Denver Broncos (12-4):
Key offseason additions: Owen Daniels, Vance Walker, Darian Stewart, Shelley Smith, Karl Schmitz, Reggie Walker, Antonio Smith,
Key offseason losses: Orlando Franklin, Nate Irving, Terrance Knighton, Will Montgomery, Rahim Moore, Jacob Tamme, Julius Thomas, Mitch Unrein,
Draft Picks: (1) Shane Ray, (2) Ty Sambrailo, (3) Jeff Heuerman, (4) Max Garcia, (5) Lorenzo Doss, (6) Darius Kilgo, (7) Trevor Siemian, (7) Taurean Nixon, (7) Josh Furman
The Denver Broncos suffered a big loss in the Divisional round of the 2014 NFL playoffs, despite a strong showing during the regular season. Peyton Manning played uncharacteristically and the Broncos were headed towards a shift in football culture. After losing to Indianapolis 24-13, the Broncos will now start the season without several key pieces that got them to the playoffs. The biggest piece probably being Julius Thomas; the tight end became Peyton Manning's biggest target in the past two seasons. Now with (J)Thomas gone the Broncos will have to rely on Demaryius Thomas to carry the load through the air. (D) Thomas will likely be peppered with the most targets he has had since his career began. The Broncos will run the ball, A LOT more to keep Peyton fresh and ready for the playoffs. The biggest issues are on defense; the Broncos lost key defenders Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton and safety Rahim Moore to free agency. This leaves a big hole at safety as well as at defensive tackle/nose tackle. The Broncos were also hit with more devastating news when defensive end Derek Wolfe received a four game suspension for PEDs; this potentially cripples the Broncos ability to stop the run. In the 2015 NFL Draft the Broncos brought in another standout defensive end in Shane Ray who will help with the Bronco's pass rush. In the next 3 rounds however the Broncos went all offense which was puzzling. Instead of picking up a new defensive tackle they took Ty Sambrailo (which was a relatively good pick considering the departure of Orlando Franklin) and Jeff Heuerman. Heuerman is a tight end and replacing Julius Thomas should be on the top of the Broncos to do list but not drafting a defense tackle in the first 3 rounds will come back to haunt them. This team seemed to be moving away from its elite status in the NFL however as long as Peyton Manning is playing the Broncos will always have a shot at post season greatness.
San Diego Chargers (9-7):
Key offseason additions: Stevie Johnson, Joseph Barksdale, Chris Hairston, Orlando Franklin, Mitch Unrein, Jimmy Wilson, Patrick Robinson, Jacoby Jones
Key offseason losses: Ryan Mathews, Eddie Royal, Chad Rinehart, Nick Hardwick, Dwight Freeney, Reggie Walker, Andrew Gachkar, Shareece Wright, Marcus Gilchrist
Draft Picks: (1) Melvin Gordon, (2) Denzel Perryman, (3) Craig Mager, (5) Kyle Emanuel, (6) Darius Philon
The Chargers last year were woefully inconsistent losing to terrible teams and beating some great ones. Branden Oliver broke out to be one of the best running backs on the roster however inconsistent offensive line play hampered his abilities. In the 2015 NFL draft the Chargers drafted the buzz worthy Melvin Gordon in the first round solidifying their ground game. Not only did they draft Gordon they added Orlando Franklin in free agency to help sure up their offensive line. The Chargers also picked up Stevie Johnson who is already impressive Phillip Rivers in camp. The Chargers open up this season looking to extend Phillip Rivers contract and will deal with the loss of Antonio Gates for the first four games of the 2015 season thanks to PED use. The roster as a whole is full of turnover and will likely continue to be that way throughout the next few seasons. Eric Weddle's contract is in its final year and he does not see himself in the Chargers long term plans. The need for some fresh young stars started with Gordon and should continue into next year's draft with a safety or a quarterback in the first round.
Kansas City Chiefs (9-7):
Key offseason additions: Jeremy Maclin, Ben Grubbs, Paul Fanaika
Key offseason losses: Rodney Hudson, Dwayne Bowe, Anthony Fasano, Vance Walker, Donnie Avery, Kurt Coleman, A.J. Jenkins, Joe Mays
Draft Picks: (1) Marcus Peters (2) Mitch Morse (3) Chris Conley (3) Steven Nelson (4)Ramik Wilson (5) D.J. Alexander (5) James O'Shaughnessy (6) Rakeem Nunez-Roches (7) Da'Ron Brown
The Chiefs made big news in free agency resigning Justin Houston to a long term deal that made him the highest paid defender in the NFL. The Chiefs made more big news when they announced star safety Eric Berry would return to the field after fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The Chiefs would also sign Jeremy Maclin who should easily be the most talented wide receiver on the roster. The addition of Maclin gives the Chiefs another dimension in the passing game. Third round wide receiver Chris Conley should be able contribute pretty solidly in the passing game. The passing game is going to come down to Alex Smith and his ability to score points, the Chiefs lean on the rushing attack however the presence of Maclin and Conley should present some excellent play action opportunities. The Chiefs solidified their secondary with the addition of Marcus Peters who should beat out Phillip Gaines for a starting spot. This Chiefs team may surprise everyone in being the dominant force in the AFC west.
Oakland Raiders (3-13):
Key offseason additions: Malcolm Smith, Rodney Hudson, Roy Helu, Dan Williams, Curtis Lofton, Trindon Holliday, Michael Dyer, Trent Richardson, Michael Crabtree, Christian Ponder
Key offseason losses: Antonio Smith, Matt Schaub, Maurice Jones Drew, Nick Roach, Usama Young, Tyvon Branch, LaMarr Woodley
Draft Picks: (1) Amari Cooper (2) Mario Edwards Jr (3) Clive Walford (4) Jon Feliciano (5) Ben Heeney (5) Neiron Ball (6) Max Valles (7) Anthony Morris (7) Andre Debose (7) Dexter McDonald
The Raiders had a woeful season last year as this gigantic rebuilding project continues. The Raiders have seemingly found their new starting quarterback in Derek Carr which is one of the best things they could have hoped for. The Raiders want Carr to succeed so badly they took Amari Cooper in the first round to really give Carr that star wide receiver the Raiders offense has been lacking. Mario Edwards Jr is also another solid player who will contribute to this team for many years to come. Michael Crabtree has also really come on in training camp and could be the secret weapon the Raiders so desperately need. They helped sure up their offensive line and will most likely be better protecting Carr. The Raiders may win some games this season but it's not time for their postseason run just yet.
