NFL Draft Aftermath: IDP Winners and Losers from the AFC West

Brandon Salamat Posted On June 27, 2018

With the NFL Draft squarely in the rearview mirror and the off-season underway, we’re getting a feel for the rookies and what could lie ahead for them in the upcoming season. It’s also a time for us to evaluate the winners and losers from the draft as many veteran players could have their spots on the depth chart either threatened or solidified based on their team’s actions in the draft. Today, I’ll take a look at some IDP winners and losers from the AFC West. There will certainly be some positional battles to keep tabs on during training camp and some changing veteran IDP values this division.

Let’s get things started.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

WINNER

Anthony Hitchens

The newly acquired ILB will have no worries heading into the new season as the Chiefs did dragged a linebacker in Dorian O’Daniel, but he’s nothing more than a sub-package player at best and should not effect Hitchens’ role. Hitchens’ is on the verge of a breakout season (he’s 25 years old) and after playing a career high 70% of the snaps last year with the Cowboys, we can look forward to that number to increase into the high 80’s to low 90’s.

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LOSERS

Eric Murray

With the draft selection of Armani Watts, his opportunity at locking up the FS job could be short lived. The Chiefs didn’t bring back Ron Parker, so the door was open for Murray. However, the job could now go to Watts unless Murray has a great training camp. Let’s also not forget about Daniel Sorensen, though he plays in the box more. If you had Murray as one of your deep league targets, the selection of Watts may have you better off looking elsewhere.

Reggie Ragland

There was hope Ragland could be in for a big role heading into the season but it’s time to pump the brakes. With the pickup of Hitchens and the draft pick of Dorian O’Daniel, Ragland’s snaps could very well remain limited (he only played 36% of the snaps last season). Hitchens is more than likely to lock down one of the ILB spots and we can go ahead and say Ragland gets first chance at the second ILB spot. However, O’Daniel will make it tough for him because Ragland isn’t staying out there in nickel packages. I would consider trying to move Ragland while you can and going to stash O’Daniel.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

WINNER

Karl Joseph

Owners can relax now that the Raiders didn’t draft or bring in competition to threaten Joseph’s job. The plan this off-season is to move him to FS and hope he has an early career revival as the move should be better suited for him. His IDP value takes a slight hit but I’d still be content with him as my DB2 as he could get back to owners good graces with a bounceback season.

LOSERS

Tahir Whitehead

I was hesitant on listing Whitehead and he’s not necessarily a loser by definition, but he’s going to be looking over his shoulder more times than he had planned after signing a three-year deal with OAK this off-season. When the Raiders selected Azeem Victor in the draft, it was a need for LB depth. However, if Victor is focused, he can give Tahir a run for his money at the starting WLB position. Don’t panic, Tahir will be still a solid option this season; just don’t forget about Victor long-term.

Mario Edwards

before his hip injury, he flashed promise and potential of a DE the Raiders needed opposite Khalil Mack. Since returning, he’s been struggling and the Raiders may have found his replacement with the draft pick of Arden Key. If Key is as advertised, he’s going to make it tough for coaches to take him off the field. He should give Edwards a run for his money and could take his spot on the edge. The positive to this could be Edwards moving inside and becoming an IDL (interior defensive linemen) since he is better suited to play against the run. Time will tell and this is a situation to monitor for certain.

Justin Ellis

Although he wasn’t really a strong IDP option in DT leagues, his job is in jeopardy heading into the new season. The Raiders selected PJ Hall in the second round and people will catch on quickly as to why, Hall came from a small school but don’t let that fool you – he is a powerful interior pass rusher and will push Ellis for a starting job this summer.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

WINNERS

Denzel Perryman

The Chargers went all defense in the draft but none of those choices should affect Perryman. The only competition he will face this off-season is his own health. If he stays healthy, the ILB job is his and he should rebound in a huge way. Going forward, dynasty owners can relax and look forward to plugging him in weekly lineups. A career year could be coming up.

Derwin James

The Chargers got a gift when James fell into their laps at pick 17 in the NFL Draft. His versatility will make him a chess piece on the Chargers defense as he can line-up in the box, at LB, on the edge. James has the ability to play both safety positions, so it’ll be very interesting to see what Gus Bradley has in store for James. There’s a chance James might be a better piece on the field than as a contributor in IDP leagues in the early going, but owners will need to stay patient – James should become what we thought Karl Joseph would be in terms of IDP value.

LOSERS

Kyle Emanuel

With the addition of Uchenna Nwosu, we can expect Emanuel’s role to start decreasing. Nwosu will step right in at SAM/DE and become the Chargers third pass rusher off the edge. You weren’t really rostering Emanuel anyway, unless you’re in a league with huge rosters (65+).

Jatavis Brown

There was a lot of promise with Brown but that’s slowly fading as he just might not fit the build of what Gus Bradley wants to run in his defense. Although he did lead the LBs in snaps last season, there’s more competition as Adrian Phillips looks to be a mainstay at linebacker. The Chargers also drafted Kyzir White, who is converting to linebacker. If Brown has a solid training camp, there’s no doubt he can lock down the WLB spot. However, that should come with some element of precaution because Phillips will get his run again and White will make things interesting. Brown is currently a hold as we wait to see how things shake out but he’s clearly on notice in fantasy and reality.

DENVER BRONCOS

WINNER

Todd Davis

Davis signed a new contract in the off-season and the Broncos could cut ties in 2020. However, for the next couple seasons, Davis looks locked up for the ILB spot next to Brandon Marshall. Although it’s pretty much just an early down role, he should hold off rookie Josey Jewell, who has had a productive career in college. Jewell brings added competition as the Broncos lacked depth at ILB heading into the season so it should light a fire under Davis and keep him hungry. Davis will remain a LB4 option in deep leagues with chances of being a spot starter.

LOSER

Shane Ray

With the pick of Bradley Chubb, the future of Ray comes into question. His IDP value takes a big hit and Ray may not contribute much as he’ll give way to Chubb and will also have to compete for snaps with Shaq Barrett, who is pretty good in his own right. There’s a slim hope Ray keeps some value if Broncos find a way to keep him on the field as a pass rusher with Chubb. There’s certainly a chance the Broncos look at certain packages where Chubb can line up at DE with Ray rushing the edge opposite Von Miller. However, right now you can part ways with Ray without worry as he should be easily replaceable in your leagues. Chubb is going to clearly be the future in Denver.

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