AFC West positional rankings: Grading the division’s best linebackers
By Grant Tuttle
In our latest AFC West positional rankings post, we break down the division’s best linebackers to see which team comes out on top.
Our series breaking down the AFC West by position continues! Today’s article is on the linebackers of the division. The AFC West has very good talent at this spot. I would also say that the AFC West is a bit underrated in this regard. While big name guys are not in this division, such as Luke Kuechly or Bobby Wagner, all in all, this is a talented group.
Reminder: this series assumes that everyone is healthy and can play. Let’s get things moving
#1 Linebacker
1. Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos
Brandon Marshall is a sneaky good player. Whenever you hear a debate about top middle linebackers, Marshall is almost always forgotten. However, he is the reason that the Broncos have had success against the run. He is very good at closing gaps and finishing plays. Brandon Marshall is one of the best defensive players on the Denver Broncos roster.
2016-2017:
106 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 4 passes defensed, 0 interceptions
Prediction:
98 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 5 passes defensed, 1 interception
2. Denzel Perryman, Los Angeles Chargers
I look for Perryman to take another step forward this season. While he is not what I would call a gifted athlete, he makes up for it with his strength and aggressiveness. At times he can look slow, but when he gets a hold on a ball carrier, chances are that player will be tackled. He has struggled with nagging injuries that have held him out of games. In fact, he missed half of last season due to an ankle injury that he sustained in the pre-season. Perryman can be a very good player if used correctly.
2016-2017: (7 games)
37 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 0 passes defensed, 0 interceptions
Prediction:
90 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 3 passes defensed, 0 interceptions
3. Reggie Ragland, Kansas City Chiefs
Ragland comes in as the AFC West’s biggest question mark. Ragland came to Kansas City last season and looked like he needed a little bit of time in the system. With a full off-season of work, Ragland may be ready to surprise. He is a powerful player and he plays big. Kansas City is hopeful that he can take over Derrick Johnson’s old spot and thrive in it.
2016-2017: (12 games)
44 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 0 passes defensed, 0 interceptions
Prediction:
87 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 passes defensed, 0 interceptions
4. Derrick Johnson, Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders signed former Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson this off-season after considering Brian Cushing. Jon Gruden continued his quest become the most experienced team in the National Football League. The Chiefs believed that Johnson had lost a step and could not play at a high level any more. Johnson gets a chance to prove that he has some left in the tank. However, I don’t believe he can play quick enough to be very effective any more.
2016-2017: (15 games)
71 tackles, 0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 7 passes defensed, 0 interceptions
Prediction:
77 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 5 passes defensed, 1 interception
#2 Linebacker
1. Anthony Hitchens, Kansas City Chiefs
Anthony Hitchens was one of Kansas City’s biggest signings this off-season. Some are critical of the contract that the Chiefs signed him to. However, many Dallas Cowboys fans and players were sad to see him go, which is always a good sign. Hitchens is very young and still growing. With an off-season of work with the Kansas City Chiefs, I look for him to contribute in rush defense. I believe Hitchens will be a very good player.
2016-2017: (12 games)
84 tackles, 0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 passes defensed, 0 interceptions
Prediction:
87 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 4 passes defensed, 1 interception
2. Todd Davis, Denver Broncos
Davis is a solid #2 middle linebacker. Behind Brandon Marshall, Davis flashes athleticism and obtains good quickness. The Broncos will need his athleticism if they hope to make a run at the playoffs.
2016-2017: (14 games)
82 tackles, 1 sack, 0 forced fumbles, 0 passes defensed, 0 interceptions
Prediction:
78 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defensed, 0 interceptions
3. Kyle Emanuel, Los Angeles Chargers
Kyle Emanuel is an interesting player. He shows good ability to bend and shed blockers. The Chargers are hopeful that Emanuel will show his ability in the middle of the field and contribute against the run as well as the pass.
2016-2017:
34 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 3 passes defensed, 1 interception
Prediction:
51 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defensed, 0 interceptions
4. Tahir Whitehead, Oakland Raiders
Tahir Whitehead played for the Detroit Lions for the entirety of his career. He is not a great player. However, his stats look good because he racked up a lot of tackles as a 4-3 middle linebacker for the team. I think it is telling that the Lions shipped him away shortly after hiring a defensive-minded coach. I expect his production with the Raiders to shrink. While he is a gifted athlete, he lacks instinct and play making ability.
2016-2017:
110 tackles, 1 sack, 0 forced fumbles, 2 passes defensed, 1 interception
Prediction:
48 tackles, 0.5 sack, 0 forced fumbles, 1 pass defensed, 0 interceptions
Check out the complete AFC West positional rankings series: