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AFC West linebacker rankings: Thomas Davis, Vontaze Burfict join division

By Grant Tuttle

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 15: Outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict #55 of the Oakland Raiders walks the sidelines during the first half of the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 15: Outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict #55 of the Oakland Raiders walks the sidelines during the first half of the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Denzel Perryman of Los Angeles Chargers celebrates his interception during the NFL International Series match between Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley Stadium on October 21, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Denzel Perryman of Los Angeles Chargers celebrates his interception during the NFL International Series match between Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley Stadium on October 21, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

As we continue our AFC West breakdown series, we now turn to the linebackers. With new faces like Vontaze Burfict, how do the rankings look?

The AFC West has made some transitions at linebacker. The Raiders added former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict. In Kansas City, many of the faces look the same, but GM Brett Veach traded for linebacker Darron Lee to be a speedy guy in the middle of the field. In Denver, Josey Jewell will get the nod to be the starter after coming on strong last season. The Chargers invested in veteran Thomas Davis who has played at a high level for years.

Despite the similarity and change in the division, there is a definite change in defensive identity among all four teams. The question for the season is now, what difference will it make and who will have the best linebackers in the AFC West.

Without further ado, this is how we see it:

1. The Los Angeles Chargers

Thomas Davis, Denzel Perryman, Uchenna Nwosu, Kyzir White, Drue Tranquill, Emeke Egbule, Jatavis Brown, Nick Dzubnar

On the surface, the Chargers look like the best linebacking corps in the AFC West. Despite their high level of overall talent, injury and age will be something to be watching in Los Angeles this season. Despite skepticism, the Chargers have some very talented linebackers in the middle of the field.

Davis is the savvy veteran who comes into the season at age 36. That being said, he has shown no noticeable signs of a heavy decline. The other linebacker to watch is Denzel Perryman, who has been very good when healthy. The trouble is, he struggles to stay on the field. This pair, along with several young guys comes in at second on our list for 2019-2020. Uchenna Nwosu is a talented player with serious potential. The Chargers top our list handily.

Projections:

Thomas Davis: 97 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 0 interceptions

Denzel Perryman: 87.5 tackles, 7 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, 0 interceptions

Uchenna Nwosu: 56 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 0 sacks, 2 interceptions

Kyzir White: 34.5 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, 0 sacks, 0 interceptions

Drue Tranquill: 19 tackles, 0 tackles for a loss, 0.5 sack, 0 interceptions

Emeke Egbule:15.5 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, 0 sacks, 0 interceptions

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