AFC West positional rankings: Which team has the best cornerbacks?

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DENVER, CO – JANUARY 17: Bradley Roby #29 of the Denver Broncos reacts after a defensive play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 17, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

No. 2 Cornerbacks

1. Bradley Roby, Denver Broncos

It is time. The Denver Broncos have had the luxury of having Bradley Roby be the number 3 guy. Not this season. With the departure of Aqib Talib, Roby will now assume the number two role. There is no doubt that he believes in himself, saying that he is “tired of hearing” about Talib. Roby plays big and seems to excel against bigger receivers. It will be interesting to see how the Broncos adjust to the changes in the backfield. Roby will be a crucial piece of the defense if they hope for continued success.

2016-2017:

42 tackles, 1 sacks, 1 forced fumbles, 17 passes defensed, 2 Interceptions

Prediction:

48 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 9 passes defensed, 1 interception

KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 11: Cornerback Jason Verrett #22 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates with teammate Jahleel Addae #37 after a second half interception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G Aiken/Getty Images) /

2. Jason Verrett, Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers have been bitten by the injury bug for the last two seasons. This year, the Chargers are hopeful that Jason Verrett will bounce back after two injury plagued seasons. Verrett is a very talented player. However, he has spent much of his time on the sidelines. In fact, in his career of five years in the NFL, Verrett has never been a starter for an entire season and unfortunately again, Verrett will miss another full season with a torn Achilles.

2016-2017: (1 game)

1 tackle, 0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 0 passes defensed, 0 interceptions

Prediction:

N/A

3. Steven Nelson, Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have a lot of question marks in the defensive backfield. Nelson is no exception. Chiefs analysts are split on what to think of what Nelson’s future with Kansas City. However, in a contract year, there is one thing that is certain. Steven Nelson is going to play as hard as he can to get a new contract. With Nelson moving from the inside to the outside, it will be interesting to see how well he can play against bigger wide receivers. He is a physical player and has the potential to be one of the biggest surprises on the team.

2016-2017: (9 games)

41 tackles, 0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 4 passes defensed, 0 interceptions

Prediction:

35 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 9 passes defensed, 1 interception

4. Rashaan Melvin, Oakland Raiders

The Raiders took a flyer on the Melvin this off-season after his best season as a pro with the Indianapolis Colts. At 28, the Raiders hope that he is just now hitting his stride and will be even better than last season. Melvin is a big corner, standing 6’2, and he looks like it on film. He is a very physical player and can tackle very well, especially for a cornerback. I believe Melvin could be a big surprise this season. However, he has a steep climb to from the AFC South to the AFC West.

2016-2017: (10 games)

36 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 13 passes defensed, 3 interceptions

Prediction:

40 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 6 passes defensed, 0 interceptions

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