​We’re tackling the defensive side of Silver and Black Pride’s AFC West position rankings, starting with arguably the most crucial spot for keeping points off the board: the edge defender. Although the Raiders finished last in this area over the past two seasons, their edge group holds an advantage over the Broncos, Chiefs, and Chargers as long as Maxx Crosby is in uniform. Still, the division houses several quality edge players, including Denver’s Nik Bonitto, who can push Crosby for the top spot. All statistics cited below are from the regular season unless noted otherwise.
1. Maxx Crosby, Raiders
2025 Stats: 73 tackles, 28 TFLs, 10.0 sacks, 6 PDs (15 games)
The gap between Crosby and Bonitto has narrowed in recent years, with Bonitto emerging as a stronger, more productive pass-rusher. Crosby, however, has totaled double-digit sacks in three of the last four seasons—excluding 2024, when he appeared in only 12 games—and he remains the superior run defender. Per Pro Football Focus, the five-time Pro Bowler led NFL edge defenders with 33 defensive stops against the run during the regular season, 21 more than Bonitto.
2. Nik Bonitto, Broncos
2025 Stats: 46 tackles, 14 TFLs, 14.0 sacks, 1 PD (17 games)
Right before last season, Denver awarded Bonitto a four-year contract worth up to $120 million as he has become one of the league’s premier pass-rushers over the past two years. The two-time Pro Bowler logged 27.5 sacks across the last two regular seasons and just wrapped a campaign in which he ranked eighth among edge rushers with 76 pressures, according to PFF.
3. Tuli Tuipulotu, Chargers
2025 Stats: 49 tackles, 20 TFLs, 13.0 sacks, 3 PDs (16 games)
Tuipulotu finally earned postseason recognition last year, securing his first Pro Bowl after posting his first double-digit sack season. A three-year veteran, he’s been a productive pass-rusher since entering the league; he earned a larger opportunity to start regularly in Los Angeles last year behind Joey Bosa. The USC product also excels as a run defender, ranking third among AFC West edges with 17 defensive stops against the run and first with a 0.3-yard average depth of tackle (minimum 83 run-defense snaps), per PFF. That stat also placed him tied for sixth in the NFL at his position for run defense.
4. Jonathon Cooper, Broncos
2025 Stats: 50 tackles, 8 TFLs, 8.0 sacks, 4 PDs (17 games)
To be clear, this assessment focuses on Cooper’s on-field performance, though ongoing domestic-violence allegations create uncertainty about his future. Last season, Cooper stepped in for stronger SEO and contributed as a solid edge presence.