AFC West: Impact Newcomers

SI Staff | Jul 20, 2006

AFC West: Impact Newcomers /

AFC West: Impact Newcomers

Javon Walker

Denver is pleased with the pace of Walker's comeback from knee surgery but knows to take it slow with the former Packer this summer. Walker tore his ACL in the first game of last season and has been working steadily to get back to full speed. The Broncos gave up a second-round pick for him and hope he can provide the consistent threat opposite Rod Smith they've been lacking. If Walker is close to 100 percent, he'll be a huge addition for an offense that needs big-play capability.

Aaron Brooks

The key to his success will be the offensive line. That unit stunk last season but could improve now that Hall of Fame lineman Art Shell is coach. When Brooks has time to throw, he's dangerous. But when he's under pressure, he's a turnover machine. He has a strong enough arm to throw long to Randy Moss.

Tamba Hali

He impressed coaches during minicamps and will likely contribute from the start of the season. Teams were worried about his lack of girth leading up to the draft, but Kansas City doesn't seem concerned. The Chiefs are trying to improve the defense's attitude and hope that Hali's great energy is contagious.

Antonio Cromartie

He's an incredible athlete with very little football experience. He missed almost all of his final season at Florida State with a knee injury, but he wowed NFL teams with a 4.4 40-yard dash and a 42-inch vertical. Cromartie is 6-foot-2 and has the agility to cover speedy receivers. Despite his lack of playing time, he enters an interesting situation, since the Chargers aren't thrilled with their current corners. Don't be surprised if he contributes immediately.

Michael Huff

Oakland doesn't seem to know where to play Huff, but the former Texas star can help them anywhere in the secondary. He worked at a few positions during minicamps and will likely settle at one of the safety spots. He's big enough to blitz and stop the run and fast enough to cover wideouts deep. The Raiders believe Huff will come in and instantly make the kind of big defensive plays they've been lacking.

Kenard Lang

Denver has to replace the versatile Trevor Pryce, so bringing in Lang assures they'll have a deep rotation on the line. Lang, who has 44 sacks in nine NFL seasons, is the latest former Brown to join Denver's defensive line. He struggled trying to transition to outside linebacker in a 3-4 set in Cleveland last year but will be back in his comfort zone with the Broncos.

Marlon McCree

He's coming off a strong season in Carolina (88 tackles, three interceptions) and will likely start at free safety, although he can play strong safety as well. He'll help solidify a unit that was a question mark last season.

Jay Cutler

He showed off his arm strength and accuracy in minicamp, leading some members of the media to wonder if he could challenge starter Jake Plummer. The Broncos say that's out of the question, but Cutler's presence will have an effect on this team by pushing Plummer to perform better. Denver has very high expectations this year, so if Plummer struggles, the strong-armed rookie out of Vanderbilt could get a shot.

Kyle Turley

He missed the last two seasons with severe back problems and needs to put on weight in a hurry. Right tackle John Welbourn retired in the offseason, and Turley has a chance to earn the starting job if he performs well in training camp. The Chiefs traditionally have one of the best lines in football, although they are getting older. Perhaps Turley's fiery attitude will help keep the unit energized.

Lance Johnstone

He's still a dangerous pass-rusher on third down and will be an excellent complement to emerging star Derrick Burgess, who had 16 sacks last season. Johnstone had 7.5 sacks for the Vikings last year and has 70 sacks in his 10-year career. He's known for his quickness and should make the Raiders' defense dangerous in passing situations.

Published Jul 20, 2006

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