AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos DC Ed Donatell said he’s been really impressed by the team’s cornerbacks group including Ronald Darby, Kyle Fuller, first-round rookie Patrick Surtain, Bryce Callahan and Michael Ojemudia.

“It’s really great,” Donatell said, via Jon Heath of BroncosWire. “The first thing when you put a bunch of talent together is you want to know how they fit together. What’s the chemistry? What’s the harmony? That’s been fantastic. Everybody has been working together and connecting. I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Donatell mentioned that Broncos HC Vic Fangio intends on getting playing time for all of their cornerbacks and added that teams “can’t have too many” defensive backs. 

“You can’t have too many guys,” Donatell said. “We’re going to go to camp and guys are going to earn roles. We’ll get as many DBs that play well on the field. I know Vic [Fangio] wants to get these guys involved and he’s excited as well.”

Chargers

• Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press reports the Chargers have fewer than 50 percent of their players vaccinated.

Raiders

• The Athletic’s Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed note the Raiders spend most of their time on defense in nickel with just two linebackers. While the starters on paper are Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski, the two point out veteran Nicholas Morrow could eat into either veteran’s snaps if they continue to struggle in 2021, as Las Vegas made it a priority to re-sign Morrow. 
• The Raiders also spent a third-round pick on hybrid safety/linebacker Divine Deablo who could work his way onto the field in nickel. 
• Tafur and Reed add Deablo’s addition puts immediate pressure for a roster spot on 2020 third-round LB Tanner Muse, who is a similar player but spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve. 
• For the future, Morrow is just on a one-year deal and both Kwiatkoski and Littleton can be cut in 2022, so Tafur and Reed say the position is very much up in the air if there’s no improvement this season. 
• Tafur and Reed mention the competition for backup spots to round out the roster is wide open between Muse, Darron Lee, Javin White and James Onwualu, among others.