AFC West Power Rankings: Post-2025 NFL Draft Edition

With the 2025 NFL Draft in the books, let’s take a look at where the AFC West rivals stack up. Who got better? Who fell behind? It’s time to uncover the truth, beginning with those at the bottom of the division.

AFC West Power Rankings: Post-2025 NFL Draft Edition

4. The Las Vegas Raiders

Unfortunately for Raider Nation, Las Vegas continues to be the lowest-ranked team. With the addition of Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders finally look like they have a complete offense. However, for every hole on offense they filled this offseason, they created one on defense. Outside of drafting Darien Porter in the third round, Las Vegas did little to replace the defenders that they lost this offseason.

To be fair, the Raiders have certainly closed the gap with the rest of the division. However, it is not enough to climb out of the AFC West basement. Transforming from a four-win team into a nine-win team is nice, but it means little in a division with three playoff teams.

3. The Denver Broncos

Going into the draft, the Broncos had an opportunity to set themselves up as potential contenders. After a disappointing draft, Sean Payton and company largely find themselves exactly where they were last season. The Jahdae Barron pick was solid, but it only strengthened what was already a strength.

The Broncos needed to surround Bo Nix with a ton of talent to mask his shortcomings. Instead, they reached for RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant. This isn’t to say they won’t contribute, but they are more slight upgrades over what they currently have rather than true game-changers. Alas, the Broncos remain a fringe-playoff team that will go as far as their good, but not great, quarterback will take them.

2. The Kansas City Chiefs

It is officially time. The Chiefs finally look poised to take a step back. Unless Josh Simmons can recover from his injury and immediately become a quality starter, the offensive line woes will continue to be Kansas City’s kryptonite. On top of that, Jalen Royals is not enough of an addition to fix this mediocre group of offensive weapons.

The Chiefs are still a good team, but they did not get much better. In the competitive AFC West, to not improve is to fall behind. That is especially true after the draft that last year’s divisional runner-up had.

1. The Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers had a fantastic draft. Not only are Omarion Hampton and Tre Harris outstanding players, they are also perfect fits for the Chargers’ offense. Hampton’s explosiveness will be crucial for an offense predicated on chunk run plays. Meanwhile, Harris can be everything that Quentin Johnston has failed to be.

The additions of Jamaree Caldwell and Kyle Kennard strengthen the already strong defensive unit. Los Angeles is a well-balanced team with a ton of young talent surrounding a stellar quarterback. This team possesses the potential to contend for a championship.