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Our AFC West positional rankings series continues with a look at a young group of defensive linemen:

1. Corey Liuget, San Diego: This player has a chance to be a superstar.

2. Lamarr Houston, Oakland: A lot will be expected of this talented player on a line in transition.

3. Derek Wolfe, Denver: The Broncos are expecting huge things from this second-year player.

4. Kendall Reyes, San Diego: The same thing goes for Reyes in San Diego. He has great potential.

5. Terrance Knighton, Denver: Jack Del Rio is reunited with this run stuffer. Terrific free-agent addition.

6. Dontari Poe, Kansas City: I wouldn’t be shocked if this player makes a huge jump in Year 2.

7. Sylvester Williams, Denver: The first-round pick has huge potential. He is a good fit for this defense.

8. Tyson Jackson, Kansas City: Former No. 3 overall pick will never be great, but he has value.

9. Mike DeVito, Kansas City: The Chiefs are thrilled about his free-agent pickup. He can play.

10. Vance Walker, Oakland: Free-agent addition was a good rotational player in Atlanta. Gets chance for a bigger role.

11. Pat Sims, Oakland: This could be a very good addition if he can stay healthy.

12. Kevin Vickerson, Denver: Nothing fancy, but Vickerson is a solid part of a good defense.

13. Robert Ayers, Denver: The Broncos need this former first-round pick to contribute with Elvis Dumervil gone.

14. Cam Thomas, San Diego: The Chargers expect a lot from this promising player.

15. Christo Bilukidi, Oakland: I have a feeling he is going to develop quickly.

16. Andre Carter, Oakland: Greatest value may be as a leader, which this young team needs.

17. Jason Hunter, Oakland: Try-hard player could get a lot of playing time.

18. Jack Crawford, Oakland: Second-year player will have a chance to show his value.

The San Diego Chargers received terrible news Tuesday in their second day of organized non-contact drills.

The team announced 2012 first-round pick Melvin Ingram has a torn ACL.

The Chargers were counting on Ingram to provide a strong pass rush. He had a slow start to his rookie season, but he showed promise late. The team saw veteran edge rushers Shaun Phillips and Antwan Barnes leave in free agency.

Ingram was expected to be the primary pass-rusher from the edge. Defensive linemen Kendall Reyes and Corey Liuget provide good pass-rush burst from the line, but the Chargers need an outside presence. Former first-round pick Larry English in on the roster, but he has shown he can’t be counted on. The Chargers drafted Tourek Williams in the late rounds last month. His route to the field may be expedited with Ingram’s injuries.

I’d think the Chargers would seriously consider pursuing veteran Dwight Freeney. He was in Indianapolis with new San Diego general manager Tom Telesco. Veteran John Abraham is also out there.

With Ingram out for the year, the Chargers will have to find help somewhere.

This will be a tough setback for a young player. His career will certainly be salvageable, but it will be such a waste to lose his second NFL season in May.

In other AFC West news:

• The Chiefs claimed offensive lineman Matt Reynolds from the Eagles and cornerback Buddy Jackson from the Giants. Reynolds was coached by new Kansas City coach Andy Reid last season.
• The Bills claimed tight end Mickey Shuler. He was cut by the Raiders.

I want to thank ESPN’s Matt Williamson for handling our AFC West Eight in the Box project last week while I was on vacation. The subject was 2013 breakout players.

I also wanted to pass my thoughts along on this topic. I chose my players for each AFC West team before looking at his selections. We agreed on one player, although I understand his reasoning for all of his picks. Here are mine:

Denver Broncos, running back Ronnie Hillman: This is Matt’s choice as well. We saw a glimpse of how Hillman can help this team in the playoff loss to Baltimore. He had some crucial carries after Knowshon Moreno was hurt. Denver coach John Fox has raved about Hillman and his role will expand. The team can bring in another running back (perhaps even in the first round of the draft), but Hillman, a third-round pick last year, will have a role as a change-of-pace option and as a receiver out of the backfield.

Kansas City Chiefs, receiver/returner Dexter McCluster: Matt went with safety Eric Berry. I think Berry has already arrived and so I’m going with McCluster because new Kansas City coach Andy Reid can’t stop talking about him. While this will be McCluster’s fourth NFL season, I truly think he is going to be given the chance to take the next step. Reid will design packages for the small McCluster to shine. If he doesn’t make an impact this year, it may be time for the Chiefs to move on.

