Last week, we went division by division breaking down and grading each team based solely on how they handled the draft. Now it’s time to zoom out and look at the full picture.
The biggest stretch of roster movement is now complete and attention begins to shift toward training camp. Before that, though, it’s worth stepping back and evaluating how each team performed across the entire offseason, including trades, free agency, and the draft.
We’ll once again go division by division, starting with the AFC West.
Denver Broncos
Key Additions:
WR Jaylen Waddle (Trade)
RB J.K. Dobbins (Re-signed)
DT Tyler Onyedim (Round 3)
RB Jonah Coleman (Round 4)
Key Departures:
DT John Franklin-Myers (Titans)
LB Dre Greenlaw (49ers)
S P.J. Locke (Cowboys)
Denver had one of the quieter offseasons in the division, outside of the massive Jaylen Waddle trade. That move alone defines how this group should be evaluated. The Broncos sent a 2026 first-round pick along with third- and fourth-round selections to acquire the former Dolphins star, and it’s a deal that makes a lot of sense. Bo Nix needed another legitimate weapon, and Waddle is a clear upgrade over anything Denver could have realistically added in free agency or the draft.
Outside of that, there wasn’t much movement. Re-signing J.K. Dobbins is fine, but it doesn’t move the needle in a meaningful way. The draft was also limited due to the lack of capital, but Denver made the most of what it had. Tyler Onyedim is an intriguing, athletic defensive tackle who should help offset the loss of John Franklin-Myers, and Jonah Coleman gives them another back who can spell Dobbins and R.J. Harvey when needed.
There’s not a lot of flash here, but there didn’t need to be. This is already a solid roster, and the addition of Waddle fills the most obvious hole.
Grade: B-
Kansas City Chiefs
Key Additions:
RB Kenneth Walker III (Free Agency)
DT Khyiris Tonga (Free Agency)
S Alohi Gilman (Free Agency)
QB Justin Fields (Trade)
CB Mansoor Delane (Round 1)
DT Peter Woods (Round 1)
EDGE R. Mason Thomas (Round 2)
RB Emmett Johnson (Round 5)
Key Departures:
CB Trent McDuffie (Rams)
CB Jaylen Watson (Rams)
LB Leo Chenal (Commanders)
RB Isiah Pacheco (Lions)
S Bryan Cook (Bengals)
WR Hollywood Brown (Eagles)
T Jawaan Taylor (Falcons)
From quiet to chaotic, Kansas City had one of the busiest offseasons in the league. It all started with the Trent McDuffie trade, which brought back the 29th overall pick along with additional Day 2 and Day 3 selections. Considering the return and how aggressively they addressed the secondary afterward, it’s hard to argue with the move.
The Chiefs were also active across the board in free agency. Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III is one of the more impactful additions any team made this offseason, while Khyiris Tonga and Alohi Gilman give them quality starters at defensive tackle and safety.
The draft is where this group really stands out. Landing both Mansoor Delane and Peter Woods in the first round is a major win for a defense that lacked top-end talent last season. Add in R Mason Thomas and Emmett Johnson, who both have clear paths to contributing early, and it’s a well-rounded class.
The only real concern is at wide receiver. For a team that lost Hollywood Brown and didn’t make a true investment at the position, that could become an issue later in the year.
Grade: B+
Las Vegas Raiders
Key Additions:
HC Klint Kubiak
QB Kirk Cousins (Free Agency)
C Tyler Linderbaum (Free Agency)
WR Jalen Nailor (Free Agency)
EDGE Kwity Paye (Free Agency)
LB Quay Walker (Free Agency)
LB Nakobe Dean (Free Agency)
CB Taron Johnson (Free Agency)
QB Fernando Mendoza (Round 1)
S Treydan Stukes (Round 2)
CB Jermod McCoy (Round 4)
Key Departures:
HC Pete Carroll
QB Geno Smith (Jets)
G Dylan Parham (Jets)
EDGE Tyree Wilson (Saints)
The Raiders had every opportunity to make a splash, and they did exactly that. With the No. 1 pick and plenty of cap space, this was always going to be an aggressive offseason.
Hiring Klint Kubiak was a key first step, especially with a rookie quarterback coming in. Fernando Mendoza now walks into a system that should help him, along with a supporting cast that includes Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty.
Free agency was just as impressive. Tyler Linderbaum gives them a foundational piece on the offensive line, while Kwity Paye, Quay Walker, and Nakobe Dean significantly upgrade a defense that struggled badly last season. Those are immediate plug-and-play additions.
In the draft, Mendoza was the obvious headliner, but the work in the secondary also was noteworthy.Treydan Stukes and Jermod McCoy add depth and upside, with McCoy widely viewed as one of the better value picks in the class.
The one lingering issue is at wide receiver. Much like Kansas City, it’s a position that could come back to hurt them if it isn’t addressed.
Grade: A-
Los Angeles Chargers
Key Additions:
C Tyler Biadasz (Free Agency)
G Cole Strange (Free Agency)
TE Charlie Kolar (Free Agency)
DT Dalvin Tomlinson (Free Agency)
EDGE Akheem Mesidor (Round 1)
G Jake Slaughter (Round 2)
WR Brenen Thompson (Round 4)
Key Departures:
WR Keenan Allen
G Zion Johnson (Browns)
G Mekhi Becton
The Chargers took a very different approach, opting for minimal changes despite having the resources to do more. The most notable addition is first-round pick Ahkeem Mesidor, who should contribute right away and help ease the eventual transition away from Khalil Mack.
Beyond that, the moves are mostly incremental. Tyler Biadasz and Cole Strange should improve the offensive line, but that unit was a major weakness last year, so even moderate improvement doesn’t necessarily solve the problem. Dalvin Tomlinson is a solid addition up front, though not a game-changing one.
That’s really the theme here. The Chargers had cap space and an opportunity to make a bigger jump, especially after being outmatched in the playoffs, but instead chose to largely run it back. Outside of EDGE, there aren’t many areas where this roster looks significantly improved.
Grade: C-
If this was your kind of read, you’ll like what’s next. Get The Sandman Ticket, our free, weekly newsletter with picks, insights, and a little bit of everything we love about sports.
