AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Chargers

Chargers CB Chris Harris Jr. said he’s eager to play alongside S Derwin James and thinks they bring versatility to Los Angeles’ defense. 

“To bring back Derwin, it’s going to be an issue because now you have me and him that are positionless players, that you never know where we’re going to line up,” Harris said, via SiriusXM NFL Radio. “I can line up in his position. He can line up in my position. So you never know what we’re going to do.”

Harris added that the Chargers have a “totally different scheme” under new HC Brandon Staley and said James will play “more downhill” in 2021. 

“This is a totally different scheme from last year,” Harris said. “(James is) going to be more downhill. I’m excited to see those boys. It’s going to be tough. Our dime and nickel package should be the best in the league, when you have me, Derwin and K. Murray or (LB Drue) Tranquil on the inside — or (linebacker) Kyzir White because he a guy that can cover, too. So, we have a lot of packages that coach Staley is going to use, and it’s going to be hard for a team to identify us.”

Raiders

• ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez notes the Raiders wanted to get younger, deeper and cheaper this offseason, which he thinks they accomplished. He’s not sure if they got better. 
• Gutierrez acknowledged the projected offensive line of LT Kolton Miller, G Gabe Jackson, C Rodney Hudson, G Richie Incognito and RT Trent Brown played just three snaps together last season, so that lessens the leap the Raiders are making on that unit this season after dumping Jackson, Hudson and Brown.