Raiders defensive line AFC West most improved position group

When you have one of the worst defensive lines in football and you insert three pro bowl players, it's bound to improve. Those additions have not gone unnoticed by Chris Wesseling of NFL.com's Around The League. He says the Raiders defensive line is the most improved position group in the AFC West.

The three Pro Bowlers to come in are Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, and Antonio Smith. Adding to the positive mention is the return of Pat Sims who is coming off a career season.

Tuck replaces Lamarr Houston who was the best defender on this defense last season. Tuck is older but offers a lot of pass rush even at this stage of his career.

The real upgrades happen with Woodley and Smith who take over for Jason Hunter and Vance Walker respectively. Both players are huge improvements in every area to their Silver & Black predecessors.

While the Denver Broncos continue to pull away from the pack, their secondary takes a backseat to the Oakland Raiders' defensive line for most improved position group.

Really the only other position group on any team in the AFC West that could also be considered was the Broncos' secondary. They signed safety T.J. Ward along with cornerback Aqib Talib. Although those signings are somewhat off-set by the losses of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Mike Adams, and Champ Bailey.

The Chiefs and Chargers didn't really do much of note in free agency.

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