AFC: East | South | North
This AFC West look is the fourth in a series of our division-by-division training-camp battles:
Denver Broncos
John Lynch vs. Marlon McCree, free safety
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| Lynch, 36, could be bumped for a coverage upgrade. (US Presswire) |
Edge: Lynch. It's his job to lose.
Opening day starter: McCree. If the Broncos are smart, they'll choose the better player against the pass.
Kansas City Chiefs
Jeff Webb vs. Devard Darling vs. Will Franklin, No. 2 receiver
The Chiefs are desperately looking for a No. 2 to go with Dwayne Bowe, who starred as a rookie last season. Webb had had 28 catches in his second season in 2007. Darling had 18 catches for the Ravens last season before signing with the Chiefs as a free agent. Franklin is a rookie who has impressed in offseason work.
Edge: Webb. He knows the offense better.
Opening day starter: Webb. But keep an eye on Franklin. The Chiefs really like him.
Oakland Raiders
Cornell Green vs. Mario Henderson, right tackle
Green started 10 games last season before an injury forced him out. He is much more of a backup than starter quality, but the Raiders had no choice but to play him. Henderson was a raw rookie last year. He needs to play with more fire.
Edge: Green. The experience is huge.
Opening day starter: Green. If this happens, it isn't good news for the Raiders. Henderson has more ability. He just needs to show it.
San Diego Chargers
Antoine Cason vs. Paul Oliver, nickel corner
The Chargers lost nickel corner Drayton Florence in free agency to the Jaguars. They did so because they think Oliver, who they chose in the supplemental draft last summer, has a chance to be a nice cover player. They then came back and took Cason in the first round of the April draft to set up a nice competition.
Edge: Oliver. He has been in the system.
Opening day starter: Cason. A rookie should have no problem as a nickel, assuming he is signed on time.
