AFC West: Chargers clearly in charge as draft nears

Denver Broncos

The skinny: Has the star dimmed for Mike Shanahan? It certainly has in terms of his being a personnel man. He's made some bad decisions. It's time he drafts better. This team seems to be regressing, and adding veterans over the years as stopgap players hasn't worked.

Primary need: They have run a wave of defensive tackles through in recent years but haven't hit on any of them. They need to draft a power player inside.

Secondary needs: Linebacker, offensive tackle and wide receiver.

Possible targets: USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, North Carolina defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer, Boise State tackle Ryan Clady, Vanderbilt tackle Chris Williams and Otah.

Summary: They have to build this team back to where it was a few years ago. For that to be a reality, the defense has to improve. They have to bolster the run defense. Replacing Matt Lepsis at left tackle is also important and a receiver to go with Brandon Marshall would help. With Marshall suffering a severe injury to his left arm, his status is up in the air as well.

Kansas City Chiefs

The skinny: This is a team that is certainly in the rebuilding mode. The Chiefs didn't spend a lot in free agency, which was the wise thing -- they have to build through the draft. General manager Carl Peterson is starting to take a lot of heat in Kansas City, and rightfully so. They have to draft better. Could they go for Matt Ryan with their first pick?

Primary need: Offensive line. Pick a position, any position. They need a lot of help.

Secondary needs: Cornerback, wide receiver, quarterback and linebacker.

Possible targets: Clady, Otah, Williams, Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin and Talib.

Summary: They have a young passer in Brodie Croyle, but they still could go for a quarterback early. If they don't fix that offensive line the confidence of any passer, a rookie or Croyle, could be shot early in their careers. The line is a mess. They didn't prepare well for the time when their line aged. This is a critical draft for Peterson -- and Herm Edwards.

Oakland Raiders

The skinny: They spent money like they printed it in free agency. But are they really any better? It all depends on the growth of second-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell, the player they took with the first overall pick last year. They need to get him some help up front on the line and maybe another receiver and a big-play back.

Primary need: Right tackle. They need to get a power player to play the right side.

Secondary needs: Defensive tackle, running back and wide receiver.

Possible targets: Otah, Williams, Ellis and Arkansas RB Darren McFadden.

Summary: Despite the perception, there is some young talent on this team. If they can have a good draft, they might be a year away from pushing for a playoff spot. That's assuming Russell goes to the next level. But whoever made the free-agent deals might want to sit out draft day. They paid way too much money out in free agency for not-so-great players.