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2011 NFL Draft Results (Update) Day One in the AFC West

By KaptainKirk Updated
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Corey Liuget, #18 overall pick by the San Diego Chargers, holds up a jersey on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Corey Liuget, #18 overall pick by the San Diego Chargers, holds up a jersey on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
Getty Images

While the Broncos may have surprised a hew people by drafting Von Miller with the 2nd overall pick, their division rivals weren't idle. Well except for the Raiders, who gave up their 1st round pick for Richard Seymour. The San Diego Chargers beefed up their Defensive Line and the Kansas City Chiefs did some maneuvering. 

THE CHARGERS


With the 18th pick, the Chargers picked up DT Cory Liuget  (pronounced "legit") from the Fighting Illini. Corey's versatility is what makes him an attractive choice for the Bolts. He is one of the better prospects in this class of big men. Liuget had a career year in 2010, recording 63 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries and three passes broken up. His ability to get consistent pass rush from the 3-technique and Nose Tackle positions will enable San Diego to work from a 3 or 4 man front. Liuget's experience at the 5-technique should be beneficial to the Chargers.


While he doesn't have an elite first step, Corey has enough to be a pass rush and penetrating run-stopper inside. He has quick feet and will use his strength to force his opponents to double-team him. A stout defender who plays with a strong base, Liuget's hustle and ability to stay low make him difficult to escape within or outside the pocket. His College Coaches said that he is a leader in the locker and meetings rooms.

THE CHIEFS


Kansas City traded the 21st pick to the Cleveland Browns, who had already traded down from the 6th overall pick. Cleveland dealt the 27th and 70th picks to the Chiefs in order to choose Phil Taylor. Kansas City selected Wide Receiver Jonathan Baldwin out of Pittsburgh. At 6'4", 228 and running a 4.49 40-time, Baldwin is a big, fast Wideout that will complement Dwayne Bowe. Jonathan is a 20-year old that just completed his Junior year and chose to come out early. 

Baldwin finished the 2010 season with 53 catches for 822 yards and five touchdowns. He's a better than average blocker with the length to keep his man at a distance and is good with the jump ball and laying his body out for the catch. He needs to work on his Yards After Catch skills and catch with his hands instead of letting the pass get into his body. Scouts questioned his attitude and maturity. Still, he was considered the 4th or 5th ranked Wide Receiver in the Draft and should relieve some of the pressure off Dwayne Bowe and open up Kansas City's passing game, including the speedy Dexter McCluster.


All in all, it was a good first day of the 2011 Draft for the AFC West. The division improved a bit and it's still too early to tell whether any one team jumped ahead of anyone else...again, except the Raiders. Tomorrow, the Broncos will be selecting 4th and 14th and there is still some talent left on the board. Here are a few of the players left for their range of picks:
  • Da’Quan Bowers
  • Justin Houston
  • Ryan Mallett 
  • Aaron Williams 
  • Akeem Ayers 
  • Brooks Reed 
  • Mikel LeShoure 
  • Marvin Austin 
  • Andy Dalton
  • Rahim Moore
  • Colin Kaepernick 
  • Brandon Harris
  • Ben Ijalana
  • Jabaal Sheard
  • Allen Bailey
  • Kyle Rudolph 
  • Torrey Smith 
  • Bruce Carter  
  • Leonard Hankerson 
  • Curtis Brown 
  • Ras-I Dowling 
  • Martez Wilson 
  • Stephen Paea  

The New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals are up before the Broncos, so you can speculate who will be available at 36 for Denver. Good Night and...

Go Broncos!

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