AFC West rookies who will make the biggest impact in 2023

Now that the NFL Draft is over, teams will conduct rookie mini-camps and then organized team activities (OTAs). Here are four rookies who will likely have the biggest impact in the AFC West:

Denver Broncos 

Marvin Mims Jr., WR (Second round): Denver's offense was dreadful last season, ranking last in scoring. A speedy, field-stretching WR such as Mims Jr. should help. The former Oklahoma wideout was third in the FBS in yards per reception (20.1) in 2022.

The Broncos have a loaded WR corps that includes Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick and Courtland Sutton. WR K.J. Hamler, recovering from a partially torn pectoral he suffered in March, has struggled with injuries, missing 27 games over the past three seasons. New HC Sean Payton might have Mims Jr. fill Hamler's role as Denver's new deep-ball specialist.

Kansas City Chiefs

Rashee Rice, WR (Second round): Chiefs HC Andy Reid is an offensive wizard who has developed Pro Bowl WRs Tyreek Hill and DeSean Jackson. Rice could be his next star wideout. During his final season at SMU, he had the FBS' third-most receiving yards (1,355) and fifth-most receptions (96).

Former Chiefs WRs JuJu Smith-Schuster (Patriots) and Mecole Hardman Jr. (Jets) left in free agency. The lack of WR depth means Kansas City could rely on the rookie quickly. QB Patrick Mahomes and Rice have already connected, working together in Texas before the draft, per The Athletic's Nate Taylor.

Las Vegas Raiders

Tyree Wilson, DE (First round): Per The Athletic's Mike Sando, one evaluator said Wilson is "more impressive than Browns DE Myles Garrett," a two-time first-team All-Pro. Wilson (6-foot-6, 271 pounds) is built like Garrett (6-foot-4, 272 pounds), and could become a pass-rushing wrecking ball like him, who has 74.5 sacks in six seasons.

Wilson can learn from one of the best DEs in the league, Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby. He was tied for the eighth-most sacks in the NFL last season with 12.5 in 17 games. 

If Wilson quickly fulfills his potential, the Raiders could have a fearsome tandem at DE, something they desperately need after finishing 30th in sacks last season with 27 in 17 games.  

Los Angeles Chargers

Quentin Johnston, WR (First round): Johnston landed in a great situation with the Chargers, who have an elite QB in Justin Herbert. OC Kellen Moore recently raved about Johnston's versatility, telling Omar Navarro of Chargers.com, "It's really special." 

Johnston is adept at gaining yards after the catch, making him a valuable weapon in the passing game. Per Pro Football Focus, he averaged 8.9 YAC last season, tied for 10th in the FBS.

Johnston, Mike Williams and Keenan Allen could form a terrific WR trio that elevates Los Angeles' offense and allows the Chargers to capture their first postseason win since the 2018 playoffs.