AFC West positional rankings: Breaking down the defensive lines
By Grant Tuttle
Go ahead. I dare you to name a division with better EDGE players that the AFC West. For each team, their top EDGE player is a top ten talent in the NFL.
In our latest entry ranking the division’s each positions, we are breaking down the AFC West by each franchise’s EDGE players and defensive line. In my mind, there is no debate that the AFC West holds the best pass rushers in the NFL. The rest of each teams defensive line might be a bit shaky and a bit less talented than many divisions in football. However, this division is unbelievable in terms of talent in pass-rushers.
Let’s move forward with our series of the 2018 AFC West positional rankings with a closer look at the offensive lines, position by position. Reminder: This series assumes that all players are healthy and able to play.
EDGE
1. Von Miller, Denver Broncos
Von Miller has been a premier player of the decade. He is an All-Pro that Chiefs fans would be happy to see retire. For the Denver Broncos, Miller is the heart and soul of the defense. He possesses an incredible combination of speed and power making him difficult to handle. His technique and bend around the edge is also incredible. Miller is one of the best pass-rushers of our time. However, he seemed a bit less dominant last season. That being said, I expect him to bounce back in a big way.
2016-2017:
57 tackles, 10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 passes defensed, 0 interceptions
Prediction:
71 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 passes defensed, 0 interceptions
2. Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are insane if they are thinking of letting Khalil Mack walk. Not only is Mack a great pass-rusher off of the edge, he is an incredible defender in the run game as well. Mack is an all-around gifted player. Some moves that the Raiders organization has made has left fans wondering if he will get an extension. Mack is the only great part of the Oakland defense. If he is not signed, it will not be good for the Raider’s future.
2016-2017:
78 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 3 passes defensed, 0 interceptions
Prediction:
74 tackles, 11 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 3 passes defensed, 1 interception
3. Justin Houston, Kansas City Chiefs
Justin Houston, if utilized correctly, is still one of the best defensive players in football. Last season, he was not used correctly and it showed. Houston, like Khalil Mack, is a great all-around player. He is an incredibly strong and powerful athlete that sets edges and over-powers blockers easily. Kansas City’s Defensive Coordinator Bob Sutton must fix the evils of last year that he created if he hopes for the best out of Justin Houston. Houston looks to have a big year if he is fully healthy.
2016-2017: (15 games)
59 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 5 passes defensed, 0 interceptions
Prediction:
71 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 1 pass defensed, 0 interceptions
4. Joey Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers
Joey Bosa would not be the number four guy in any other division. He is an upcoming defensive star. Despite having the best season of any EDGE player in the AFC West last season, Bosa is still young and is not yet an All-Pro like the others.
At 23, Bosa is already one of the best pass rushers in the league and the argument could be made that he belongs at the top, or closer to the top of this ranking. If Bosa can do it again this season, I will believe he is the best in the AFC West.
2016-2017:
70 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 1 pass defensed, 0 interceptions
Prediction:
64 tackles, 11 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 0 passes defensed, 0 interceptions