Sizzling AFC West training-camp position battles

With training camp underway, here's a look at the top position battles to watch for teams in the AFC West.

Denver Broncos 

CORNERBACK | Damarri Mathis vs. Riley Moss:  After releasing former Super Bowl champion Ronald Darby, the Broncos must find a new CB to pair with Pro Bowler Patrick Surtain II. Mathis showed flashes during his rookie season, only allowing one TD in pass coverage over 16 games, per Pro Football Reference. Yet at certain points, the 24-year-old lacked discipline. He drew pass-interference flags four times in his first career start against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6.

Denver dealt two draft picks to select Moss in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. "He was someone that we hoped we would be available. He's in good shape, and he's a guy that's a smooth mover," Broncos HC Sean Payton recently said of the rookie. Moss' size (6-foot-1, 193 pounds) could give him an advantage over Mathis (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) for the starting job.

Kansas City Chiefs

WIDE RECEIVER | Kadarius Toney vs. Rashee Rice vs. Justyn Ross:  Kansas City must replace WR JuJu Smith-Schuster – who was second on the team in receiving yards (933 in 16 games) last season – after he signed a three-year deal with New England in the spring. Throughout the offseason, the Chiefs suggested they wanted Toney to become their next No. 1 WR. But he suffered a torn meniscus on the first day of training camp and needed surgery.

"There's a chance for the first game [of the regular season]," Chiefs HC Andy Reid said of Toney's timeline to return. "We'll just have to see how recovery goes with him." Meanwhile, Ross or Rice — a rookie — must emerge as a viable option. In a Wednesday news conference, OC Matt Nagy said, "[Ross] really excels at route running," which might give him the edge over Rice.

Las Vegas Raiders 

TIGHT END | Michael Mayer vs. Austin Hooper:  The Raiders overhauled their tight-end room this offseason, trading Darren Waller to the New York Giants and letting Foster Moreau (who signed a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints) walk in free agency. Subsequently, Las Vegas agreed to a one-year deal with former Pro Bowler Austin Hooper.

However, Hooper declined last season, recording a career-low two receiving TDs in 17 games with the Titans. Mayer, a second-round draft pick, could usurp Hooper. Mayer's size (6-foot-4, 265 pounds) could create mismatches in the passing game. He's also considered an excellent blocker.

Los Angeles Chargers

WIDE RECEIVER | Joshua Palmer vs. Quentin Johnston:  Receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have solidified their statuses, leaving the No. 3 role up for grabs. Palmer progressed during his second season, starting in 11 games and recording 72 receptions for 769 yards. Despite his improvement, the Chargers felt they needed an upgrade and selected Johnston with the 21st overall pick in the draft.

Given his draft status, Johnston should win this battle. The rookie struggled with drops at TCU, though. Per Pro Football Focus, he had eight drops in 15 games last season – 14th in the FBS. If the problem carries over to the NFL, Palmer could gain an advantage and become the preferred option.