AFC West 2025 NFL Draft Grades: Analysis of Every Team's Picks

Everyone thought the Broncos would spend their first-round pick beefing up the offense with more firepower, but Denver stuck to its guns, doubling down on defense by snagging Jahdae Barron, a dynamic slot corner. He'll link up with Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss to form a fearsome trio in the secondary. Barron’s knack for making plays and his ability to line up in multiple spots should make him a seamless fit in an already stout back end.

The offensive reinforcements came later, with Denver striking gold on Day 2 by grabbing RJ Harvey and PatBryant. Harvey projects to be the team's bell-cow right out of the gate, while Bryant's polished game should complement second-year wideouts Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin, playing off of Courtland Sutton.

Harvey's quick feet and slippery running style make him a nightmare for defenders. Bryant may not have blazing speed, but his clean routes, sticky hands, and ability to create yards after the catch could make him a real steal. Meanwhile, D.J. Jones could quietly grow into a vital cog in the Broncos' pass rush with a little seasoning.

Could this be the second draft in a row that nudges Denver closer to becoming a legitimate contender?

General manager Brett Veach might have just pieced together one of the slickest draft hauls of the weekend. The rest of the NFL might end up kicking themselves for letting Josh Simmons slip to Kansas City at the tail end of the first round. Although he's still rehabbing a torn patellar tendon suffered last October, Simmons is hands down the premier pass protector in this draft class. If not for the injury, he likely would've been a lock for the top 10.

Meanwhile, Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte bring serious juice to the Chiefs' pass rush, and Nohl Williams fits like a glove in a system that thrives with aggressive, press-coverage corners. Then there's Jalen Royals, who feels destined to blossom into a key weapon in Kansas City's offense. When it rains, it pours for the defending champs.

First-year general manager John Spytek wasted no time making a strong first impression. Grabbing running back Ashton Jeanty in the opening round was a savvy choice, but he didn’t stop there — Spytek stacked up talent across the board.

Jack Bech and fourth-round pick Dante Thornton Jr. should inject some much-needed firepower into the passing attack, while third-round cornerback DarienPorter could turn out to be one of the real steals of the draft. As for sixth-rounder Tommy Mellott, the versatile quarterback is expected to make the transition to wide receiver, giving the team another intriguing weapon to develop.

The Chargers' first-round pick raised a few eyebrows. Selecting Omarion Hampton felt like a bit of a reach, especially with glaring needs elsewhere and top-tier running backs still on the board. However, the later picks helped balance the scales. Tre Harris gives them the big-play receiver they've been missing on the outside, pairing nicely with Ladd McConkey. Jamaree Caldwell should strengthen their run defense, while Keionte Kennard brings promising pass-rush potential for situational packages. It's not a home run draft, but it's a solid foundation for the future.