The teams in the AFC West took their time investing draft capital in prospects from SEC Football. In the case of the Denver Broncos, they bypassed SEC Football altogether. The AFC West found themselves a few draft day steals on the third day of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Which SEC Football players were drafted by AFC West teams in the 2022 NFL Draft?
Kansas City Chiefs
- Round 5 Pick 145: Kentucky IOL Darian Kinnard
The Kansas City Chiefs wanted to become a more physical team on both sides of the football, and the 2022 NFL Draft went a long way in obtaining that goal. The Chiefs have found some steals late in drafts, and the 2022 version is no different. Darian Kinnard will transition to IOL nicely and add to the Chiefs’ increasing arsenal.
Los Angeles Chargers
- Round 4 Pick 123: Texas A&M RB Isaiah Spiller
- Round 6 Pick 195: Georgia IOL Jamaree Salyer
- Round 7 Pick 236: Ole Miss CB Deane Leonard
The Los Angeles Chargers have been searching for a 1-2 punch in their backfield for quite some time. Pairing former Aggies’ RB Isaiah Spiller with current standout Austin Ekeler is too good to be true. I had Jamaree Salyer graded out as a Round 2 prospect. I have no idea why he lasted on the board until the 6th round. Sayler was one of the best value selections in the entire draft. Deane Leonard will have to find a spot on special teams to make the roster.
Las Vegas Raiders
- Round 4 Pick 122: Georgia RB Zamir White
- Round 4 Pick 126: LSU DT Neil Farrell Jr.
- Round 5 Pick 175: Tennessee DT Matthew Butler
The Las Vegas Raiders recently declined the fifth-year option on current starting RB and former Alabama Crimson Tide standout Josh Jacobs. An intriguing subplot to the selection of Zamir White out of Georgia in the 4th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. White could find a role this season before taking over more reps if Josh Jacobs finds a new home following the 2022 season. The Las Vegas Raiders made it a point of emphasis to address the interior of their defensive line. Neil Farrell Jr. will add some beef up front while Matthew Butler was on the board far too late. I graded Butler as a 3rd round prospect. For the Raiders to select Butler in the late 5th is a steal.