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Denver Broncos: How defensive position groups stack up in AFC West

By Nicholas Manning

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 27: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos warms up before the start of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 27: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos warms up before the start of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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Alexander Johnson
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 01: Linebacker Alexander Johnson #45 of the Denver Broncos stands on the field before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on December 1, 2019, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Linebacker

Denver: LB Von Miller, LB Bradley Chubb, LB Alexander Johnson, LB Todd Davis

The Broncos have one of the NFL’s best edge pairings in the NFL. Though Bradley Chubb is returning from injury, he is looking to earn Comeback Player of the Year. Von Miller had a reduction in sacks last year but was disruptive throughout the season.

Chubb was often double and triple-teamed, allowing others to have one on one matchups. Alexander Johnson changes the defense with his emergence, consistently making splash plays. Johnson will team up with Todd Davis who is the quarterback of the defense. 9.0

Kansas City: LB Anthony Hitchens, LB Damien Wilson, LB Willie Gay Jr.

Anthony Hitchens has been a solid contributor since arriving in 2018. Damien Wilson played okay with 81 combined tackles but was subbed out often in passing downs. Willie Gay Jr. was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2020 draft and brings an abundance of athleticism to the group.

However, Gay Jr. is raw and may need some time to adapt before he makes an impact. 6.5

Las Vegas: LB Cory Littleton, LB Nick Kwiatkoski, LB Nicholas Morrow

The Raiders struggled mightily in the second level of their defense for years. So, Gruden and GM Mike Mayock went out and spent some money, bringing in Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski.

Littleton has been a standout for the Los Angeles Rams for the past few years and brings athleticism and smarts the position. The Raiders are banking on Kwiatkoski translating limited production as a top backup in Chicago into an impactful presence the team desperately needs.

Though Kwiatkoski may be an upgrade, he may not be a dynamic difference-maker. Nicholas Morrow rounds out the group but is a player the team should look to challenge in camp. 6.5

Los Angeles: LB Nick Vigil, LB Denzel Perryman, LB Kenneth Murray

The Chargers will roll with Denzel Perryman in the middle for year six. Perryman is an average defender offering minimal impact as a pass rusher or pass defender.

The team then went out brought in Nick Vigil to man one flank and drafted Kenneth Murray in the first round to take the other side.

Vigil is a solid contributor over the past few years and will be an upgrade for the team as a strong-side linebacker in the 4-3. Murray is an above-average athlete who brings some tenacity to the group. However, Murray’s ability to cover is strictly based on his traits and not on his production in college. 7.0

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