Las Vegas Raiders: Predicting the All-AFC West defense in 2021
Secondary
Cornerback, Kyle Fuller, Denver Broncos
Kyle Fuller is one of the better outside cornerbacks in the NFL, and should once
again thrive as he is reunited with former Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Fuller had his best two seasons with Fangio in Chicago, posting a career-high 21 passes defended in his final year with the now-Broncos head coach.
Fuller was good but not great in 2020 but should regain his top form opposite Ronald Darby in Denver.
Safety, Justin Simmons, Denver Broncos
Justin Simmons, before being franchise tagged and later signed to a long-term deal, was primed to be the most coveted free agent heading into the 2021 NFL season. Simmons has been a star since arriving in Denver, leading the secondary as one of the best units in the league.
Over the past two seasons, Simmons has close to 200 combined tackles and over 20 passes defended. He is a swiss-army knife for the Broncos defense and easily takes the spot as the division’s best safety.
Safety, Tyrann Mathieu, Kansas City Chiefs
Tyrann Mathieu has regained his stardom as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. After leaving Arizona for the Houston Texans, Mathieu struggled in his first year with a new team. However, once arriving in Kansas City, Mathieu once again began to thrive, leading the Super Bowl 54 winning defense.
Mathieu has ten interceptions in his two years as a Chief and has been awarded First Team All-Defense honors in both years as well. 2021 should be business as usual for the Honey Badger.
Las Vegas Raiders: 4 players who could pull a Shohei Ohtani and play both ways
Shohei Ohtani is absolutely dominating baseball with the bat, and his arm, and here, we look at four Las Vegas Raiders who could play both ways as well.
Cornerback, Ronald Darby, Denver Broncos
Ronald Darby returned to form last season after a down year as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019. With the Washington Football Team, Darby started all 16 games and recorded 16 passes defended.
Darby added 55 tackles, showing he is not only a cover corner. Darby will find his job much easier alongside Kyle Fuller and the rest of Denver’s incredibly talented secondary. He should have a strong 2021 campaign.