Mel Kiper 2020 Mock Draft: What the AFC West did

ESPN’s Mel Kiper posted his first 2020 NFL Mock Draft on Friday, and we already took a look at who he had the LA Chargers taking: Oregon QB Justin Herbert.

What about the rest of the division?

The Chargers have the highest pick in the draft, followed by the Las Vegas Raiders at pick 12. For Kiper, that pick is Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb, who is also the first wideout off the board. The Raiders’ leading receiver in 2019 was tight end Darren Waller, followed at the receiver position by Tyrell Williams at 651 yards. Lamb would provide Las Vegas with upside that no other wide receiver currently on the team has.

The next team drafting here would be the Denver Broncos at 15. With two receivers off the board, the Broncos select Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama to pair up with quarterback Drew Lock next season. The 2020 receiver class is considered to be one of the best ever and the need is obvious for Oakland and Denver before we get into free agency and trade season. The Broncos have a very good young receiver already in Courtland Sutton, whereas Ruggs would provide all the speed at the position.

Finally, the Kansas City Chiefs are going to be picking 31st or 32nd based on the Super Bowl result. Kiper has them looking for a corners and goes with Auburn CB Noah Igbinoghene, a “raw” player with “big-time upside” as many prospects are wont to do.

So to recap the AFC West: A quarterback, a receiver, a receiver, and a cornerback.

Yes, passing is valued highly in this league.