At a glance, the AFC West’s strength would be at right tackle with three of the best in the league. Left tackle is not nearly as strong. But how do the team’s outside protectors stack up? Let’s take a look.
1. Chiefs
Starters: LT Eric Fisher, RT Mitchell Schwartz
Schwartz was the best right tackle in the division last season. In fact, he was one of the best tackles in the NFL, period. He had the second-best blocking efficiency rating from Pro Football Focus and the Chiefs led the league in run yard average to right tackle according to Football Outsiders.
Fisher wasn’t nearly as good from the left side, whether it was in pass blocking or run blocking. He was much better in pass blocking than run blocking and the Chiefs only gave up 25 sacks on the season.
2. Raiders
Starters: LT Kolton Miller, RT Trent Brown
The Raiders gave up 29 sacks last season and Brown’s addition was the main reason why that number was that low. The Raiders were also second in the NFL in yards per run to the right tackle spot.
They were 12th in run yards to the left tackle spot, which is also pretty good. Miller made a sizable leap from a rough rookie season, so another step forward is expected in his third year on the job.
3. Chargers
Starters: LT Sam Tevi/Trey Pipkins, RT Bryan Bulaga
The addition of Bulaga shores up the right tackle spot for the Chargers. The long time stalwart starter comes over from the Packers where they were sixth in the league in run average to right tackle. The Packers allowed 36 sacks while the Chargers gave up 34.
Sam Tevi played fairly well at right tackle last season, but with Bulaga onboard, many expect Tevi to compete for the starting left tackle job with 2019 third round pick Trey Pipkins, who started three games there late last season. The move from right to left is a sketchy one and with just three starts under Pipkins’s belt, the Chargers don’t yet know what they have in him either. Not an ideal situation for a competition at such a key spot.
4. Broncos
Starters: LT Garett Bolles, RT Ja’Wuan James
Speaking of steps forward, Garett Bolles made one late last season under new offensive line coach Mike Munchak. And the Broncos were third in the league in yards per run through left tackle. Bolles had been approaching the bust label prior to that. After struggling his first couple NFL seasons, he’ll need to prove last season wasn’t a fluke.
The Broncos still allowed a division worst 41 sacks. James started just 3 games last season with 63 combined snaps which is about the equivalent of one game. Though he isn’t an unknown product. He was a full-time starter for five seasons in Miami. His main issue has been staying healthy. Twice in Miami he didn’t make it halfway through the season before being lost.
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