The biggest news--though perhaps the least surprising--in the AFC West was that San Diego cut ties with LaDanian Tomlinson. L.T. was in decline and his production won't be missed anymore, although it is a valid question to wonder if Darren Sproles is physically big enough to handle the role of being a prime back. And to wonder whether the front office acted wisely in letting Michael Turner go to Atlanta two years ago. Shawn Merriman's status is also uncertain, creating a cloud around the franchise that looked on its way to a Super Bowl last year.

Denver continued to clear out either problem children, or players who coach Josh McDaniel can't get along with, depending on your interpretation of things in Mile High. The Broncos followed up last season's trading of Jay Cutler, by dealing receiver Brandon Marshall to Miami. Another franchise with Bill Belichick disciples installed is Kansas City, as GM Scott Pioli shows his committment to creating the New England of the Midwest. He's now got Charlie Weis in as offensive coordinator and Romeo Crennel running the defense. In the lineup, the Chiefs added running back Thomas Jones to share carries with Jamaal Charles. There's not a lot of waves in Oakland, which is unusual, but given the state of the team any thing that hints of status quo can't be seen as a positive.

That's a wrap on the division overviews. Just a little something to get your sea legs if you're primary focus is baseball or the NBA & NHL playoffs right now. The draft starts tonight. Be back Wednesday with some thoughts on that.