With some downtime before training camp, we will be ranking each positional group in the AFC West entering the 2019 season to gear you up for the upcoming campaign.
Yesterday, we ranked the best cornerbacks. Today, we will be shifting our attention to the front seven by ranking the six best linebackers in the division.
No. 6, Jatavis Brown, Chargers
There was a lot of chatter whether or not Brown would’ve been able to return to his old form after a down season in 2017. Even though he didn’t earn the starting job over Kyzir White, he still earned the spotlight later in the season after injuries hampered White early on.
Prior to getting hurt in December, Brown filled in nicely as the main man in the middle of the defense. He showed the ability to run sideline-to-sideline, make open field tackles and serve as a reliable player in coverage. The former Akron product posted a career-high 97 tackles, four tackles for loss, five passes defensed and one sack.
There’s no denying that he is one of the better linebackers in the division, when healthy. He will have stiff competition in a deep linebacker room throughout training camp and preseason once again, competing with White for some playing time.
No. 5, Darron Lee, Chiefs
After the Jets were unwilling to pick up Lee’s fifth-year option for 2020 earlier in the offseason, they chose to ship him elsewhere. The Chiefs, who were in need of linebacker help, decided to bring him in.
The 2016 first-round selection recorded 74 tackles, five passes defensed, three interceptions and a touchdown through 12 games this past season. His talent in coverage and as a blitzer is highly coveted and he should step in and contribute in sub-package situations right away for Kansas City.
No. 4, Brandon Marshall, Raiders
Marshall signed with the Raiders this offseason on a one-year deal after spending all of his career with the Broncos, which he started a total of 63 games. He joins a linebacker room that includes Tahir Whitehead and Vontaze Burfict.
Even though he isn’t the solidified Week 1 starter, Marshall brings a prolific player to the city of Oakland. He has topped 102 tackles in all three seasons in which he’s played at least 14 games. If he can stay healthy, then he will easily be one of the best off-ball linebackers in the division.
No. 3, Todd Davis, Broncos
Davis has established himself as one of the better linebackers in the division after being claimed by the Broncos back in 2015. This past season was his best yet as a professional. He had 114 tackles, 0.5 sacks, seven passes defended and one interception across 16 games in 2018.
Davis led the Broncos defense in tackles, and managed to return his only interception for a touchdown. He should only continue to elevate his play to another level entering his sixth season, playing under a new and defensive-minded coach in Vic Fangio.
No. 2, Denzel Perryman, Chargers
Many speculated that the Chargers weren’t going to re-sign Perryman because he missed 16 games over the past two seasons due to various lower body injuries. But the team ultimately chose to have him back, inking him to a two-year deal.
It was the right move because there’s no doubt that when Perryman is on the field, the defense just looks better as a whole. He’s primarily been a dominant force against the run, which is an area they have struggled at.
Since being drafted, the Bolts have given up 4.7 yards per carry when he’s absent, and 4.0 yards per rush when he’s on the field. The former second-round selection has totaled 226 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions.
No. 1, Thomas Davis, Chargers
The Chargers signed Davis to a two-year deal. The veteran linebacker, who is going into his 15th NFL season, is the lone defender left from the entire 2005 draft.
Davis enters the 2019 season with hefty resume. He tallied 1,094 tackles 28 sacks, with 51 passes defensed, 13 interceptions, 18 forced fumbles and 11 recoveries. He also his three consecutive Pro Bowls (2015-17) and a Super Bowl title under his belt.
Despite his age (36), Davis has yet to show signs of regression. He will bring a reliable player that helps the defense as a whole, provides well-needed depth and leadership in the locker room.
