2010 NFL Draft Grades: AFC West

The 2010 NFL Draft is now in the books and the staff members of NFLDraft101.com have each submitted their grades.  We will go division by division, recapping each team's draft and presenting our staff grades. (click on the team name for pick by pick analysis)

AFC West:

Denver Broncos - Josh McDaniels has learned how maneuver the draft from the Patriots, but the use of those picks the past two seasons has been questionable.  After the bold move to draft QB Tim Tebow, McDaniels has staked his future on the draft's biggest question mark.  Tebow has off-the-chart intangibles, but his ability to read defenses while improving his accuracy and throwing motion will determine his success.  Fellow first-rounder Demaryius Thomas has a tremendous skillset but is an extremely raw route runner who, like Tebow, will likely need at least two years to develop.  Fellow receiver Eric Decker has the polish to make an early contribution but must overcome a slow-to-heal foot injury.   G/T Zane Beadles is a smart technician but may not be an ideal scheme fit (zone blocker). C JD Walton won't wow you with his physical tools but is a mauler who fills a major need.  After focusing on defense in free agency, the Broncos hope to have picked some day three values in DE/OLB Jammie Kirlew and cornerbacks Perrish Cox and Syd'Quan Thompson.  Aside from Cox, the Broncos drafted for high character while filling needs, but reached with a few selections (esp. Tebow).  Ultimately, how quickly Tebow and Thomas are able to make a contribution, if at all, will determine the draft's success. Grade: C-

Kansas City Chiefs -   Based on this draft, Scott Pioli has definitely bucked the Patriots trend for building from the inside out as they looked to add talent on ...

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