Each AFC West team's biggest weakness ahead of 2024
In an article posted on Tuesday morning by ESPN, NFL analysts Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder ranked each NFL team by roster going into the 2024 season.
Aside from general rankings, the article featured each team's biggest strength, and weakness, entering the new season.
For the AFC West, the Kansas City Chiefs took home the No. 2 spot in the rankings, as the rest of the division will attempt to knock off the reigning Super Bowl champs. What weaknesses can the Broncos, Chargers, and Raiders exploit to dethrone the Chiefs? What are their weaknesses?
Here is each AFC West team's biggest weakness going into 2024 according to ESPN.
Every AFC West Team's Biggest Weakness in 2024
Kansas City Chiefs; Offensive Tackle
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25)
The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled to find the answer at tackle as of late. Looking to shore up the protection for Patrick Mahomes up front, Kansas City signed Jawaan Taylor to a four-year, $80 million deal. A questionable move for the back-to-back Super Bowl champions.
After landing his deal, Taylor struggled in 2023, finishing top-10 among tackles in pressures, QB hits, and hurries allowed.
Along with the concern of lackluster play at right tackle, the Chiefs have a hole to fill at left tackle. Kansas City addressed the need for left tackle help, drafting Kingsley Suamataia in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft and will look to get instant value in the rookie's first season.
Los Angeles Chargers; Running back
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30). Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
This selection could be considered a toss-up between running back or wide receiver. While the Los Angeles Chargers lost lead back Austin Ekeler in free agency, they also moved on from their All-Pro wideout duo in Mike Williams and Keenan Allen.
The Chargers will look for second-year receiver Quinten Johnston to take a big leap with the loss of the two receivers ahead of him and drafted former Georgia Bulldog Ladd McConkey with the 34th overall pick in the draft.
In the running back group, Los Angeles attempted to fill the void left by Ekeler with the former Baltimore Ravens tandem of Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins.
The pairing makes a solid duo for the Chargers in 2024, but a lack of depth and Dobbins' long injury history could leave Los Angeles in a bad spot this season.
Las Vegas Raiders; Quarterback
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew II (10) smiles as he leaves the field Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, after beating the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
Though the Las Vegas Raiders saw a solid performance from 2023 fourth-round pick, Aidan O'Connell, quarterback remains a question for the Raiders to answer.
Las Vegas brought in competition for O'Connell in the form of veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew. Still, the team's situation at the position remains one of the more lackluster quarterback situations in the NFL.
Minshew is a solid veteran, but is a game-manager at this stage of his career. Entering training camp, it appears O'Connell has the edge over Minshew, but neither has impressed enough to separate from the other.
The Raiders have solid pieces offensively, but have reportedly looked into shopping star wideout, Davante Adams. Las Vegas has been linked to several quarterbacks for the 2025 offseason, including Dak Prescott, but would likely look to the draft to upgrade the position.
Denver Broncos; Safety
Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31).
One of Denver's biggest losses this offseason has been at the safety position. The Broncos made a somewhat questionable move, releasing two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons.
The Broncos elected to move on from Simmons, but didn't commit fully to their rebuild despite reportedly shopping star cornerback, Patrick Surtain II. Denver fielded a number of offers for Surtain but could not strike a deal for the All-Pro cornerback.
Entering training camp, Denver's safety group is inexperienced, with all of their safeties yet to play a full season in the NFL. P.J. Locke, Brandon Jones and Caden Sturns have all been used as situational players throughout their respective careers and will look to show their value to a depleted Broncos secondary.
Denver has options to replace Simmons waiting in free agency but is unlikely to move on a player like Jamal Adams at this stage of the offseason.