Oakland Raiders, receiver Rod Streater: Matt went with third-year guard Stefen Wisniewski. I’ve been a Wisniewski fan since his rookie season. He is already a building block on a roster that is rebuilding, so I’m going with Streater. This is a team where everyone will get a chance to show they can be a standout. Streater got a head start as an undrafted rookie last year when he caught 39 passes. I have a feeling we will continue to see growth from him. He is very polished for an inexperienced player and goes about his work the right way. I see a bright future.

San Diego Chargers, defensive end Kendall Reyes: Matt went with 2012 first-round pick Melvin Ingram. I’m an Ingram believer and I think he will be terrific, but I went with Reyes because I see a big, big talent here. The 2012 second-round pick finished his rookie strong. He can be very disruptive and I think the defensive end combination of Reyes and 2011 first-round pick Corey Liuget (who had a big second NFL season) can be special this season.

» NFC Eight in the Box: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Who is one potential breakout player for each AFC West team in 2013?

Denver Broncos: Ronnie Hillman. Hillman showed flashes as a rookie but has work to do with the finer points of the game, such as pass protection. This offseason -- along with the tutelage of Peyton Manning -- should help quite a bit. Denver has other bigger options in its backfield and could draft another running back, and Hillman might not be best suited to be an every-down back. But he has a dynamic and explosive running style and big-play ability as a runner and receiver. Also, with all the 11-personnel schemes (one RB/one TE) that the Broncos will use with Wes Welker, Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas rarely leaving the field, Denver’s running game should see plenty of open space when used. The free-agent addition of Louis Vasquez also should help. Hillman won’t get 20-25 touches per game, but look for him to maximize the touches he gets.

Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Berry. Berry can be great but has yet to truly break out. He was a phenomenal safety prospect when he entered the league in 2010, but injuries derailed his second season. In fact, I think his knee injury hindered him for the first half of 2012 -- maybe even longer. Berry started to look like the player he was in college during the final six to eight games last year. That is extremely encouraging. And with a new attitude in Kansas City and a superior roster, Berry should be ready to flat-out explode in 2013 and soon be among the best safeties in the NFL.

Oakland Raiders: Stefen Wisniewski. There really isn’t much to pick from on Oakland’s roster in terms of possible breakout players, but Wisniewski has been solid at guard in his first two seasons. He isn’t the biggest or most powerful interior offensive lineman around, but he is agile, and his technique surpasses his NFL experience. Wisniewski is already very good in pass protection, which usually takes longer to develop than run-blocking skills. And with the Raiders likely changing from a zone- to a more of a man-blocking scheme, Wisniewski’s run-blocking could catch up to his abilities in protection. There aren’t many bright spots for the Raiders, but Wisniewski is one of them.

San Diego Chargers: Melvin Ingram. I was extremely high on Ingram a year ago as a draft prospect. While he didn’t set the league on fire as a rookie, I still expect him to develop into one of the better 3-4 outside linebackers in the league. As expected, Ingram has a lot of work to do as a coverage player, but San Diego would be wise to have this explosive playmaker coming forward on the majority of snaps. And with Shaun Phillips unlikely to be back, Ingram is now in line for many more snaps -- both in the base defense and in sub packages, where he has the skill set to be moved all over the defensive front. San Diego has its share of problems, but with young front-seven players such as Ingram, Donald Butler, Kendall Reyes and Corey Liuget (who really broke out last season), the Chargers’ defense has quite a bit to build upon.

Let’s take a look at some possible targets of the San Diego Chargers, who have the No. 11 pick in the April 25-27 draft:

TAVON AUSTIN, RECEIVER, WEST VIRGINIA

Why is he a top prospect? He is ultra-fast and a big-time playmaker. Great film and great workouts.

How would he help? He could give some much-needed life to San Diego's offense -- a nice fit for a group that needs a smallish-type receiver.

What are the risks? He is tiny at 5-foot-8, 173 pounds. Teams always worry whether little guys can make the transition to the rigorous NFL.

How he could be the choice: I think he’d be a backup plan. But Austin would fill a need, and San Diego could be tempted to add an explosive piece.

JONATHAN COOPER, GUARD, NORTH CAROLINA

Why is he a top prospect? A player with few holes. Alabama guard Chance Warmack is one of the highest-rated guards to come into the NFL in years. Some scouts think Cooper is just as good.

How would he help? The Chargers have big needs on the offensive line. Cooper would be an instant starter.

What are the risks? Do you want to take a guard that high? Top guards are typically available later in the draft.

