Kansas City Chiefs: Best Roster In The AFC West?
By Ben Almquist
Defense
Defensive Line
Denver Broncos – Sylvester Williams/Derek Wolfe/*Jared Crick: Derek Wolfe is a top 3-4 defensive end. However, he’s anchoring this unit alone. Sly Williams was the backup to Malik Jackson last year and Jared Crick was a backup until Vance Walker (who used to be the backup to KC’s Bailey and Howard) was lost for the year. A lot to be concerned about here. Rank: 4th
Kansas City Chiefs – Dontari Poe/Jaye Howard/Allen Bailey: The Kansas City Chiefs are loaded with talent on their defensive front with three guys who can rush the passer and defend the run. Dontari Poe is a freak of nature who is easily in the top five of defensive tackles. Allen Bailey and Jaye Howard flanking him is almost unfair…almost. Rank: 1st
Oakland Raiders – *Mario Edwards/Jihad Ward/Justin Ellis/Khalil Mack: It’s a little tough grading a 4-3 defensive line in a division of 3-4 defenses. Khalil Mack is a superstar for sure, but the rest of the group is still more potential than production at this point. They are a young unit and look to be promising, but they just aren’t there yet. Rank: 3rd
San Diego Chargers – Joey Bosa/Brandon Mebane/Corey Liuget: Glossing over third overall pick Joey Bosa, the Chargers actually have a strong unit here. Corey Liuget is a stud at defensive end, and the Chargers were clearly looking to get better when they signed veteran stalwart Brandon Mebane. Mebane and Liuget carry this group. Rank: 2nd
*Broncos – Vance Waker out for year.
*Raiders – 4-3 defense with two defensive tackles
Total Points – DEN: 14 KC: 23 OAK: 24 SD: 17
Next: AFC West Is Big On Pass Rushers