As the 2025 NFL regular season approaches, let’s take a look at how the AFC West teams stack up against each other. We will rank the four teams in the AFC West position by position, assessing each team’s overall strength at that position. Although starters carry more weight in these evaluations, depth is also a crucial factor. Please remember that these are just preseason rankings and may change as the season progresses.
Today, we will focus on evaluating each team’s pass catchers, which include both receivers and tight ends.
4. The Denver Broncos
Top Options: Cortland Sutton, Marvin Mims, Evan Engram, Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin
Depth: Adam Trautman, Pat Bryant, Michael Bandy, Trent Sherfield Sr., Joaquin Davis, Jerjuan Newton, Kyrese Rowan; Courtney Jackson, Nate Adkins, Lucas Krull, Caleb Lohner
Once again, we have to put the Broncos at the bottom of the rankings. The closest thing they have to a star in this group is Sutton, and he hardly classifies as such. Outside of Sutton, Evan Engram is a decent addition, but there’s not much else to be enthusiastic about. There’s hope that one of their second-year receivers, Vele or Franklin, or the rookie Bryant, might emerge and elevate this group in the rankings.
3. The Los Angeles Chargers
Top Options: Ladd McConkey, Will Dissly, Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris
Depth: Jalen Reagor, Tyler Conklin, Derius Davis, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Oronde Gadsden II, Dez Fitzpatrick, Brenden Rice, Jaylen Johnson, JaQuae Jackson, Luke Grimm, Tucker Fisk
The Chargers boast one of the best receivers in the division in McConkey. However, the rest of the receiver room remains uncertain due to concerns about Allen’s age and durability, Johnston’s hands, and Reagor’s potential.
The Chargers utilize a significant number of two tight end sets, supported by a capable tight end group featuring Dissly, Conklin, and the rookie, Gadsden. Additionally, pay close attention to Tre Harris, the wide receiver from Ole Miss. He possesses the ideal combination of size and speed and has the versatility to contribute in various ways. This group has the potential to rise quickly.
2. The Kansas City Chiefs
Top Options: Travis Kelce; Rashee Rice; Xavier Worthy; Hollywood Brown; JuJu Smith-Schuster
Depth: Noah Gray, Skyy Moore, Tyquan Thornton, Robert Tonyan, Jalen Royals, Jake Briningstool, Nikko Remigio, Mac Dalena, Jimmy Holiday, Hal Presley, Jason Brownlee, Elijah Badger, Key’Shawn Smith, Jared Wiley, Geor’Quarius Spivey, and Tre Watson
The Chiefs have a ton of big names. The problem is, none of them are what they were a few years ago. Kelce has maybe five good plays per game left. JuJu, who broke out in Pittsburgh, is now a solid WR2. Thereafter, the team consists mainly of fast players who all perform similar roles. The situation might improve with the addition of promising rookie Jalen Royals. However, until he establishes himself, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid will once again need to elevate an average unit.
1. The Las Vegas Raiders
Top Options: Brock Bowers, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, Michael Mayer, Dont’e Thornton Jr.
Depth: Jack Bech, Collin Johnson, Alex Bachman, Tommy Mellott, Phillip Dorsett, Justin Shorter, Ian Thomas, Qadir Ismail, Shedrick Jackson, Seth Williams, Kawaan Baker, Carter Runyon, Albert Okwuegbunam, Ketron Jackson Jr.
At this point, the Raiders probably have the best “receiver” duo in the division between Bowers and Meyers. The former is likely the top offensive weapon in the division. Additionally, Mayer and Tucker serve as solid role players. They will also receive support from rookies Bech and Thornton. While there are some concerns about depth, the talent at the top significantly surpasses that of the other teams in the division, making it difficult to overlook Las Vegas as the frontrunner.
Related: Check Out More Of Our AFC West Coverage!
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images