Denver Broncos

Projected Starters: Pat Surtain II (LCB), Talonoa Hufanga (SS; free agent acquisition), Brandon Jones (FS), Riley Moss (RCB), Jahdae Barron (NB; rookie)

The Denver Broncos’ secondary is one of the most intimidating units in the NFL for quarterbacks and wide receivers to face. Pat Surtain II is coming off a Defensive Player of the Year season and looks to carry that momentum into 2025. The Broncos also added Talanoa Hufanga from San Francisco—a proven playmaker at the safety position—and rookie Jahdae Barron out of Texas, who has the potential to make an immediate impact. Riley Moss emerged last year and aims to build on that success alongside Surtain. Brandon Jones remains a bit of a question mark, but with elite talent surrounding him, he’ll have a prime opportunity to prove himself at the pro level.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 64.8% (11th lowest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 10.5 (tied 8th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 22 (tied 6th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 51.6% (tied 11th lowest in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 15 (tied 8th most in the NFL)
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Kansas City Chiefs 

Projected Starters: Jaylen Watson (LCB), Jaden Hicks (SS), Bryan Cook (FS), Kristian Fulton (RCB), Trent McDuffie (NB)

Kansas City enters the 2025 season with arguably one of the best secondaries in all of football. They have sneaky talent across the board, and everyone is healthy except for Kristian Fulton, who underwent minor knee surgery in the offseason but is expected to be at full strength by the start of the season. The Chiefs also added depth by drafting cornerback Nohl Williams and signing safety Mike Edwards. Given their depth and overall talent, the Chiefs’ secondary is yet another AFC West unit that could make a case for being the best in the NFL.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 65.9% (13th highest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 10.6 yards (tied 10th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 24 (tied 12th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 50.9% (10th lowest in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 13 (tied 12th most in the NFL)

Las Vegas Raiders

Projected Starters: Darian Porter (LCB; rookie), Jeremy Chinn (SS; free agent acquisition), Isaiah Pola-Mao (FS), Eric Stokes (RCB; free agent acquisition), Darnay Holmes (NB)

As strong as the other secondaries are in the NFC West, the opposite can be said for the Las Vegas Raiders heading into 2025. This group underwent a complete overhaul in the offseason, with rookie cornerback Darian Porter expected to contribute right away, alongside free-agent additions Jeremy Chinn at safety and Eric Stokes at cornerback. While this reimagining of the defensive backs room could be the shake-up the Raiders needed, early expectations aren’t exactly optimistic.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 66.0% (12th highest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 10.8 yards (tied 13th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 29 (tied 5th most in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 52.4% (15th lowest in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 10 (tied 10th least in the NFL)

Los Angeles Chargers

Projected Starters: Donte Jackson (LCB; free agent acquisition), Derwin James Jr. (SS), Alohi Gilman (FS), Cam Hart (RCB), Tarheeb Still (NB)

The Chargers’ secondary was very solid last season and stood out as one of the most physical defensive back rooms in the NFL. Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still now have a full year of experience under their belts, and the ceiling remains high for both—though there’s still room for improvement. This group is anchored by Pro Bowler Derwin James Jr., a player that receivers and tight ends alike want no part of over the top. He enters the season healthy and ready to lead. If this unit can make the necessary adjustments from the end of 2024, the Chargers will have another AFC West secondary worth watching.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 65.0% (14th lowest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 10.2 (tied 3rd least in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 24 (tied 12th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 46.3% (lowest in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 15 (tied 8th most in the NFL)