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) /
Broncos (Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Courtland Sutton, Carlos Henderson, DaeSean Hamilton)- With all the talks of Demaryius slowing down he statistically was better than any other current AFC West receiver besides two. Thomas and Sanders both came off of down years but with a better offense lined up this season could be poised for bounce-back years. Besides the two pro-bowlers, the Broncos finally have the depth they’ve been missing the past three seasons. Sutton, Henderson, and Hamilton offer an exciting substitute package when the veterans need rest.
Raiders (Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson, Martavis Bryant, Johnny Holton, Ryan Switzer)- After two consecutive seasons of over 1,000 yards, it looked like Cooper was on his way to becoming a top receiver in the whole league. Last year, however, Cooper looked like a shell of himself dropping passes left and right. Coach Gruden decided to give Cooper some relief adding Nelson and Bryant. Nelson is getting older but is still a reliable receiver with sure hands. While Bryant had a season filled with controversy but still produced decent numbers. The three receivers look great on paper and old highlights but need to show they can produce.
Chargers (Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams, Travis Benjamin, Mike Williams)- It’s hard to put the Chargers third in these rankings as Allen may be the best receiver in the division when healthy. Allen finally was able to play a whole season and produced 103 catches and 1,393 yards. Allen has a solid supporting cast with T. Williams and Benjamin but they are simply depth type guys. The wild card this upcoming season is the Chargers 2017 first-round pick, Mike Williams. He only caught 11 passes last season in an injury-riddled season but has the potential to be the best duo in the West if he pans out.
Chiefs (Tyreke Hill, Sammy Watkins, Chris Conley, De’Anthony Thomas, Demarcus Robinson)- Hill showed last year he is more than just a returner with 70+ catches and 1,000+ yards. Hill presents the homerun threat but didn’t have a running mate at receiver last season; Insert Sammy Watkins. The Chiefs come in last during these rankings as Watkins hasn’t lived up to the hype. He has only had one 1,000 yard season in his career. Behind those two are guys who haven’t been able to make any serious contributions yet in their careers.
