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- The reason Los Angeles is at the top is production over potential… For now. Joey Bosa (12.5 sacks and 56 pressures) and Melvin Ingram (10.5 sacks and 51 pressures) both contributed in a major way in 2017. In a division stacked with some of the best pass rushers in the NFL, it helps to have two. Bosa in his two seasons continues to improve and will most likely be in the top ten of sacks again in 2018. The duo is fun to watch unless your team is the opponent.
Broncos- Although the Broncos rank second on the list, they have the greatest pass rusher in the league with Von Miller. Miller faced double and triple-teams constantly last season but still managed to rack up ten sacks. Help is on the way though for Von in the form of Bradley Chubb the fifth overall pick. Rated as the top defensive prospect in the draft Chubb was graded higher than last years number one overall pick Myles Garrett. Add a healthy Shane Ray and Shaq Barrett and the Broncos may become the best pass rush unit in the league.
Raiders- Khalil Mack is in the conversation for the best edge rusher in the league and is almost guaranteed double-digit sacks each season. He just doesn’t have a sidekick as good as Denver and Los Angeles. Bruce Irvin is a good player but has never put together a ten sack season in his career. With his production as is the Raiders don’t have as much pop outside of Mack.
Chiefs- Putting a team with Justin Houston last in a pass rush ranking just seems wrong. However, with Dee Ford recovering from a back injury and no Tamba Hali there is uncertainty opposite Houston. Houston himself hasn’t been the same since his 22 sack season in 2014. The Chiefs need Ford and Houston to bounce back strong in a division where the pass rush is the strength.