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AFC West positional rankings: Breaking down the defensive lines

By Grant Tuttle

SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos reacts after a play against the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos reacts after a play against the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 6: Defensive end Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs dances pre snap with teammate inside linebacker Derrick Johnson #56 behind him during the first quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium on January 6, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 6: Defensive end Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs dances pre snap with teammate inside linebacker Derrick Johnson #56 behind him during the first quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium on January 6, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

1. Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs

Jones will be a dominant player this season. Last year he showed bursts, but with more speed and overall talent around him, I fully expect Chris Jones and Justin Houston to look their best. If Jones improves at all, he will be a top five interior Defensive End in the NFL. Jones has been working out all off-season and is in better shape than ever. I believe he could have a career year this season.

2016-2017:

32 tackles, 6.5 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 7 passes defensed (1 interception)

Prediction:

38 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 passes defensed

2.  Derek Wolfe, Denver Broncos

Derek Wolfe is a fan favorite in Denver and for good reason. Wolfe has been a constant bright spot for the Broncos. Wolfe brings strength and good technique to the defensive line. I expect him to have another good season.

2016-2017: (11 games)

31 tackles, 2 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 0 passes defensed

Prediction:

36 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumbles, 1 pass defensed

3. Corey Liuget, Los Angeles Chargers

Liuget is one of the most underrated Defensive Linemen in the AFC West. He is extremely powerful and can dominate up front. If Liuget can play at the same pace and if the rest of the defense can stay healthy, I expect him to have a good season.

2016-2017: (12 games)

21 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumbles, 2 passes defensed

Prediction:

31 tackles, 3 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 1 pass defensed

4. Eddie Vanderdoes, Oakland Raiders

Oakland does not have the best group of defensive players out there. In fact, I expect them to be one of the weakest defenses in the NFL this season. Vanderdoes must improve his play if the Raiders want to improve their overall defense. Vanderdoes was not very good last season.

2016-2017:

18 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 0 passes defensed

Prediction:

24 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 1 pass defensed

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