However, the draft and the signings of free agents may have leveled the playing field. But which team will use the combination of draft picks and free agents to contend for the AFC West title?
Will the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs still be the doormat of the AFC West, or will they be able to turn things around in 2010?
Below are the four teams in the AFC West with an analysis of each team's draft picks and free agent signings, and the impact these players will have on each team in 2010.
Denver Broncos: Denver wrapped up the 2009 season with an 8-8 record.
The Broncos started their season off strong, winning their first six games.
But in week seven, Denver had a bye week, and things started to fall apart.
After the bye, the Broncos lost four straight games by an average of 20 points.
Despite their 8-8 record, Denver had the seventh best defense in the league, only allowing 315 yards per game.
The offense struggled somewhat, ranking No. 15 in the league with only 341.4 yards per game.
Key Draft Picks:
Tim Tebow : While there is some debate over whether Tebow's throwing motion is suitable for the NFL, head coach Josh McDaniels chose Tebow for his "team-first" mentality. Tebow has great examples in Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn to help him develop.
Demaryius Thomas : Thomas had a great career at Georgia Tech, with 2,339 receiving yards and 14 TDs. The only problem with Thomas is his route-running skills, as he tends to round off his breaks and occasionally telegraphs his routes. But at 6'3", he has the size of a TE and the speed of a CB.
Zane Beadles : Originally an OT at Utah, Beadles will likely move to G and help the Broncos' running game, which was 18th in the NFL with 114.8 y...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
