As the 2025 NFL regular season approaches, let’s examine how the AFC West teams compare to one another. We will evaluate each position, ranking the four teams based on their overall strength at that position. While the performance of starters is crucial, the depth of the roster also plays a significant role.
Please remember that these are preliminary rankings and may change as the season progresses. Previously, we took a look at all of the tight end and receiver groups. Today, we move on to the secondary.
4. The Las Vegas Raiders
Starters: Darnay Holmes, Eric Stokes, Darien Porter, Jeremy Chinn, Isaiah Pola-Mao
Backups: Decamerion Richardson, Sam Webb, Terrell Edmunds, Lonnie Johnson Jr., Greedy Vance, JT Woods, Chris Smith II, Thomas Harper, Trey Taylor, Hudson Clark, John Humphrey, Kyu Blu Kelly
Just like the linebackers, this is another group that looked promising last year (when healthy) but has now been completely overhauled. Pola-Mao and, to a lesser degree, Holmes both played significantly last season due to injuries, but neither was actually an outright starter heading into the season. As for Pola-Mao specifically, he looks poised to make a big jump this year and looked impressive in the preseason opener.
The Raiders have added two veterans, Stokes and Chinn, who have experienced inconsistent performances over the first four to five years of their careers. Much of the optimism for this group hinges on rookie third-round draft pick Darien Porter. He possesses significant potential, but it appears that Las Vegas may be relying heavily on a late second-day draft pick. Overall, securing average performance from this group would be considered a success for the Raiders.
3. The Kansas City Chiefs
Starters: Trent McDuffie, Kristian Fulton, Jaylen Watson, Chamarri Conner, Brandon Cook
Backups: Nazeeh Johnson, Nohl Williams, Jaden Hicks, Mike Edwards, Melvin Smith Jr., Glendon Miller, Kevin Knowles, Joshua Williams, Major Williams, Azizi Hearn, Chris Roland-Wallace, Jacobe Covington
The Chiefs’ primary advantage over the Raiders stems from McDuffie, who stands out as the only star in this group. Outside of him, the only other reliable starters are Cook and Fulton. Elsewhere, Conner and Watson will be lucky to hold off youngsters Jaden Hicks and Nohl Williams. If those two can perform well, it could significantly improve this team. For now, the secondary is probably the biggest liability on this Chiefs defense.
2. The Los Angeles Chargers
Starters: Tarheeb Still, Donte Jackson, Derwin James Jr., Alohi Gilman, Cam Hart/Elijah Molden
Backups: Benjamin St-Juste, Tony Jefferson, Deane Leonard, R.J. Mickens, Trikweze Bridges, Ja’Sir Taylor, and Kendall Williamson, Jordan Oladokun, Nikko Reed, Jaylen Jones, Myles Purchase, Eric Rogers
The Chargers have a strong group of defensive backs known for their versatility and minimal weaknesses. Much of this versatility stems from Derwin James, whose capability to play in various positions offers the Los Angeles defense numerous options. Expect to see a lot of both cornerback Cam Hart and safety Elijah Molden depending upon what they ask James to do.
Looking at the rest of the secondary, Tareheeb Still is looking to build off of a strong rookie season, while veterans Gilman and the newly acquired Donte Jackson have both proven to be competent starters. This unit figures to be above average at worst.
1. The Denver Broncos
Starters: Patrick Surtain II, Riley Moss, Ja’Quan McMillian, Talanoa Hufanga, Brandon Jones
Backups: Jahdae Barron*, Damarri Mathis, Kris Abrams-Draine, Reese Taylor, P.J. Locke, Devon Key, Keidron Smith, JL Skinner, Keidron Smith, Jaden Robinson, Quinton Newsome, Gregory Junior, Joshua Pickett, Delarrin Turner-Yell, Sam Franklin Jr.
Of course, we cannot talk about this unit without mentioning Surtain. He is by far the best pure corner in the division. Surtain added to his bonafides this past season by earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. The fifth-year corner is the unquestioned leader of this unit.
Barron gets an asterisk here because he is a backup in name only. To borrow an NBA term, he will get “starter minutes.” It is simply a matter of what that actually looks like. Denver has three reliable starters: Moss, McMillan, and Jones, who will require Barron to earn his role.
Denver also added to their wealth of talent by signing a stellar safety in Hufanga during the offseason. While injuries have limited his production over the last two seasons, when he is healthy, he is among the best. Additionally, as previously mentioned, the depth in this position group is significant, meaning it would take multiple injuries to shake the Broncos from the top spot on this list.
Related: Overreaction Sunday To Raiders’ Week 2 Preseason Loss
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images