In Insider pieces, we are offering a double dose of mock drafts. Both Mel Kiper
and Todd McShay offer new mock first-round drafts. Let’s check out their choices for the AFC West teams:
11. Kansas City:
Kiper: Luke Kuechly, MLB, Boston College
McShay: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
My take: This is interesting. Kiper has Richardson being off the board when the Chiefs pick and McShay having them taking advantage of him falling down the board. Richardson would be a luxury pick for the Chiefs, but he would give them a nasty offense and a great backfield partner for Jamaal Charles. Kuechly is a safe pick, who should be there for the Chiefs at No. 11. I think he could be the pick.
18. San Diego
Kiper: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
McShay: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia
My take: I like the Mercilus pick. The Chargers need a pass-rusher badly. He led the NCAA in sacks last season. However, the presence of Stanford guard David DeCastro may be tempting because of the retirement of Kris Dielman. I know the Chargers are planning on Tyronne Green taking over for Dielman, but DeCastro is a special talent. I think we’ll learn more about the Chargers’ direction with this pick after the first wave of free agency.
25. Denver
Kiper: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi St.
McShay: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
My take: I think both Kiper and McShay are on the right track here. I think defensive tackle will be the position Denver looks at first. If Cox is on the board, I think he will be the first choice unless Memphis’ Dontari Poe unexpectedly falls.
Oakland traded its first-round pick (No. 17) to Cincinnati as part of the trade for quarterback Carson Palmer.