How he could be the choice: If the Chargers think he is better than Warmack or if Warmack is taken in the top 10, Cooper could be the pick if the left-tackle options are gone.

TYLER EIFERT, TIGHT END, NOTRE DAME

Why is he a top prospect? Huge target who has everything you look for in a tight end -- speed, hands and the ability to block.

How would he help? Antonio Gates is getting older and has long dealt with health issues. Eifert could help as an immediate weapon and as a long-term answer.

What are the risks? Taking a tight end at No. 11 might be a bit high.

How he could be the choice: Another backup option. Could be a target if the Chargers trade down.

D.J. FLUKER, TACKLE, ALABAMA

Why is he a top prospect? He is a massive man at 6-4, 335 pounds. You need to buy a passport to complete the trip around him.

How would he help? He projects as a right tackle in the NFL. He’d start right away.

What are the risks? The Chargers need a left tackle and a guard more than a right tackle. Fluker might be too clunky for a unit that wants to get sleeker.

How he could be the choice: If the Chargers love him more than some other linemen, he could be the selection.

LANE JOHNSON, LEFT TACKLE, OKLAHOMA

Why is he a top prospect? The former quarterback is super athletic, strong and fast. A sky-is-the-limit type.

How would he help? He would step in and be the Chargers’ left tackle.

What are the risks? There is real concern the Cardinals could take him at No. 7. Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher are expected to be taken among the top five picks.

How he could be the choice: If Johnson is there, he very likely will be the choice.

STAR LOTULELEI, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, UTAH

Why is he a top prospect? Stellar anchor to a defensive line. He is versatile and productive.

How would he help? He would be a great nose tackle on what would be a great, young front three with ends Corey Liuget and Kendall Reyes. A potentially awesome trio.

What are the risks? There were major health concerns when tests at the NFL combine in February showed Lotulelei had heart issues. He has been cleared; still, there would be worries in the back of some teams’ minds.

How he could be the choice: If Johnson is gone, I think the Chargers would have a hard time passing on this Star if he is on the board at No. 11.

DEE MILLINER, CORNERBACK, ALABAMA

Why is he a top prospect? Fast, polished, NFL-ready cover cornerback who has succeeded at the highest level.

How would he help? Milliner could step in and start along free-agent pickup Derek Cox, giving the Chargers a nice cornerback tandem.

What are the risks? He very well could be taken in the first six picks -- perhaps as high as No. 3 to Oakland.

How he could be the choice: If he is available, I think the Chargers will think long and hard about Milliner.

ALEC OGLETREE, LINEBACKER, GEORGIA

Why is he a top prospect? He is a freakish athlete who makes big plays. Top middle linebacker in the draft.

How would he help? He would be an inside linebacker in the 3-4 and be yet another excellent young front-seven player in San Diego.

What are the risks? He has a recent drunken driving arrest and other off-field concerns.

How he could be the choice: A backup plan. He could be intriguing if the Chargers drop back a few spots.

KENNY VACCARO, SAFETY, TEXAS

Why is he a top prospect? He can hit, run and cover.

How would he help? An Eric Weddle-Vaccaro safety tandem would be strong. It would give a nice identity to San Diego’s defense.

What are the risks? The 11th pick might be too high for a safety this year, considering it is a deep class.

How he could be the choice: Again, he might be an option if the Chargers slide back a few picks.

CHANCE WARMACK, GUARD, ALABAMA

Why is he a top prospect? A classic guard who has a chance to be dominant.

How would he help? He’d be the Chargers' best offensive lineman.

What are the risks? He might be off the board.

How he could be the choice: I think the Chargers will go into draft day envisioning Warmack as a real possibility to wear a lightning bolt on his helmet.

The pass-rushing position has been in the spotlight in the AFC West this offseason. Let’s take a look where each team in the division stands.

Denver Broncos: The Broncos have a need here after the infamous Elvis Dumervil fax machine gaffe which concluded with him signing with Baltimore. The Broncos have star pass-rusher Von Miller, but they are looking for another option to replace Dumervil. They could still sign a veteran such as Dwight Freeney or John Abraham, if the price is right. They could also draft a pass-rusher in the early rounds. Second-year end Derek Wolfe also provides a solid pass rush and Robert Ayers may also play more.

Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs now possess the best pass-rushing tandem in the division in Tamba Hali and Justin Houston. Hali has 35.5 sacks in the past three seasons and Houston has 15.5 sacks in two NFL seasons. This duo is terrific. The Chiefs may need some more defensive line help, but they are set with their primary pass-rushers.

