Kansas City Chiefs: Best Roster In The AFC West?
By Ben Almquist
Outside Linebacker
Denver Broncos – Von Miller/Demarcus Ware: You could argue this one back and forth all day, but I’m going to give the edge to Miller and Ware based on general health. Von Miller is clearly a superstar, and Demarcus Ware, though long in the tooth, is still a top pass rusher. They will continue to be one of the top pairings in the league. Rank: 1st
Kansas City Chiefs – Justin Houston/Tamba Hali: Justin Houston and Tamba Hali have had health concerns over the past couple of years that put them below Miller and Ware. When healthy, Justin Houston is the best all around outside linebacker in the league. Tamba Hali can still get after the passer, and has improved against the run, but his ability to go a whole season is questionable. Rank: 2nd
Oakland Raiders – Bruce Irvin/Malcolm Smith: Before you say this would be different with Khalil Mack in the mix, let me assure you that it wouldn’t. Sure, Mack is a star, but neither Bruce Irvin or Malcolm Smith is on the level of player that the Broncos and Chiefs have. Irvin plays a decent, well-rounded game, but he doesn’t really stand out anywhere. Malcolm Smith is just ok. Rank: 3rd
San Diego Chargers – Melvin Ingram/Kyle Emmanuel: The Chargers are a distant fourth here. Melvin Ingram may have found his niche, but is still far behind the top players in this division. Kyle Emmanuel doesn’t offer much to the mix and really drags this pairing down a bit. Rank: 4th
Total Points – DEN: 18 KC: 26 OAK: 26 SD: 18
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