NFL draft 2000
NFL team needs: AFC West
As published in print March 23, 2000
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Denver Broncos|Kansas City Chiefs|Oakland Raiders
San Diego Chargers|Seattle Seahawks
Denver Broncos |
| Needs on offense: The biggest need appears to
be a wide receiver, preferably one with top speed. Incumbents Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey
are big but not especially explosive. Another offensive lineman or two could be brought
in, although probably not in the first round. |
| Needs on defense: The Broncos don’t have
many pressing needs on this side of the ball other than depth. Denver always seems to
select at least one defensive lineman on Draft Day, and this year probably won’t be
different. |
| On Draft Day … Mike Shanahan is
playing things very close to the vest, but the hunch is that the 10th overall pick, if the
Broncos keep it, will go for a wide receiver. Some pundits have linked the Broncos to
Miami (Fla.) TE Bubba Franks, but that doesn’t seem likely because the Broncos like
the three tight ends they have on the roster. |
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Kansas City Chiefs |
| Needs on offense: The most pressing need is for
a wide receiver. The Chiefs would like one who could contribute right away, at least as a
third wideout. An every-down running back may also be on the list, even though the Chiefs
finished fourth in the NFL in rushing last season. They also need OL depth, especially
inside. |
| Needs on defense: The Chiefs need to add a
corner who can start before too long, and it looks as though strong safety is another
need. Depth at defensive end and outside linebacker would also help. |
| On Draft Day … The hunch is that Kansas
City will take either a wide receiver or a running back in the first round. Heisman Trophy
winner Ron Dayne’s name has been linked to the Chiefs. His style would seem to be a
good fit for the team’s offensive philosophy. If the Chiefs are enamored of a certain
corner, that may also be a first-round consideration. |
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Oakland Raiders |
| Needs on offense: The top need is for a wide
receiver, preferably one with good size, to take pressure off Tim Brown. Like most teams,
the Raiders could use some OL depth. They also may consider a tight end, with Rickey
Dudley entering a contract year. |
| Needs on defense: Oakland currently has holes
in its starting lineup at both OLB spots, so that may be an area the team looks to address
in the draft. With Lance Johnstone entering a contract year and Regan Upshaw on a one-year
deal, defensive end could be a need area soon. Eric Turner’s history of injuries may
add free safety to the list. |
| On Draft Day … It seems likely that the
Raiders will stay where they are in the first round (17th overall). A wide receiver or
linebacker would appear to be the logical choice with that pick. Gruden badly wants a big
wideout. |
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San Diego Chargers |
| Needs on offense: San Diego needs an upgrade at
running back unless Jermaine Fazande can be as good all the time as he was in the ’99
finale. A speedy wideout would help, although that’s not a desperate need now that
Curtis Conway is on board. Getting some OL depth would be a plus. |
| Needs on defense: The Chargers could use an
impact player anywhere. Upgrades at the backup LB spots are probably needed. The same goes
on the defensive line, where the starters are fine but the unit is a little thin. |
| On Draft Day … Who knows? There are few
GMs more unpredictable on Draft Day than Bobby Beathard. He has a full complement of 2001
picks at his disposal, and he has never been shy to trade future picks if there’s
someone he wants. He’ll probably also take a shot at a sleeper or two. The Chargers
don’t have a first-round pick this year. |
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Seattle Seahawks |
| Needs on offense: Now that Joey Galloway is a
Cowboy, the Seahawks need to add speed to their WR corps. That may be a first-round goal.
With Ricky Watters getting up in years, drafting a running back may be a consideration. OL
help should also be on the list. The biggest question mark is right tackle, but depth
anywhere along the line would be an asset. |
| Needs on defense: The Seahawks’ main
objective is to get a run-stuffing middle linebacker. Seattle also needs a cornerback who
could contribute in nickel and/or dime packages and depth across the defensive line. |
| On Draft Day … Seattle has two first-round
picks. Brigham Young MLB Rob Morris seems to be a good fit and could be tabbed with one of
those selections. Chances are the other will go for a wideout or an offensive tackle. |
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For complete NFL draft coverage, get the print edition of Pro Football Weekly's 2000
Draft Preview book. It's available at bookstores and newsstands across the country or
you can call 1-800-FOOTBALL (1-800-366-8225) to order a copy. |
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