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- Although Joe Barksdale is a bit of a liability the Chargers gave up the least amount of sacks in the NFL last year. A big reason for that number is Rivers’ ability to get rid of the ball quickly but Russell Okung offered stability on the blindside. While rookie guard Dan Feeney showed major growth as the season winded down. They will also be relying on 2017 pick Forrest Lamp whose coming off an ACL injury to step into the starting lineup. Mike Pouncey came over from Miami in hopes of fully solidifying the line.
Raiders- The Raiders made some interesting moves selecting two tackles in the first three rounds of the draft. Creating some uncertainty on the edges of the line, but in a division with a lot of questions, they have a couple of pro-bowl players up front. The main reason is a solid interior featuring Rodney Hudson and Kelechi Osemele. Also, when healthy Donald Penn is a sturdy anchor on Carr’s blindside.
Broncos- After years of sub-par line play there is new hope in Denver for the “Hogs” up front. After a rocky rookie season, there is enough tape to show Garett Boles is an above average tackle at the very least. On the opposite side sits newly acquired Jared Veldheer who if healthy provides the Broncos with the first legitimate right tackle in years. Ronald Leary and Matt Paradis make a good duo on the inside but the X-factor is the other guard position. If Connor McGovern builds off a good end of the season, Denver could have the best line in the division.
Chiefs- The interior of the offensive line for the Chiefs is average at best, but they have a couple of decent tackles. Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz make up a good but not great set of tackles. With the AFC West having some of the most feared pass rushers in the game if your tackles are weak your whole offense will suffer. With no real changes to the line, the Chiefs line may have reached its peak with the current group.
