
Rusty Costanza, Associated Press file
Reuben Foster, drafted by the 49ers.
This Jan. 2, 2014, file photo shows Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster (9) hitting Oklahoma running back Roy Finch (22), resulting in an incomplete pass during the first half of the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans. Vicious hitter who is probably too light to play middle linebacker in the NFL. Top-10 talent who might slip a bit because the value of linebackers who are not edge rushers is down in the NFL. He also was dismissed from NFL combine for argument with hospital worker.
Joe Robbins, Getty Images
Ryan Ramczyk, drafted by the Saints.
Offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk of Wisconsin answers questions from the media on Day 2 of the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Rick Scuteri, Associated Press file
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Former Valor Christian and Stanford star running back and wide receiver Christian McCaffrey was selected eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers.
In this Oct. 29, 2016, file photo, Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey (5) stiff-arms Arizona linebacker Paul Magloire Jr. during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Tucson, Ariz. The NFL Draft will be held April 27-29, 2017, in Philadelphia.
