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- Todd Davis and Brandon Marshall are the two most consistent linebackers in the West right now. Marshall finished second out of the current AFC West linebackers to division newcomer Tahir Whitehead. With the addition of Su’a Cravens to play more of a coverage role, it will allow Marshall and Davis to focus their attention on stopping the run. Another season with both players getting 80-plus tackles is a strong possibility.
Raiders- The aforementioned Tahir Whitehead adds a much-needed rock in the middle. Last season with the Lions Whitehead tallied 110 tackles finishing 16th in the league in the category. Whitehead is also joined by new additions Derrick Johnson and Emmanuel Lamur. Whitehead should have a spot locked but Johnson and Lamur will have to compete with second-year player Marquel Lee. If healthy Johnson should be able to start even though his All-Pro days are behind him.
Chiefs- After moving away from Derrick Johnson the Chiefs added Anthony Hitchens from the Cowboys. Coming off an 84 tackle season and being at the ripe age of 25 Hitchens could see a similar performance. Alongside Hitchens will be Reggie Ragland who showed some flashes later in the season after being traded from the Bills. These two young backers could grow together to be a formidable duo.
Chargers- Denzel Perryman is a talented player but has yet to be able to play a full season. Perryman will likely start but will it be at the MIKE or Will position? Hayes Pullard led the linebacking core in tackles last season, but was inconsistent and had many missed tackles. Pullard likely will compete with Jatavis Brown but neither are long-term answers. Kyle Emmanual rounds up a core that is clearly the inferior of the front seven.
