Every pick has the chance to change a franchise. No matter the spot-first overall or Mr. Irrelevant-a player could flourish into a superstar.
This article highlights the biggest steal from each draft class in the AFC West (and the overall biggest steal of the division). Of course, there will be some honorable mentions at the end since it is not always definitive.
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Las Vegas Raiders: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State (Round Three)
The Raiders entered the 2025 NFL Draft with an eviscerated cornerback corps.
Somehow, they sniped one of the most talented cornerbacks in the draft. Porter is older, but he just started to get a chance to show his ability. In that small sample size, he flourished. With over a 90 PFF coverage grade and a 4.30 40-yard dash at 6’3, it just is baffling that he was available.
The Raiders may have solved their cornerback problem with one pick.
Denver Broncos: Que Robinson, EDGE/LB, Alabama (Round Four)
Robinson is a huge project.
He is an insane athlete with very little experience, but he is in the perfect position to succeed. Some of his reps at linebacker for Alabama showed his flexibility as well, which may prove to be a huge, unseen asset.
This was a high-risk, high-reward selection, but the Broncos could have hit a home run with Robinson.
Los Angeles Chargers: Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina (Round Four)
This year’s edge class was stacked.
Some rushers were bound to fall, and Kennard ended up being one of them. He was a vital piece on one of the deadliest defensive lines in the country. Injuries certainly hampered him during the year, but he flashed when healthy.
If injuries do not linger or follow him to the NFL, Kennard easily could compete for edge two for the long run. That is a steal in the fourth.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State (Round Five)
Royals missed some time with an ankle injury.
Even when he was “80%,” he showed up and dominated in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. No one could cover him. Imagine Royals at 100%, and it is nearly impossible to believe he fell that far.
The Chiefs can utilize Royals’ skillset immediately as a burner and after-the-catch threat. He perfectly complements the weapons on the roster. Some even say that the Utah State product is the better version of former second-round pick Skyy Moore.
This article is not going to claim that comparison, but better production than Moore is expected. That is rare for a fifth-round pick.
Biggest Steal: Jalen Royals, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Royals was a second-round talent who fell due to health concerns.
Unlike some other injured talents taken above him, he still showed out at the All-Star Circuit in Mobile. Not many could handle the intensity required on a hurt ankle, but Royals did. Look out for immediate production from the fifth-round pick.
Honorable Mentions
There were lots of picks across most drafts that one would call ‘steals.’ Below are a few of the biggest for the AFC West that missed the top spot.
Kansas City Chiefs: Brashard Smith, RB, SMU (Round Seven)
The Hunt family loves their SMU players (the Hunts are extensively involved at SMU and send some of their family members there). That ‘school nepotism’ has yielded some solid talents so far, including Rashee Rice. Smith should have been a third-round pick. After testing out well, it is mind-boggling to see him slip this far. Watching the SMU product in person weekly was a constant affirmation that Smith is an NFL talent. Ascending to the starting running back spot is far from out of the question.
Los Angeles Chargers: Oronde Gadsden II, TE/WR, Syracuse (Round Five)
Many were shocked that Los Angeles did not choose a tight end sooner. Gadsden is not a good blocker (at all), but he is a dynamic receiver. After seeing Will Dissly drop key passes, it was time to get a better receiving option. It is unclear how much of an immediate impact he will be, but Gadsden could be sneakily productive as a rookie.
