OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 06: Denver Broncos helmets sit on the bench during their game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on December 6, 2012 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
Chargers- It hurts to say but the Chargers as of right now have the best secondary in the AFC West. Casey Hayward has become a two-time pro-bowl player since signing with the Chargers totaling 11 interceptions in the two seasons. The main reason Los Angeles moves past the Broncos in the rankings is the depth at corner. Behind Hayward is three quality corners in Jason Verrett, Trevor Williams, and Desmond King. After Verrett suffered an ACL injury week one Williams and King moved up and didn’t miss a beat. Making the secondary more dangerous is first-round pick Derwin James who could’ve easily been a top ten selection. The Chargers provide depth and talent on the back end and could be a potent unit in 2018.
Broncos- Chris Harris Jr and Bradley Roby are still the most talented duo but in today’s NFL, you need at least three to compete. With the loss of future Hall of Fame corner Aqib Talib the Broncos have questions at corner. Isaac Yiadom, Brendan Langley, or Tramaine Brock who will step up to be the third corner and how will they do? At the safety position, the Broncos have a very deep unit. Will Parks, Justin Simmons, and Sua Cravens are all young and versatile with great talent. While Darian Stewart adds the veteran presence to help the younger guys. This unit still could be in the top ten of the league especially with the improved pass rush.
Raiders- At cornerback the Raiders are shaky. Gareon Conley is last years first round pick but he hasn’t been on the field much. While newly acquired Daryl Worley bounced between three teams in a months span due to legal issues. There will be a heavy competition for those spots as none are a lock. At safety, they have veteran Reggie Nelson and potential breakout player Karl Joseph. The two safeties weren’t special last season but pretty good and Joseph adds that potential to take the next step. However, the corners must step up to provide help to these safeties if this defense wants to improve.
Chiefs- Eric Berry has bounced back from much tougher challenges than a torn Achilles, so there are no doubts he will be back. Berry when healthy is one of the best safeties in all of football. While Kendall Fuller who was apart of the Alex Smith trade comes in as one of the best young corners. However, the question is the surrounding cast. After shockingly trading star cornerback Marcus Peters to the Rams the depth was severely hurt. Other than Fuller no Chiefs corner on the roster recorded an interception in the 2017 season. The two studs in the secondary don’t make up for the uncertainty of others unfortunately for the Chiefs.
