NFL: Intriguing Players to Watch in the AFC West
With the start of the NFL season just around the corner. We are going to highlight a player from every franchise that intrigues us. That can be a rookie asked to start, a player set to breakout or a league star who’s just fun to watch.
Next up the AFC West…
Denver Broncos - Bo Nix, QB
Who else other than Sean Payton’s next quarterback project? After the shambles that was the Russell Wilson experiment, Payton gets a chance to fully impart his vision without dissent from a veteran seemingly unwilling to change. Nix is a blank canvas, but the Broncos’ draft position meant that he was classed as a reach by most. The question appears to be whether Nix can make the elite throws needed to thrive in the NFL. He is proficient in short passing, accurate and intelligent, but the problem will always be, what’s the ceiling? Perhaps Payton’s influence can see Nix make the most of his talent despite the obvious limitations.
Kansas City Chiefs - Xavier Worthy, WR
The headline with receiver Worthy is the 4.21 40-yard dash. But it’s unfair to treat that as his defining feature. This is no John Ross mark II. Worthy was an accomplished three-year starter at Texas. His career included 2755 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns. You don’t do that just running a go route. Of course, his skinny 6’1, 160lb frame will cause some doubt about his durability, but I believe Worthy has more value to Patrick Mahomes than many are pointing out. With only Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice for competition, Worthy could be the surprise package.
Las Vegas Raiders - Michael Mayer, TE
The Las Vegas Raiders couldn’t ignore the value that tight end Brock Bowers offered in the first round of the 2024 draft. However, this gives them an interesting dilemma regarding their second-round pick last year, Michael Mayer. He had 27 receptions for 304 yards and a couple of scores last year, but how will that change with Bowers now on board? Of course, the Raiders will use plenty of 12 formation to get both guys on the field, but will the more dynamic Georgia product hog the targets? Don’t be so sure; Mayer himself was a star for Notre Dame in college, and the competition could spur him on to return to that type of form.
Los Angeles Chargers - Ladd McConkey, WR
Life should be getting easier for Justin Herbert with the arrival of head coach Jim Harbaugh. But, the transition might not be instantly smooth. The Chargers moved on from their two most experienced receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, and don’t have much in the way of surefire replacements. Second-year player Quentin Johnston continues to have issues with drops meaning the pressure is on rookie Ladd McConkey to come in and start immediately. He was an ever-reliable target in his college career for the Georgia Bulldogs and it will be interesting to see if he can have that relationship with Herbert in year 1.
Rory-Joe Daniels
NFL & Cfb contributor
AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.