WAR ROOM STRATEGIC PLANS OF THE AFC WEST TEAMS
By: Dave-Te' Thomas

DENVER BRONCOS

The Broncos have been very busy critters during the off-season, but still have a few pressing issues that they must deal with in the draft. The team re-signed QB Brian Griese and added defensive tackles Leon Lett and Chester McGlockton to the defensive line, while also inking Tennessee cornerback Denard Walker to a multi-year deal. They brought in offensive linemen Quentin Neujahr, Todd Fordham and Phil Ostrowski (San Francisco) to add depth upfront, after cutting left tackle Tony Jones.

That leaves them to concentrate on adding a pass rusher and a speedy receiver early in the draft, one that Mike Shanahan hopes to bolster, as he is actively trying to trade tailbacks Olandis Gary (Minnesota) and Mike Anderson (Carolina) for early round draft picks. The team has all of their picks, except in the fifth round and three choices in both the fourth and seventh rounds. Look for multiple picks to be used in order to shore up the secondary and the Broncos are intent on replacing Howard Griffith at fullback, so a young blocking stud who can catch is a big need.

IF I WAS THEIR GM... Even with Walker on board, I have to look at safety DERRICK GIBSON (Florida State) or cornerback WILLIE MIDDLEBROOKS (Minnesota) at the #24 pick, unless some strange things happen at wide receiver, with Clemson's ROD GARDNER or Miami's pair of REGGIE WAYNE or SANTANA MOSS still hanging around. Look for Anderson to be traded, but not for the first rounder that Shanahan wants. If I can squeeze a second rounder out of Carolina, I act quickly and take a mauler like Maryland's KRIS JENKINS, making him a defensive end, or snatch up Willie Middlebrooks at #44 (from the Panthers, work with me here). Then, at #58, I can look for a linebacker like MORLON GREENWOOD or a left guard like Notre Dame's MIKE GANDY. In the third, I'd consider Texas Christian's pass rusher AARON SCHOBEL. Why Schoebel? Well, with Lett and McGlockton bringing big meat to the middle, I can get away with a Chris Doleman-type pass rusher who is a little on the light side at one end spot.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

It's getting real close to decision time, so look for the Rams to buckle under and trade QB Trent Green to the Chiefs for the #12 pick. If no trade materializes, the Chiefs will probably take Purdue QB DREW BREES, a risky thing to do, as many are convinced that he will leave his best game behind in college. They also need a breakaway threat in the backfield, so Mississippi's DEUCE McALLISTER and Wisconsin's MICHAEL BENNETT will also get first round consideration. The secondary is another primary need, especially art right cornerback, if James Hasty moves on (Minnesota).

Linebacker and the left side of the defensive line are other important concerns for Dick Vermeil. With a pick in every round, except the sixth, look for depth to be added later at outside linebacker (strongside), the offensive line, wide receiver (losses of Joe Horn and Kevin Lockett the last two years).

IF I WAS THEIR GM... I'd pass on any deal for Trent Green, sign Steve Beuerlein and Jim Druckenmiller as stop-gap measures, draft a speedy runner like MICHAEL BENNETT and then look to deal later in training camp with New Orleans for the loser of the Jeff Blake-Aaron Brooks QB battle. I then cap off my first day with a reach, taking Marshall defensive end PAUL TOVIESSI in the third or go for a swingman in the backfield like Kansas' MORAN NORRIS or Nebraska's DAN ALEXANDER.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

The Raiders made a great signing with tailback Charlie Garner a drastic upgrade over Napolean Kaufman as Tyrone Wheatley's running back mate, as he is by far a superior outside running threat and a sensational receiver, to boot. This signing allows the team to concentrate on secondary help (strong safety) and adding much needed speed to a very suspect outside linebacking unit early in the draft. They will also look to replace Rick Dudley at tight end and try to add some depth to the receiving unit on the first part of the draft.

Offensive line depth is needed, as Steve Wisniewski is indicating that 2001 is his last hurrah. A scrambling quarterback late in the draft to possibly groom behind Rich Gannon (Georgia's QUINCY CARTER, Washington's MARQUES TUIASOSOPO) would be nice. They should also look to add some small college product for the defensive line at the draft's final stages (Cal-Northridge's ERIK GARDNER, McGill's RANDY CHEVRIER), where they also show keen interest in one of the best punt returners to ever play college football, Shepherd's JAMES ROOTHS (corner with ten punt returns for touchdowns). Look for most of their "stocking stuffers" to come on the rookie free agent market, though.

