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AFC West safety rankings: Tyrann Mathieu, Kareem Jackson join loaded division

By Grant Tuttle

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The AFC West has some big names at safety, but who has the best group as a whole? We discuss all things AFC West safeties.

Eric Berry is out of Kansas City. Derwin James is likely out for most of 2019. Lamarcus Joyner joined the Oakland Raiders along with rookie Johnathan Abram. The Broncos added Kareem Jackson from the Houston Texans. The revolving door of safeties is on full display in the AFC West this year. Who tops the list for the best group of safeties is up for debate.

When considering what group is best, we are considering even the players who are injured. While everything is obviously subjective, this is the fairest way to look at the great AFC West safety debate.

Here are our final rankings for 2019 as we look at the division’s safeties.

1. The Denver Broncos:

Kareem Jackson, Justin Simmons, Trey Marshall, Will Parks

The Broncos once again top our list at a defensive position. This time it’s at the safety position. With talented players up front and at cornerback, the Broncos have a chance to be one of the best defenses in football.

Kareem Jackson is a new great new addition to an already talented defensive backfield. Jackson paired with Justin Simmons is one of the better safety combos in the NFL. Trey Marshall and Will Parks are talented depth pieces and the Broncos will be a tough team to pass the ball on.

Projections:

  • Kareem Jackson: 65 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 4 interceptions
  • Justin Simmons: 57 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 2 interceptions
  • Trey Marshall: 32 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 1 interception
  • Will Parks: 22 tackles, 0 pass breakups, 0 interceptions

2. The Los Angeles Chargers:

Derwin James*, Rayshawn Jenkins, Adrian Phillips, Nasir Adderley, Roderic Teamer Jr.

Derwin James is injured. That being said, we are still counting him as active for the sake of these rankings. The Chargers have some interesting pieces at safety going forward. Even without Derwin James, the defensive backfield is in good hands.

James was developing into one of the best defensive players in the game before he got bitten with the injury bug curse of the Chargers. Without Derwin James, the Chargers still have players like Adrian Phillips, Rayshawn Jenkins, and Nasir Adderley to lead the way. While the defense will likely be less explosive than last season, they will still be a talented group.

Projections:

  • Rayshawn Jenkins: 32 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 1 interception
  • Adrian Phillips: 56 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 2 interceptions
  • Nasir Adderley: 51 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 2 interceptions
  • Roderic Teamer Jr.: 15 tackles, 1 pass breakup, 0 interceptions

3. The Kansas City Chiefs

Tyrann Mathieu, Juan Thornhill, Daniel Sorensen, Armani Watts, Jordan Lucas

The Chiefs made a huge move this offseason when the elected to release Eric Berry due to his lingering injury problems. With Steve Spagnuolo running the show, there is a hope that a safety in Kansas City develops into the next Landon Collins. At the position, there is good reason to feel optimistic for the upcoming season.

The Chiefs made a splash when they signed Tyrann Mathieu, the “Honey Badger,” to a long term deal. Matthieu is a guy that can do everything well and will be used heavily in this scheme. Another reason for optimism is the development of rookie Juan Thornhill who has had a good start to his career in training camp and the preseason. Daniel Sorensen and Armani Watts play very differently but are good in their respective roles.

Projections:

  • Tyrann Mathieu: 67 tackles, 7 pass breakups, 2 interceptions
  • Juan Thornhill: 34 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 2 interceptions
  • Daniel Sorensen: 45 tackles, 1 pass breakup, 0 interceptions
  • Armani Watts: 18 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 1 interception

4. The Oakland Raiders

Lamarcus Joyner, Karl Joseph, Johnathan Abram, Erik Harris, Dallin Leavitt, Curtis Riley

The Raiders have some players to watch and they certainly have good safeties. Unfortunately for them, the rest of the West does as well. Oakland will be a team to watch on the back end after adding Lamarcus Joyner and Johnathan Abram to the mix.

Joyner is a rangy safety that can make great plays on the ball. As a smaller guy, he is also physical. That being said, he has struggled to stay consistent and healthy. Abram was a first-round choice this season and brings a swagger to the back end of the defense. Abram is tough and not afraid to hit ball carriers. He could develop into a top-tier guy. Karl Joseph is an interesting piece because of his athleticism.

Projections:

  • Lamarcus Joyner: 48 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 3 interceptions
  • Karl Joseph: 55 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 1 interception
  • Johnathan Abram: 39 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 0 interceptions
  • Erik Harris: 21 tackles, 0 pass breakups, 0 interceptions
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