Corey Liuget Coming into His Own, and Other AFC West News

The San Diego Chargers drafted defensive end Corey Liuget with their first-round draft pick in 2011, and he had a quiet rookie campaign. Liuget is a good example of why patience with a young player is important, as it can take two or three years before a player comes into his own.

In Liuget’s case, he’s coming into his own in his second season according to Michael Gehlken of the U-T San Diego. For a young player like Liuget who is playing one of the NFL’s most thankless positions as a 3-4 defensive lineman, it can be hard to standout.

Liuget is drawing praise from his head coach and his teammates. The guys over at ProFootballFocus have Liuget as the highest-graded defensive player on the team. He’s coming into his own in a big way after being one of the worst-graded defensive players on the team in 2011.

Liuget is putting himself in the conversation with Haloti Ngata, Justin Smith and Muhammad Wilkerson. For lack of a better pun, Liuget is legit.

Other AFC West News

San Diego

Kevin Acee of the U-T San Diego says Peyton Manning doesn’t give the Chargers respect.

Denver

Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post says Manning’s mission is to silence the pest of the west.

Per Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post, the Broncos say they have what it takes to be a prime-time team.

Oakland

Vic Tafur of the  San Francisco Chronicle  says the Raiders need two ex-Packers to boost the defense.

Steve Corkran of the Bay Area News Group says the Raiders are hoping to hit back as they hit the road.

Kansas City

Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star says that Brady Quinn could reclaim his career with a start for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs also ruled out Peyton Hillis and Glenn Dorsey, but safety Kendrick Lewis will play for the first time this season per Teicher.