Raiders’ Safety Ranks in AFC West

AFC West Safety Overview

The division’s safety position looks solid, with the Chargers and Broncos each sending a second‑team All‑Pro to the Pro Bowl last season. Meanwhile, the Raiders lean on a solid starter in Jeremy Chinn to fill the gap.

Denver’s talent includes a playmaker in Talanoa Hufanga and a reliable veteran in Brandon Jones, while Los Angeles leans heavily on Derwin James Jr., a four‑time Pro Bowler who turns in big‑impact numbers each week. The Chiefs add Alohi Gilman, a coverage ace who generates forced incompletions at a high clip.

Derwin James Jr. (Chargers) – Elite Presence

James logged 94 tackles, three interceptions, seven pass deflections, two sacks and six tackles for loss over 16 games in 2024. He also submitted a 68.4 passer rating when targeted, recorded 13 pressures on 71 pass‑rushes and finished tied for 14th among safeties with 14 defensive stops versus the run, according to Pro Football Focus.

A knee injury sidelined James for the entire 2020 campaign, but he rebounded with four Pro Bowls and three second‑team All‑Pro nods in the five seasons since. His versatility lets him influence every phase of the defense, making him a cornerstone of the Chargers’ backend.

Talanoa Hufanga (Broncos) – First‑Year Impact

Hufanga posted 106 tackles, zero interceptions, eleven pass deflections, two sacks and six tackles for loss across 17 games. He recorded 18 defensive stops at a 5.1% rate—tied for fifth and tenth among safeties—and forced eight incompletions, the third‑most at his position, per PFF.

After signing with Denver in free agency, the former 49er earned a second‑team All‑Pro spot in his debut season. While his interception count is limited, his coverage disruption and run‑stopping prowess make him a valuable asset for the Broncos.

Brandon Jones (Broncos) – Consistent Veteran

Jones collected 78 tackles, one interception, seven pass deflections, half a sack and no tackles for loss in 14 contests. He held a 56.3% completion rate when targeted—the fourth‑best among safeties with at least ten targets—and allowed just 222 yards and a 75.3 passer rating in coverage.

Though his ball production dipped from previous years, Jones posted a career‑high 75.7 run‑defense grade in 2024. His experience adds stability to a secondary that already features Hufanga’s disruptive play.

Jeremy Chinn (Raiders) – Run‑Stopping Anchor

Chinn recorded 114 tackles, two pass deflections, one sack and three tackles for loss over 15 games. He tied for 20th among safeties with ten defensive stops in coverage and led the Raiders in run‑stopping, registering 21 stops—the second‑most in the league for his position.

His 9.9% missed‑tackle rate places him among the top 25 safeties, highlighting his effectiveness in the box. While his interception and pass‑deflection numbers are modest, Chinn’s tackling prowess makes him a critical piece of the Raiders’ defensive front eight.

Alohi Gilman (Chiefs) – Coverage Playmaker

Gilman amassed 90 tackles, nine pass deflections, one tackle for loss and no sacks across 17 games. He forced nine incompletions at a 22% rate—the most among safeties and fifth‑highest overall—demonstrating his ability to disrupt passing attacks.

The six‑year pro joined the Chiefs after a mid‑season trade from the Chargers and a stint with Baltimore. If he can convert those forced incompletions into interceptions, Gilman could rise sharply in safety rankings next season.

Honorable Mention: Tony Jefferson (Chargers)

Jefferson finished with 57 tackles, four interceptions, seven pass deflections, one tackle for loss and a 70.3 PFF grade in 13 games. The 34‑year‑old returned to the NFL after sitting out 2020, retiring in 2023 and rejoining the league with the Chargers.

Despite reduced playing time since 2018, Jefferson’s interception haul in 2024 showcases his enduring ball‑hawk instincts. He remains a modest contributor for Los Angeles’ secondary.