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 linebackers in the division, ranking them from No. 5 to 1. So without further ado, let us begin.
5. Darron Lee, Kansas City Chiefs
Last offseason, the Chiefs made a few big splashes to try to upgrade their linebacker corps, including signing Anthony Hitchens and trading for Reggie Ragland. Neither player had great years in 2018, and the team was forced to look for an upgrade at the position.
The move the team made was trading for former 2016 first-round pick Darron Lee. While Lee hasn’t lived up to expectations, he has developed into one of the better coverage linebackers in the NFL. Look for him to play in nickel situations for the Chiefs right away in 2019.
4. Brandon Marshall, Oakland Raiders
At No. 4 is Brandon Marshall, who signed with the Raiders this offseason after starting 63 games for the Broncos. Marshall isn’t a spectacular or dynamic linebacker by any means, but he is a substantial addition to the Raiders’ linebacker unit.
While it’s not a lock that he will start in Week 1 for the team, Marshall gives the team experience and real depth at the position.
3. Todd Davis, Denver Broncos
Todd Davis of the Denver Broncos has quickly developed into a quality starting linebacker over the last few years after signing with the Saints as an undrafted free agent after the 2014 NFL draft. After being cut by the Saints four different times, the Broncos claimed him, and he has since started 49 games with the team.
In 2018, Davis had the best year of his career, tallying 114 tackles, seven pass deflections and six tackles for a loss. While he will probably never make a Pro Bowl during his career, Davis is an above average player who is one of the leaders of the Broncos’ defense.
2. Denzel Perryman, Los Angeles Chargers
At No. 2 is Chargers’ linebacker Denzel Perryman, who has quickly emerged as one of the better young linebackers in the league. He is a shorter linebacker but displays excellent power and the ability to run sideline to sideline.
However, Perryman’s biggest struggle during his NFL career is that he can’t stay on the field. He has yet to start more than 11 games in a season and has played in just 42 games over the last four seasons.
If Perryman can figure out a way to stay on the field more consistently, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he turned into a Pro Bowl player sooner rather than later.
1. Thomas Davis, Los Angeles Chargers
Topping the list is former Carolina Panthers’ linebacker and three-time Pro Bowler Thomas Davis. This offseason, Davis left Carolina to sign with the Chargers where he will likely start alongside Denzel Perryman.
Despite being 36-years old, Davis is still one of the best linebackers in the entire league. Look for him to continue to play at a high level for the next few years.
