The AFC West should be one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL this upcoming season and each teams training camp is no exception.
The Chiefs seem to be on the verge of greatness with signal-caller Patrick Mahomes leading the charge, the Broncos enter the season with a pair of premiere pass-rushers and a new QB under center (Joe Flacco), iron-man Philip Rivers (0 missed starts in 13 seasons) looks to push the Chargers further into the playoffs, and the Raiders look to turn their fortunes around with newly acquired 4x first-team All-Pro Antonio Brown.
Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated position battles in the AFC West heading into training camp.
Denver Broncos
The tight ends on the Broncos roster are Jeff Heuerman, Noah Fant(R), Troy Fumagalli, Jake Butt, Austin Fort (R), and Johnathan Howard (R). Obviously there’s no way that all six of these guys will remain on the team for the start of the season. Presumably, the Broncos will keep three, MAYBE four. So who will be the #1 option when the season starts?
It makes sense that the Broncos would want to show off their new first-round pick, Noah Fant, who racked up 18 TDs in his last two seasons at Iowa. But don’t forget the Broncos just re-signed Heuerman this spring. He is already familiar with the offense and he is the best blocker of the group.
The former Ozzie Newsome award & John Mackey award winner Jake Butt has been a tremendous disappointment so far, having only played in 3 games over the past two seasons. Even though he was a late round pick, the Broncos are being very patient with him in hopes that some day he’ll resemble the do-it-all player he was at Michigan. The question is: how much longer can they wait?
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs had one of the worst defenses in 2018 and will look to make major improvements in that area. The team is switching over from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense, so suddenly the odd men out became 4x Pro Bowler Justin Houston (9 sacks in 2018) and 2018 Pro Bowler Dee Ford (13 sacks in 2018). Apparently the Chiefs didn’t see them as a good fit in Steve Spagnuolo‘s defense .
To fill the pass-rushing void, the Chiefs traded away a first-round pick and gave Frank Clark a massive contract (base value of $104 million over five years), so he’ll clearly be a day one starter. Who will start at the other DE positions remains to be seen.
Many could presume that the veteran Alex Okafor will be the one to hold down the duties at DE, but fans shouldn’t forget about Breeland Speaks, who the Chiefs moved into the second round of the 2018 draft to select. At 6’3”, 285 lbs he is much better suited to play a 4-3 DE than outside linebacker.
The Chiefs also traded for 2016’s 32nd overall pick, Emmanuel Ogbah. They acquired Ogbah from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for safety, Eric Murray. Ogbah had 12.5 sacks in three seasons with the Browns.
The theme for the position battle at DE: experience vs young talent.
Los Angeles Chargers
Chargers’ fans are hoping they make a deep run in the playoffs in 2019. And why not? The Chargers were red hot in 2018, winning 6 of their last 7 games en route to a 12-4 record to end the season. If the Chargers want to go deeper into the playoffs in the upcoming season, they will need better play at right tackle in order to protect 37 year old QB, Philip Rivers.
Last season’s starting right tackle, Sam Tevi, allowed 7 sacks according to the Washington Post‘s STATs. Not great. Pushing to take the spot away from him will be Trey Pipkins(R) and Forrest Lamp.
Pipkins (University of Sioux Falls) was selected in the third round of this year’s draft. Many analysts often question whether or not small-school players can handle the level of competition in the NFL. But, Pipkins was just one of five players from a Division ll school to be invited to the NFL combine where he showed out with a 5.1 40-time, a 4.7 20-yard shuttle and a 7.67 cone drill.
Lamp, according to Offensive line coach Pat Meyer, will see reps with the first and second units at guard. If incumbent right guard Michael Schofield keeps his spot then they will potentially consider Lamp at right tackle.
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders got a king’s ransom in return for shipping the dominant pass-rusher, Khalil Mack, to the Chicago Bears (2019 and 2020 first-round picks, as well as 2019 sixth and 2020 third round selections). The Raiders knew that Mack was in his prime now and that his value would never be higher. They decided to part ways with the 4x pro-bowler in order to build for the future.
While Vontaze Burfict seems to have the middle linebacker locked up, the two outside linebackers positions are up for grabs. Those fighting for the positions will be Nicholas Morrow, Tahir Whitehead, Brandon Marshall, and Marquel Lee.
The two that seem the best suited for the weak side spot are Morrow and Marshall. Marshall May have the edge, as a 7-year veteran who was a staple in the Denver Broncos’ defense until they suddenly became loaded at OLB after drafting Bradley Chubb in 2018. Morrow is intriguing though, and his speed and athleticism makes him a viable candidate.
On the strong side, we should see Whitehead and Lee going head to head. Lee is six years younger than Whitehead, and the Raiders would love the youngster to step up and be the long term solution. Whitehead certainly cannot be dismissed though. He has had 9 tackles for a loss the past two seasons, and just appears to be more of a true “hammer” that teams want on the strong side of the ball.
A lot of responsibility will befall whoever lines up at linebacker for the Raiders in 2019, as the club could possibly have two rookies (Clelin Ferrel and Maxx Crosby) starting at DE this season.
AFC West Training Camp definitely has a lot in store for us.