Oakland Raiders: The Raiders badly need some pass-rushers. It was poor in that area last year and it hasn’t addressed it this offseason. None of the front seven players Oakland has signed are known as great pass-rushers. Some will help, but there are no anchors. Oakland could address the area in the draft and it could re-sign veteran situational pass-rusher Andre Carter.

San Diego Chargers: The Chargers could use some help. Antwan Barnes left this offseason and while Shaun Phillips could return, he remains unsigned. The team is hopeful that 2012 first-round pick Melvin Ingram takes the next step and brings consistent pressure. He showed flashes last year. The front three is solid as Corey Liuget and Kendall Reyes both have strong ability. The Chargers are young at this position and it could quickly be in good shape. But if the price is right, bringing back a veteran like Phillips may not be a terrible idea.

The San Diego Chargers saw defensive end Vaughn Martin agree to terms with the Miami Dolphins on Thursday. He started 28 games in the past two years.

He was more of a rotational player, but he had skills. The Chargers have seen defensive tackles Aubrayo Franklin (free agency) and Antonio Garay (he was cut) leave the team. The team has hopes for Cam Thomas. But there is a need at the position.

The Chargers have a solid starting front three of ends Corey Liuget, Kendall Reyes and Thomas. But depth is needed.

Meanwhile, U-T San Diego reports the Chargers still have interest in right tackle Eric Winston. But no deal is imminent. He was recently cut by the Kansas City Chiefs.

» NFC Season Wraps: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Five things to know and my all-division team.

Division MVP: This is not difficult: Denver quarterback Peyton Manning. There is a strong chance Manning will win his fifth NFL MVP award in his first season with Denver. His biggest competition is likely Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson. Manning has far surpassed expectations with the Broncos. Manning, 36, has not shown any signs of slowing after enduring a neck injury that kept him from playing all of last season with the Colts. He has spearheaded a 10-game win streak for the Broncos, who are 12-3 and have a chance to be the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. Manning has gotten better as the season has progressed, and he's having one of his best seasons in the NFL. This was a franchise-changing signing.

Biggest disappointment: It has to be Kansas City. The Chiefs were expected to be competitive and many folks (including myself) picked them to win the division. Yet Kansas City is 2-13 and on pace for the No. 1 pick in April's draft. The biggest issues were terrible quarterback play by Matt Cassel and his replacement, Brady Quinn, and questionable coaching. The result of the disappointment will likely be a clean sweep of the team’s brass and the search for a new quarterback.

Coaching searches about to commence: We all expected the Chargers to give the gate to coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith last year. Now that San Diego will miss the playoffs for the third straight year, both Turner and Smith are expected to be gone. And in the division, they may not be alone. Chances are strong Kansas City general manager Scot Pioli and coach Romeo Crennel will both pay for the Chiefs’ failures with their jobs. While Dennis Allen is probably safe in Oakland, there are no guarantees, and there could be big changes in store to his staff. So, January will be a busy month in the AFC West with at least half the division undertaking huge leadership makeovers.

Rivers has to be focus in San Diego: Philip Rivers, who turned 31 this month, is ending his second straight disappointing season and is no longer considered an elite quarterback. Still, he must be the centerpiece of the changes in San Diego. Rivers still has several years left and he can still help the Chargers win. But he needs help, and the new San Diego leadership must make it a priority to build around Rivers in an attempt to fix him and utilize him moving forward.

Help is on the way: The Broncos have won 12 games and the three other teams in the division have won 12 games ... combined. But there will be a payoff in the draft. The Chiefs are in line for the No. 1 pick, the Raiders are angling for the No. 3 pick and the Chargers are on pace to select 10th. Thus the draft season will be of supreme importance for this division. The Chiefs need a quarterback, but there are no top choices, so Kansas City may have to take a defensive gem in a top-heavy defensive class. Oakland has big defensive needs and will score a top defensive player, and the Chargers will be on the hunt for offensive line help early on. Expect us to heavily focus on the April draft in the coming months since no division in the NFL will be better represented at the top of the draft.

And now we present our 2012 AFC West team. A few notes before we get to the list.

I used a 3-4 defense because half of the division (Kansas City and San Diego) uses it as a base defense and I thought the linebackers were stronger, so I wanted to recognize four of them. This list features the best players at the position, so I used two left tackles instead of forcing a right tackle, etc. I did use a fullback, Oakland’s Marcel Reece, because I thought he was deserving of recognition.

