The AFC West has quickly become one of the best divisions in football. One of the reasons is the overwhelming amount of talent on both sides of the ball.
Today, we are taking a look at the five best safeties in the division, ranking them from No. 5 to 1. So without further ado, let us begin.
5. Justin Simmons, Denver Broncos
Despite having a down year by his standards, Justin Simmons of the Broncos comes in at No. 5 on this list. Simmons started all 16 games for Denver for the first time of his career, totaling 97 tackles, four pass deflections and three interceptions.
Simmons is a highly athletic free safety who finds ways to make plays in both the run and pass game. He needs to become a more consistent player to rise up this list, but he makes enough plays as a deep safety to overcome his faults. Entering his fourth year in the NFL, look for Simmons to make a leap this season.
4. Karl Joseph, Oakland Raiders
Coming in at No. 4 is Karl Joseph of the Oakland Raiders. For the first time in his career, Joseph started to play like a first-round pick in 2018.
In the team’s final eight games, Joseph recorded 42 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for a loss, two quarterback hits and one interception. He was all over the field, making plays in both coverage and in the run game.
Joseph may not be the Raiders’ long-term answer at strong safety as Oakland drafted Johnathan Abram in the first round, but expect him to be difficult to take off the field in 2019. He’s quickly turning into one of the better “box” safeties in all of the NFL.
3. Lamarcus Joyner, Oakland Raiders
At No. 3 is a new addition to the AFC West in Lamarcus Joyner of the Oakland Raiders.
Like a lot of the other safeties on this list, Joyner isn’t your typical free safety. Depending on the game or the matchup, Joyner can play in the box, as a deep centerfielder, on as a linebacker. But his spot is as a nickel cornerback, matching up with slot receivers.
With Karl Joseph and Johnathan Abram in Oakland, you can expect that Joyner will play a lot of snaps at cornerback, specifically, in the slot. Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther is going to find ways to get all three on the field and Joyner’s versatility will make that possible.
2. Tyrann Mathieu, Kansas City Chiefs
Another new addition to the AFC West finds himself at No. 2; Tyrann Mathieu of Kansas City Chiefs. Like Joyner, calling Mathieu just a safety seems like an insult. Instead, he’s a defensive playmaker who must be accounted for on every play.
The knock on Mathieu early in his career has been his health. But he has now strung together back to back seasons where he has played in every game. In 2018, he recorded the most tackles of his career (89) and added eight pass deflections, three sacks, and two interceptions.
Mathieu is still one of the league’s best playmakers and should have no problem fitting in with the Chiefs.
1. Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers
At No.1 is none other than Derwin James of the Los Angeles Chargers. As a rookie, James quickly established himself as one of the best safeties in the entire league. He started all 16 games for the Chargers, finishing the year with 105 tackles, 13 pass deflections, 3.5 sacks, and three interceptions.
James made the Pro Bowl and was named a first-team All-Pro selection at safety. He can cover, stop the run, blitz, and do whatever else the Chargers need him to do. He’s one of the most versatile defenders in the entire league, and he was an easy selection as the best safety in the division.
