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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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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 17: Safety Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos chats with wide receiver Demarcus Robinson #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs after a play during the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on October 17, 2019, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 17: Safety Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos chats with wide receiver Demarcus Robinson #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs after a play during the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on October 17, 2019, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Secondary

Denver: CB A.J. Bouye, CB Bryce Callahan, CB De’Vante Bausby, S Kareem Jackson, S Justin Simmons

The Broncos lost cornerback Chris Harris to the Chargers but quickly jumped on bringing in A.J. Bouye. Bouye is a former Pro-Bowl defender who is a perfect fit for Fangio’s defense. Callahan produced at a high level for Fangio in 2018 with Chicago but missed 2019 with an injury. He will be counted on to rebound.

De’Vante Bausby was playing very well before going down for the year. Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons formed one of the league’s best safety duos. Jackson transition to safety for the first time in 2019 and made plays all over the field. Simmons’s play earned him 2nd team All-Pro, and he can still get better. 7.5

Las Vegas: CB Trayvon Mullen, CB Damon Arnette, CB Prince Amukamara, CB/S Lamarcus Joyner, S Johnathan Abram, S Damarious Randall

The Raiders have turned over this group entirely in two seasons. Trayvon Mullen played well as the season went on after experiencing early-season growing pains. Lamarcus Joyner provided the team with a chess piece to cover the slot.

Johnathan Abrams was hurt in the first game of the year but seems to as hitter he was advertised to be. Damon Arnette and Prince Amukamara may be solid contributors, but will most likely be picked on as CB2’s. Damarious Randall is a versatile defender who plays similarly to Joyner. 6.5

Los Angeles: CB Desmond King, CB Chris Harris, CB Casey Hayward, S Derwin James, S Rayshawn Jenkins

The strength of the Chargers defense got stronger with the addition of Chris Harris. Though Harris may be a bit old for the position, his impact as a slot defender cannot be understated. Desmond King and Casey Hayward are both solid cornerbacks who make big plays.

Derwin James is the ultimate chess piece and can impact the game in a variety of ways. Jenkins filled in nicely at the end of the season and will get a chance to earn the spot permanently. 8.5

Kansas City: CB Bashaud Breeland, CB Charvarius Ward, CB Rashad Fenton, S Juan Thornhill, S Tyrann Mathieu

The Chiefs secondary is led by All-World Tyrann Mathieu, who shows his impact all season. Charvarius Ward and Rashad Fenton played well enough opposite Bashaud Breeland but can be picked on by opposing quarterbacks.

Breeland played well but will miss time this year after being suspended by the league. Juan Thornhill was a wonderful partner opposite Mathieu before being injured. If healthy, Thornhill and Mathieu will form one of the league’s better duos. 7.0

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