IF I WAS THEIR GM... Pray that the Colts or Steelers don't bite on Florida State safety DERRICK GIBSON. If they do, I pass on Adam Archuleta (doesn't fit the system) and do what has become their tradition - take a player a round earlier than expected by selecting Georgia linebacker KENDRELL BELL. If I got Gibson in round one, I look at Washington's CHAD WARD to add versatility to my offensive line in the second (#59) or head Northeast for Syracuse outside linebacker MORLON GREENWOOD. In the third, I take a great inside slot receiver in Iowa's KEVIN KASPER or a swingman for the offensive line like either Tulane's BERNARD ROBERTSON or Mississippi State's PORK CHOP WOMACK.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

The big question is not if the team will select MICHAEL VICK, but how long it will take before Doug Flutie pulls his famed "me first" attitude and refuses to communicate with his eventual successor. If you are a team looking to trade for Vick, don't bother. He's not for sale. With only a first, second, fourth, fifth and a pair of sevenths, GM John Butler would love to trade, but no offers have impressed him as much as Vick's upside does. The linebacking unit needs an upgrade, but the offensive line is a more pressing issue, taking into account the millions the team is tossing out to Vick and Flutie.

They could also use an established back, but will have to take one with lacking critical factors in the next two rounds, as the running back crop leaves little to excite you. Even with Raylee Johnson expected back, the team needs to address problems on the defensive line, especially trying to find another pass rusher. The secondary is probably the only unit on the team that will not have to be addressed on draft day.

IF I WAS THEIR GM... I would never have signed Flutie, but then, I would not bite on any offers for Vick and just take the Virginia Tech passer in an instant. I would then look for a hard-driving running back in the second round like Pittsburgh's KEVAN BARLOW or wait until the third, where power back DAN ALEXANDER (Nebraska) or Auburn's RUDI JOHNSON could come at a cheaper cost. If I took a running back in the second, I'd go for an offensive lineman like South Florida's KENYATTA JONES in the third. If I go for a running back in the third round instead, I look at Louisiana State offensive tackle BRANDON WINEY in round two.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Mike Holmgren has done so much this off-season to revamp the team, the draft seems almost anti-climatic. Matt Hasselbeck takes over at quarterback, having cost the team only the tenth pick in the draft, but also returning a #17 in the exchange. They added All-Pro defensive tackle John Randle and potential Pro Bowler Chad Eaton to plug the defensive line holes and are loaded with draft picks. Holmgren is looking to deal up, having #10 and #17 in the first, two seconds, three fourths, a fifth, two sixths and a pair of seventh rounders.

Everyone says that ole Mike wants a big-play receiver and if he can trade the #7 and a few mid-round picks to move up for Michigan's DAVID TERRELL, he gets his man. Most teams are down on North Carolina State's KOREN ROBINSON, but Holmgren is not. Another potential target at that choice could be Oregon State's CHAD JOHNSON. However, if Missouri pass rusher JUSTIN SMITH slides to #7, Holmgren plants him at left defensive end. At #17, the team could get a quality receiver like Miami's SANTANA MOSS or even Robinson, if he slides, especially if the team goes the defensive route with their first choice. In the second round, look for offensive line and cornerback help. The team will address depth needs at safety early, but spend the second day targeting blue collar-types at middle linebacker, fullback and possibly a project at quarterback (Western Carolina's DAVID RIVERS).

IF I WAS THEIR GM... Trade up for David Terrell or just say "screw the bad workout, I just hate his attitude" and pass on Koren Robinson for the best linebacker in the draft, Miami's DAN MORGAN, planting him at middle linebacker. I then look for Miami's SANTANA MOSS to be around at #17, or if he's gone, snatch up Michigan offensive guard STEVE HUTCHINSON a little earlier than most teams have him projected. I can then use my second rounders (#40 and 45) on a cornerback like Minnesota's WILLIE MIDDLEBROOKS and a safety like Kansas State's JARROD COOPER.

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