Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Last Friday, we discussed the possibility of all four AFC West teams drafting a running back early in the draft. Thus, it begs the question: Will any of the teams in this division take a look at former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander, who was cut by Seattle on Tuesday?
As of right now, the answer is probably not. The primary reason why the AFC West teams are looking at tailbacks in this draft is because of a need for a young back.
The Raiders, who have the fourth pick, are actually fine at the position. Yet they may take Arkansas' Darren McFadden because of Al Davis' love of game-breakers. It would be a luxury pick. Alexander wouldn't fit.
Kansas City, which has the No. 5 pick, could take a running back because of concerns over Larry Johnson's health. The Chiefs likely aren't in the market for another older, recently injured veteran unless they want to cut Johnson and then sign Alexander. Not likely.
Denver could take Oregon's Jonathan Stewart or Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall with the 12th pick because the team wants to develop a young star at the position. The team already has a veteran in Travis Henry, thus the arrival of Alexander doesn't seem likely.
San Diego would only take a running back in the first few rounds as a replacement for Michael Turner, who left for Atlanta in free agency. With LaDainian Tomlinson in town, a veteran like Alexander doesn't seem to make much sense either.
Yes, this division may be grabbing some running backs this weekend, but it doesn't seem like Alexander will be part of the mix.
