The first round of the 2020 NFL draft is in the books. The Kansas City Chiefs selected running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the 32nd and final pick of the first round. Let’s take a look at how the rest of the AFC West fared and the many names Chiefs fans be hearing this fall.
Los Angeles Chargers
Pick No. 6: Oregon QB Justin Herbert
The Chargers have moved on from 16 seasons of Phillip Rivers in a hurry with the selection of Herbert. The 6-foot-6, 236-pound Herbert finished his senior season at Oregon with 3,471 passing yards and 32 passing touchdowns, culminating in by being named offensive MVP of the Rose Bowl. He will probably learn behind veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor during his rookie season but expect Taylor to be on a short leash.
Pick No. 23: Oklahoma LB Kenneth Murray
Murray is a three-down linebacker that can cover a field with plenty of energy. The combination of speed and playmaking ability made him worth the Chargers trading their only Day 2 picks to the New England Patriots. Murray collected 17 tackles for loss and four sacks as well as four pass breakups in 14 starts in 2019 with the Sooners.
Oakland Raiders
Pick No. 12: Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III
The Raiders added an explosive receiver that will give quarterback Derek Carr more reasons to throw the deep ball. The Raiders needed another top target to combine with tight end Darren Waller and improve on their 24th ranked scoring attack from a year ago. Ruggs hauled in 40 receptions for 746 yards, a 15.1 yard per catch average and seven touchdowns in 2019
Pick No. 19: Ohio State CB Damon Arnette
Annette joins the Raiders secondary after an impressive tenure with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Arnette is a physical defender that will put pressure on receivers at the line of scrimmage and fearless enough to make plays on the ball. In his senior season, Arnette had 35 tackles, eight passes defended, and one interception.
Denver Broncos
Pick No. 15: Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy
The Broncos addressed the wide receiver position effectively with this selection, adding another weapon for their young QB Drew Lock. Speed, footwork and the ability to create separation from defenders make Jeudy a prime target in any offense. Jeudy finished the 2019 season at Alabama with 959 yards receiving and nine touchdowns.
Overall, plenty of young talented players were added to the AFC West division Thursday night. Kansas City will have their chance to add more depth in the later rounds as Brett Veach and company prepare to defend their Super Bowl title in 2020.