The 26-man team features 13 Broncos. Excessive? Well, considering the 12-3 Broncos have accounted for half of the AFC West’s wins this season, it is fitting.

On to the list. I’m sure you’ll have a lot to say in the comments section below.

The Pro Bowl team was announced Wednesday. The following is a look at one player from each AFC West team who could make their first Pro Bowl in the 2013 season:

Denver, receiver Demaryius Thomas: The third-year player should have made it this year. He has flourished with Peyton Manning. Thomas has 87 catches for 1,312 yards. He was a first alternate. Now that he is establishing himself as a consistent threat, expect Thomas to be on the radar more next year.

Kansas City, Justin Houston, linebacker: Houston, a second-year player, had a bigger impact than teammate Tamba Hali, who made the Pro Bowl. It took time for Hali to establish his name and it is taking Houston time. But he is an outstanding pass-rusher who can be great.

Oakland, Brandon Myers, tight end: Myers has broken out this season with 75 catches. Tight end was a worry area for Oakland going into the season. Not anymore. The only worry for Oakland is whether or not it can re-sign this free agent. He is a valuable player.

San Diego, Corey Liuget, defensive lineman: The 2011 first-round pick exploded this season. The game film shows that this is player who is often dominant. I see a great career ahead of him.

The Pro Bowl teams will be announced Wednesday evening. Here's a look at some of the candidates for each team in the division:

Denver Broncos:

Players: Champ Bailey (cornerback), Zane Beadles (guard), Ryan Clady (tackle), Eric Decker (receiver), Elvis Dumervil (defensive end), Peyton Manning (quarterback) Von Miller (linebacker), Demaryius Thomas (receiver), Wesley Woodyard (linebacker).

Best bets: Bailey, Clady, Manning, Miller, Thomas.

Kansas City Chiefs:

Players: Branden Albert (tackle), Jamaal Charles (linebacker), Dustin Colquitt (punter), Justin Houston (linebacker), Derrick Johnson (linebacker).

Best bets: Charles, Johnson.

Oakland Raiders:

Players: Sebastian Janikowski (kicker), Shane Lechler (punter), Brandon Myers (tight end) Marcel Reece (fullback), Carson Palmer (quarterback), Philip Wheeler (linebacker), Stefen Wisniewski (guard).

Best bets: Janikowski, Myers

San Diego Chargers:

Players: Donald Butler (linebacker), Corey Liuget (defensive end), Mike Scifres (punter) Louis Vasquez (guard), Eric Weddle (safety).

Best bets: Butler, Weddle.

Once again, San Diego will play without Jared Gaither. The Chargers left tackle is dealing with a lingering groin injury and is inactive for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay.

This will be the fifth game Gaither, who has also had back injuries, has missed this season. Undrafted rookie Mike Harris will start Sunday, despite struggling some this season. San Diego defensive end Corey Liuget (hamstring) is active. He was listed as questionable on the injury report.

In other AFC West news:

The Denver Post reports the team heavily restructured the contract of linebacker D.J. Williams. He returns Monday after serving two NFL suspensions that has kept him out of the entire season so far. Williams is expected to be eased back into the defense.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Carolina Panthers are being courted for a possible move to Los Angeles. The Chargers and Raiders have been often connected to L.A. for a potential move.

It appears San Diego might be without left tackle Jared Gaither (groin), defensive end Corey Liuget (hamstring) and linebacker Antwan Barnes (leg). They were not practicing Friday once again.

UPDATE: Gaither and Liguet are questionable on the injury report. Barnes is listed as doubtful.

As expected, Denver guard Chris Kuper (ankle) and cornerback Tracy Porter (illness) are out for Sunday’s game at Carolina. They didn’t practice all week. Kuper was hurt Sunday at Cincinnati, and this will be Porter’s fourth straight game he has missed because of complications after having a seizure in August.

Kansas City defensive end Glenn Dorsey remained out Friday with a calf. He is not expected to play Monday night at Pittsburgh. Left tackle Branden Albert remained limited with a back injury.

We’ll have an update on Oakland later Friday. But running back Darren McFadden is expected to be out with a high ankle sprain. He missed practice all week.

In other AFC West news:

Denver linebacker Von Miller has a plan if he sacks Carolina quarterback Cam Newton on Sunday in a matchup of the No. 1 and No. 2 overall draft picks of the 2011 draft.

Former Kansas City cornerback Stanford Routt is reportedly visiting the Lions on Friday. He was cut by the Chiefs on Monday.

