AFC West cornerback rankings: Where do Chiefs land?
By Grant Tuttle
In a passing league, the cornerback position is more important than ever. In the AFC west, there is a lot to consider when breaking down the position.
On the defensive side of the football, there is arguably no more important position than cornerback in the NFL these days. If you have an excellent group of corners, the chances are that you will have one of the best defenses in the game. In the AFC West, there are some interesting groups for the 2019 season.
The Chiefs have done very little to address poor play at cornerback. Instead, they hope that Spagnuolo fixes the defensive backfield issues. In Los Angeles, the Chargers have some very talented cornerbacks and hope that the cornerback group can stay healthy.
In Denver, the addition of Bryce Callahan is an interesting storyline as we see the development of Vic Fangio’s defense. In Oakland, the Raiders hope that the cornerback group surprises, but on paper, they’re not much to look at.
Needless to say, the AFC West has a mixed bag of expectations.
1. The Denver Broncos
Chris Harris, Bryce Callahan, Isaac Yiadom, De’Vante Bausby, Duke Dawson, Davontae Harris
The Broncos have an interesting group at cornerback. Despite losing Bradley Roby to the Houston Texans this offseason, their cornerbacks remain atop the AFC West. With several players with potential backing up some pro-bowl caliber cornerbacks, the Broncos are looking at having a real strength at the position this season.
The name that stands out the most is Chris Harris, who has been one of the best at his position for several seasons. Harris is a great coverage corner in man or zone and the team relies on him to lead. Don’t overlook Bryce Callahan who was very good with the Chicago Bears last season. Vic Fangio will get the most out of his corners. For the Broncos, players like Isaac Yiadom and De’Vante Bausby could see huge growth under Vic Fangio.
Projections:
Chris Harris: 44 tackles, 8 pass breakups, 5 interceptions
Bryce Callahan: 38 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 2 interceptions
Isaac Yiadom: 30 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 1 interception
De’Vante Bausby: 23 tackles, 1 pass breakup, 0 interceptions
Duke Dawson: 11 tackles, 0 pass breakups, 0 interceptions
2. The Los Angeles Chargers
Casey Hayward, Michael Davis, Desmond King, Trevor Williams, Jaylen Watkins, Brandon Facyson
The Chargers have a real case for being the best cornerback group in the AFC West. If not for the Broncos greatness at cornerback one and two, the Chargers would likely take the top spot. There are a lot of reasons to like what the Chargers have at cornerback.
Casey Hayward has been a very talented corner for years. After Hayward, the team has quite a bit of talent at the position. Both Desmond King and Trevor Williams have shown flashes of brilliance, especially playing at the inside nickel position. If the Chargers can get the most out of their top three guys and improve their other players, they could be a really impressive group.
Projections:
Casey Hayward: 48 tackles, 9 pass breakups, 4 interceptions
Michael Davis: 33 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 1 interception
Desmond King: 38 tackles, 7 pass breakups, 2 interceptions
Trevor Williams:27 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 0 interceptions
Jaylen Watkins: 12 tackles, 0 pass breakups, 0 interceptions
3. The Kansas City Chiefs
Kendall Fuller, Bashaud Breeland, Charvarius Ward, Morris Claiborne*, Rashad Fenton
The Chiefs don’t have great cornerbacks. If you want to hear how the current cornerbacks are better than you may expect, you will not get that here. The Chiefs are currently average to below average at the position with a few guys that can make plays every once in a while. That being said, they are surprisingly not the worst at the position in the AFC West.
Kendall Fuller is the most talented cornerback on the roster; however, he will be used primarily in the nickel, because that is where his greatest strength is. Bashaud Breeland is a player to watch as he has been a solid corner throughout his career. For the Chiefs, “solid” is gold.
After week four, the Chiefs can begin to use Morris Claiborne in their defense. The team also has high hopes for Charvarius Ward and, to a lesser extent, Rashad Fenton.
Projections:
Kendall Fuller: 41 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 1 interception
Bashaud Breeland: 45 tackles, 7 pass breakups, 3 interceptions
Charvarius Ward: 26 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 1 interception
Morris Claiborne: 30 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 0 interceptions
Rashad Fenton: 13 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 0 interceptions
4. The Oakland Raiders
Gareon Conley, Daryl Worley, Nevin Lawson, Trayvon Mullen, Keisean Nixon
Bringing up the rear is the Oakland Raiders. With a pile of questions without clear answers at cornerback, they are hoping for some big surprises. With the exception of a few players, there is not a lot to be excited for in Oakland at the cornerback position.
Gareon Conley is an interesting piece on defense. The former first-rounder has never truly lived up to expectations but could be a late bloomer. As far as the other cornerbacks go, there are reasons to like from Worley and Mullen, but it seems like a stretch to believe that this group is capable of having a good season.
Projections:
Gareon Conley: 51 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 3 interceptions
Daryl Worley: 38 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 0 interceptions
Trayvon Mullen: 29 tackles, 1 pass breakup, 1 interception
Keisean Nixon: 16 tackles, 0 pass breakups, 0 interceptions