Eric Stokes Leads Raiders’ Cornerback Revamp in AFC West

Eric Stokes surged from a first‑round bust with the Packers to become the Raiders’ premier cornerback last season. His 53 tackles, five pass deflections and a 56% completion rate allowed earned him a three‑year, $30 million extension in the offseason. The former first‑round pick now anchors a Raiders secondary that finally looks credible in the AFC West.

Pat Surtain II – Broncos’ Elite Performer

Patrick Surtain II remains the division’s clear No. 1 corner, posting 47 tackles, one interception and 12 pass deflections in 14 games. The 2021 first‑round pick has collected four Pro Bowls, two first‑team All‑Pro nods and a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024. A 66.5 passer rating when targeted and a reception every 17.1 coverage snaps underscore his elite status league‑wide.

Ja’Quan McMillian – Denver’s Secondary Anchor

Ja’Quan McMillian tallied 56 tackles, two interceptions and nine pass deflections over 17 games for the Broncos. The four‑year veteran also proved valuable as a nickelback, limiting opponents to 0.94 yards per snap in slot coverage while adding five tackles for loss and four sacks in 2025. His rise was aided by the Chiefs’ loss of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, leaving a vacancy he filled convincingly.

Tarheeb Still – Chargers’ Rising Star

Tarheeb Still recorded 53 tackles, seven pass deflections and no interceptions in 15 games for the Chargers. The fifth‑round pick’s sophomore season saw a jump in completion percentage from 64.4% to 71.7% while maintaining a strong 70.0 PFF coverage grade and five tackles for loss. His evolution from a surprising rookie with four interceptions to a top‑five defensive back highlights his rapid development.

Riley Moss – Broncos’ High‑Target Corner

Riley Moss amassed 80 tackles, one interception and a league‑leading 19 pass deflections in 17 games. Despite allowing 795 yards and drawing 12 penalties—the third‑most and most among corners—Moss also led the NFL with 114 targets, holding opponents to a 57% completion rate. Playing on the opposite side of Surtain, Moss’ forced incompletion rate matched the veteran’s at 17%, proving his impact beyond the yardage totals.

What This Means for the AFC West Going Forward

The division’s cornerback landscape is now defined by clear tiers. Surtain’s resume makes him the benchmark, while McMillian and Moss provide solid support in Denver. Stokes’ ascent gives the Raiders a legitimate No. 1, and Still’s growth adds depth for the Chargers. The Raiders’ investment in Stokes signals confidence that their secondary can compete, potentially reshaping the AFC West’s hierarchy in the coming seasons. Nohl Williams, though limited to five starts, showed enough flash—54.3% completion rate, 223 yards allowed and seven PDs—to merit attention as a potential surprise package in 2026.