Another week of the 2020 NFL offseason has concluded. It’s time to check out what the Kansas City Chiefs’ division rivals in the AFC West have been up to. Below you’ll find some of the top stories of the past week for the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders.
Drew Lock describes Broncos TE Nick Vannett as ‘a monster’
“’He’s a monster,’ quarterback Drew Lock said on Aug. 17. ‘He’s going to help us in both aspects — running and the passing game. Couldn’t say enough about him as well. Again, his dedication. He left, he had to come to Denver and start a new life.'”
After not making much of an impact in Seattle, Vannett signed with Denver to be their No. 2 TE behind Noah Fant. The Broncos also have Albert Okwuegbunam and Jake Butt to add plenty of depth at the position for QB Drew Lock to work with.
Peyton Manning praises QB Drew Lock on Broncos’ training camp show
“Manning also commended Lock for his swagger and edge, which he said is important for a QB to have. Manning later joked that he doesn’t know much about mobility but he praised Lock’s ability to keep plays alive.
‘That’s something that Drew does well,’ Manning said. ‘I think he moves and it looks to me like he keeps his eyes downfield as he’s moving in the pocket — that’s important.'”
Drew Lock is quickly becoming one of the top young quarterbacks to watch after only playing five games for the Broncos last season. In those five games, he went 4-1, which was enough for future Hall of Famer, Peyton Manning to take notice.
Melvin Ingram returns to practice after Chargers guarantee his salary
“The Chargers didn’t want to deal with missing the 31-year-old Ingram, which is why the team agreed to adjust his contract.
NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo reports that L.A. guaranteed this year’s salary of $14 million, making it enough for Ingram to return to practice.”
After a brief holdout due to contract negotiations, Melvin Ingram returned to practice for the Chargers. Ingram is still set to be a free agent following the 2020 season and will likely be expecting a contract that makes him one of the highest-paid pass rushers in the league. It will be interesting to see if the Chargers’ front office gets it done considering they just paid Joey Bosa.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert finding his voice in the offense
“‘Justin, so I am standing there watching you imagining what the defense could be thinking,’ coach Anthony Lynn said. ‘I can tell the difference when it’s a run and a pass based on the way you talk.’
Herbert, the signal-caller who was touted to have a reserved personality, is slowly but surely getting caught up to the speed of the NFL and gaining confidence with the help of his coaches and teammates.”
This is one of the few reasons Justin Herbert, and other rookies across the league could have benefited from a preseason. Herbert would get reps against different teams, but he will have to settle to only play against his teammates until he is ready to lead the Chargers. Until then, Tyrod Taylor will be the starting quarterback for Los Angeles.
Raiders WR Bryan Edwards impressed in first day of padded practice
“After falling to the third round in the NFL Draft due to a foot injury, things have gone exceptionally well for the former South Carolina star. Not only has he impressed coaches and teammates on the field, but he’s shown to be a quick learner, as well.
But the most impressive thing about Edwards is just how tough and physical of a receiver he can be. According to quarterback Derek Carr, Edwards looked “violent” on Monday. While he doesn’t possess elite speed, Edwards knows how to use his body and size to box out smaller defenders. That is a trait the Raiders have missed since Michael Crabtree last played with the team.”
The Raiders have quickly reloaded their receivers after being relatively thin last season with additions of Edwards and Henry Ruggs. It will be interesting if Derek Carr is able to get them the football and create an improved Raiders offense in 2020.
Raiders FS Jeff Heath discuss what his role will be with the team this season
“In his most recent media session, Heath talked about his versatility and how he plans on helping the Raiders’ success this season:
“‘My role is just going to be to help the team anyway I can, whether that’s as a safety, obviously I know I will be on special teams a lot. At this point in my career, I just want to contribute, be on a good team and contribute and be a leader. We have a really young team, a really young secondary in particular and I can hopefully give those guys some knowledge and just help anyway I can'”
Jeff Heath will be the No. 3 safety for the Raiders behind Damarious Randall and Johnathan Abram, but if an injury occurs Heath will be able to fill in nicely due to his previous NFL experience with Dallas.