There are some familiar AFC West names on this Sporting News list of overrated players.

As expected, Oakland running backs Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson are both in walking boots because of high ankle sprains they suffered against Tampa Bay. Neither has been ruled out for Sunday’s game at Baltimore, but it looks very unlikely that they will be active.


Expect fullback Marcel Reece and third-string running back Taiwan Jones to carry the load against Baltimore on the ground. Reece has one carry this season and 48 in his career. Jones has one carry this season and had 16 last season.

The Baltimore defense can be run against, but it looks like the Raiders are going to have to rely on inexperienced rushers barring a dramatic recovery by McFadden or Goodson.

Oakland coach Dennis Allen told reporters that Michael Huff will start for Ronald Bartell against the Ravens. Bartell will be brought along slowly. He has been out with a shoulder injury since Week 1. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Chronicle believes Oakland defensive tackle Richard Seymour will not play Sunday.

In other AFC West news:

Denver receiver Eric Decker practiced fully Thursday after being limited by a thigh injury Wednesday. As expected, guard Chris Kuper (ankle) and cornerback Tracy Porter (illness) were held out of practice. Kuper is expected to miss 2-4 weeks, and I’d be surprised if Porter plays Sunday at Carolina.

San Diego Left tackle Jared Gaither (groin) and defensive end Corey Liuget (hamstring) did not practice Thursday. They were limited Wednesday. This is worth watching Friday. Also, linebacker Shaun Phillips had to leave practice early with a finger injury.

Kansas City defensive end Glenn Dorsey (calf) remains out of practice. Left tackle Branden Albert (back) is limited.

New Kansas City defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs will coach from sidelines, head coach Romeo Crennel said. It makes sense, because Gibbs has been on the sidelines all year as linebackers coach.

Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Todd Haley -- who was fired last year as the Chiefs’ head coach -- said he is not out for revenge when the Chiefs visit Pittsburgh on Monday night. OK, I believe him.

Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel told reporters Wednesday that coach Romeo Crennel has been around the offense more now that he's relinquished his title as defensive coordinator to linebackers coach Garry Gibbs.

“He’s been in our meetings a lot more this week," Cassel said. "I’ve seen him around and that’s been a little bit different from the first half of the season so far.”

Crennel clearly feels like he needs to be around the offense more. It will it matter for the 1-7 Chiefs? We will see.

In other AFC West news:

San Diego linebacker Antwan Barnes didn’t practice Wednesday with a hamstring problem. Left tackle Jared Gaither (groin), defensive end Corey Liuget (hamstring) and safely Atari Bigby (quad) were all limited Wednesday for San Diego.

Kansas City defensive end Glenn Dorsey is not practicing and I wouldn’t expect him to play at Pittsburgh on Monday night. He re-injured his calf at San Diego last week. It previously kept him out for several weeks.

CBSSports.com counts Detroit, Miami and Arizona among the teams interested in cornerback Stanford Routt, who was cut by Kansas City on Monday.

» NFC Midseason Teams: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

We present our 2012 AFC West midseason team.

A few notes before we get to the list.

I used a 3-4 defense because half of the division (Kansas City and San Diego) uses it as a base defense and I thought the linebackers were stronger in the first half so I wanted to recognize four of them. This list features the best players at the position, so I used two left tackles instead of forcing a right tackle, two tailbacks instead of a fullback, etc.

The list features 10 Broncos, eight Chargers, five Raiders and three Chiefs. Coincidentally, that is the order of the division standings halfway through the season.

Let’s point out some picks of note. Some may be surprised to see Denver defensive lineman Kevin Vickerson on the list. If you talked to NFL scouts, you wouldn’t be. He’s been strong.

I really like this group of linebackers. I wanted to find a place for the Chiefs’ Justin Houston and Derrick Johnson, but I felt like I needed to get San Diego’s Donald Butler, Oakland's Philip Wheeler and Denver’s Wesley Woodyard on the list. Again, this was a very tough position to choose from.

I could have gone in several directions at receiver. Many receivers in the division are having terrific seasons. Can’t go wrong with Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, though.

Mike Scifres over Shane Lechler? Yes, Lechler is an all-time great, but Scifres is having a better season.

This isn’t a great year for returners in the division. I was going to go with San Diego’s Richard Goodman, but he is out for the season. Holliday returned a touchdown for a score in Week 9, so he’s your winner despite playing just three games with Denver.

On to the list. I’m sure you’ll have a lot to say in the comments section below.