NFL Draft Preview: NFC West
The NFC West was a division in flux in 2024. The 49ers fell well short of expectations in an injury-riddled season, the Cardinals and Seahawks lingered in mediocrity, and the Rams made a surprise Wild Card run before being routed by the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles. Here is an NFC West Draft Preview to see how these teams might address their needs.
As the 2025 draft approaches, this division is up for grabs. Any of these teams could leap forward with the right couple of picks. Interestingly, the team that finished at the bottom last year might be the one best positioned to rise.
San Francisco 49ers
Top Needs: OL, EDGE, LB, CB, DL
Coming off a Super Bowl loss and an injury-plagued 2024 campaign, the 49ers are dealing with roster turnover and looming cap constraints – especially with Brock Purdy’s contract extension on the horizon.
Free agency wasn’t kind: LB Dre Greenlaw, S Talanoa Hufanga, WR Deebo Samuel, and DL Javon Hargrave are all gone. That leaves a lot of holes to fill, particularly along the offensive line. Outside of Trent Williams, the unit is a mystery — and protecting Purdy must be priority #1.
Look for the Niners to address OL early, followed by plug-and-play defenders to fill the gaps and keep them in playoff contention.
Top 100 Potential Targets:
- #11: OL Kelvin Banks (Texas), EDGE Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M), CB Will Johnson (Michigan)
- #43: EDGE Jack Sawyer (Ohio State), CB Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame), CB Tre Amos (Ole Miss)
- #75: DL Deone Walker (Kentucky), EDGE Jordan Burch (Oregon), OL Jared Wilson (Georgia)
- #100: LB Barrett Carter (Clemson), DL Jamaree Caldwell (Oregon), DL Jordan Phillips (Maryland)
Arizona Cardinals
Top Needs: DL, WR, OL, LB, CB
The Cardinals have done solid work in free agency, adding Josh Sweat and Dalvin Tomlinson to strengthen the front seven. But they’re still a few impact players away from competing in the Kyler Murray era.
The defensive line needs help despite the free-agent adds, and they lack WR depth outside of Marvin Harrison Jr. On the offensive line, there’s room to improve opposite Paris Johnson Jr. and at left guard.
Look for Arizona to double down on the trenches early and address offensive support for Kyler in the middle rounds.
Top 100 Potential Targets:
- #16: DL Kenneth Grant (Michigan), DL Walter Nolen (Ole Miss), WR Matthew Golden (Texas)
- #47: DL Tyliek Williams (Ohio State), OL Marcus Mbow (Purdue), WR Tre Harris (Ole Miss)
- #78: OL Wyatt Milum (West Virginia), OL Emery Jones Jr. (LSU), LB Demetrius Knight (South Carolina)
Seattle Seahawks
Top Needs: OL, WR, LB, S, EDGE
Seattle is shaking things up. Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett are out. Sam Darnold is in. The signing of DeMarcus Lawrence suggests they’re still trying to compete, but the current roster isn’t built to win with a QB like Darnold.
The offensive line lacks stability outside of Charles Cross, and the WR depth behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba is rough. On defense, help is needed at linebacker, safety, and on the edge.
Expect Seattle to focus heavily on offense, especially along the line and at WR.
Top 100 Projected Targets:
- #18: OL Josh Simmons (Ohio State), LB Jihaad Campbell (Alabama), WR Luther Burden (Missouri)
- #50/#52: WR Elic Ayomanor (Stanford), OL Cameron Williams (Texas), OL Marcus Mbow (Purdue)
- #82: WR Xavier Restrepo (Miami), OL Jared Wilson (Georgia), WR Savion Williams (TCU)
Los Angeles Rams
Top Needs: OL, LB, CB, TE, WR
The Rams shocked many with a Wild Card win last season, and they’ve doubled down by bringing back Stafford and replacing Cooper Kupp with Davante Adams. But this roster still has gaps.
Left tackle remains a concern, and the linebacker and cornerback groups are shallow. Stafford needs protection, and McVay will need to maximize minimal draft capital with just two picks in the top 100.
Offensive tackle should be the first priority. After that, expect the Rams to grab the best defensive help available.
Top 100 Projected Targets:
- #26: LB Jihaad Campbell (Alabama), OL Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon), CB Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina)
- #90: OL Anthony Belton (NC State), OL Charles Grant (William & Mary), TE Terrance Ferguson (Oregon)
If you liked this, be sure to check out all of these other NFL Draft Preview articles too!
Yahoo Sports NFL Draft Preview
