Grades are in for all 32 teams in the NFL draft, but which picks will turn out to be the biggest values for each team? College Football 24/7 takes a look this week at the five best bargains in each division, continuing today with the AFC West and NFC West teams:
AFC West
RB Devontae Booker, Denver Broncos
Drafted:4th round (136th overall)
Why he's a bargain:NFL Media draft expert Mike Mayock's No. 2-rated running back in the draft slipped all the way to the final day of selections. A knee injury that limited Booker's ability to impress scouts in the pre-draft process might have had something to do with that, but make no mistake -- when healthy, this is a dangerous rusher and receiver with exceptional quickness. At worst, he's an explosive and valuable third-down back in the NFL; at best, he takes on a much larger role and proves to be a much bigger draft steal.
LB Dadi Nicolas, Kansas City Chiefs
Drafted:6th round (203rd overall)
Why he's a bargain:In Nicolas, Kansas City adds a speedy pass rusher who has quickness and played with a lot of hustle at Virginia Tech. As a junior in 2014, Nicolas had a spectacular season with 18 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and a whopping 35 hurries. If he makes it in the pros, he's got DPR (designated pass rusher) written all over him. Why did he fall to Round 6? His thin frame and lack of power make him something of a liability against the run. There was also this bad decision that NFL clubs no doubt took note of.
QB Connor Cook, Oakland Raiders
Drafted:4th round (100th overall)
Why he's a bargain:The former Michigan State star was certainly a candidate to slide in the draft due to questions about his leadership ability, but nobody could have guessed a freefall to the fourth round for a player many regarded as the fourth-best quarterback prospect in the draft. Yes, the Raiders parted with a couple picks to trade up for him, but he was still a great value. Cook was 34-5 as a starter in his career and played in a pro-style system, so his adjustment to the NFL should be smoother than most. No, he won't likely overtake Derek Carr, who is among the NFL's most promising young quarterbacks, but having two quality quarterbacks is a worthwhile luxury.
LB Jatavis Brown, San Diego Chargers
Drafted:5th round (175th overall)
Why he's a bargain:Brown was a tackling machine at Akron. He has the speed and ability to play the pass to as a third-down contributor on an NFL defense. Brown is also a capable blitzer. Prior to the draft, Mayock likened Brown to LSU's Deion Jones, who was a second-round pick. The small-school label might have served to push Brown to Day 3, but he should impact the club as a rookie on special teams, defensively, or both.
CB D.J. White, Kansas City Chiefs
Drafted:6th round (178th overall)
Why he's a bargain:The Chiefs picked up one of the best cover men in the ACC here. White was a consistent performer for three consecutive years at Georgia Tech, breaking up 16 passes over his last two seasons. If he isn't able to handle some of the bigger NFL receivers on the outside, White could settle nicely into a nickelback role.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
