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2020 Preseason All-AFC West: Raiders new defensive players make team

By BD Williams

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 29: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos stands on the field during a game against the Oakland Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 29: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos stands on the field during a game against the Oakland Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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Tyrann Mathieu (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)
Tyrann Mathieu (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images) /

Defensive Backfield

Defensive Back and Captain

Tyrann Mathieu, Kansas City Chiefs

Tyrann Mathieu gets the nod here and will be the captain in the secondary. His ability to play man or deep zones, nickel corner or safety make him among the most dangerous defensive players in all of football.

His cerebral playing style sees him make a big impact on the game every time he steps on the field. The All-Pro is probably the best defensive back in the AFC West.

Safety 1

Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers

A player who could push Mathieu for the title of best overall defensive back in the coming years is Derwin James. Equally as versatile, but more box oriented, James can be a linebacker, edge rusher, or strong safety for the Chargers.

He was deployed with lethal results in 2018, but a 2019 injury limited his ability and effectiveness. That being said, every team wants a Derwin James, and the Chargers are lucky to have him.

Safety 2

Justin Simmons, Denver Broncos

Justin Simmons is an unheralded safety in the media, but make no mistake, he is a very good NFL safety who is still ascending. The top rated safety in the NFL in 2019 according to PFF, Simmons defended 15 passes, intercepting 4 this past season.

He is primed to become one of the best safeties in all of football in the coming years, which is good news for a Broncos defense that is trending in the right direction.

Cornerback 1

Casey Hayward, Los Angeles Chargers

Casey Hayward suffers from being so good that he just doesn’t get tested enough, as he was targeted on average three times per game last season. That being said, the NFL knows he has forced the highest incomplete pass percentage in the NFL over the last ten years (2x Pro Bowl).

He has been rated by various sports outlets as one of the best cornerbacks in football since his breakout season in 2016. The Chargers have talent on all three levels of their defense, and if they can get the answers they need at quarterback, they could be a dangerous team on both sides of the ball this season.

Cornerback 2

AJ Bouye, Denver Broncos

A.J. Bouye was traded to the Denver Broncos by the Jacksonville Jaguars back in March, and he is certain to fill the role left by Chris Harris Jr’s departure. The standout cover man joins the rival Broncos who continue to boast a formidable secondary. Bouye has notched an interception in each of the last six seasons.

Next. 3 reasons why the 2020 Las Vegas Raiders will make the playoffs. dark

Bouye has been hailed in the media as being an elite cornerback, but the reality never matched that narrative. That being said, he is very good and the most consistent corner outside of Hayward at the outside cornerback spot in the AFC West.

Count

  • Chiefs – 3
  • Chargers – 3
  • Broncos – 3
  • Raiders – 2
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