We continue our division-by-division breakdown following the NFL Draft, looking at how each team performed, with grades and a quick glance ahead. This time, we turn to the NFC West.
Three of the four teams put together fairly average classes, targeting key needs and taking measured risks. One team, however, missed the mark completely.
Here’s how the NFC West stacks up.
Seattle Seahawks
Round 1 (No. 32): RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
Round 2 (No. 64): S Bud Clark, TCU
Round 3 (No. 99): CB Julian Neal, Arkansas
Round 5 (No. 148): OG Beau Stephens, Iowa
Round 6 (No. 199): WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr., Kansas
Round 7 (No. 236): CB Andre Fuller, Toledo
Round 7 (No. 242): DT Deven Eastern, Minnesota
Round 7 (No. 255): CB Michael Dansby, Arizona
The defending champions hope to replace Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III with Jadarian Price. A defensive back would have also made sense here, but Price likely would not have lasted to pick No. 64, so Seattle went with its guy. He is a patient runner who excels at creating angles and finishing through contact. While he lacks top-end speed for explosive plays, his vision and lateral quickness should earn him early snaps.
Seattle addressed the secondary in the second round with Bud Clark. He profiles similarly to Nick Emmanwori as a physically gifted safety who plays with a linebacker’s mentality. Clark has exceptional ball skills, totaling 15 interceptions and 21 pass deflections in his career. His frame may limit him in man coverage, but with a vacancy at strong safety, he has a clear path to immediate playing time.
With fewer pressing needs, Seattle used the rest of the draft to build depth. Cornerbacks Julian Neal, Andre Fuller, and Michael Dansby are the most notable additions. Neal could eventually step into a larger role and brings the size and toughness that fits Mike Macdonald’s defensive preferences. Fuller and Dansby will compete for roster spots, with both having a chance to stick given the current gap at the position.
Seattle made a number of solid decisions throughout this class and may have found value in players like Clark and Neal.
Grade: B-
Arizona Cardinals
Round 1 (No. 3): RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Round 2 (No. 34): OG Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
Round 3 (No. 65): QB Carson Beck, Miami
Round 4 (No. 104): DT Kaleb Proctor, SE Louisiana
Round 4 (No. 143): WR Reggie Virgil, Texas Tech
Round 6 (No. 183): LB Karson Sharar, Iowa
Round 7 (No. 217): OT Jayden Williams, Ole Miss
Arizona stuck to its board and took the best player in the draft. Love drew Jahmyr Gibbs comparisons in college, and for good reason. While not a physically imposing runner, he is a patient speed threat who can hit gaps instantly and turn them into explosive plays. He is also a legitimate threat as a receiver. Taking a running back this high is always risky, especially given the state of Arizona’s offensive line, but Love should justify it.
Arizona also attempted to shore up its offensive line with Chase Bisontis. He complements Love well as a mobile interior lineman who is at his best working to the second level. His experience at both guard and tackle adds versatility and gives Arizona options up front.
Carson Beck could also factor into the team’s long-term plans. While there are mixed thoughts on his potential, he brings extensive experience, a winning mentality and strong athletic traits. He struggles under pressure, but a year behind Jacoby Brissett should give him time to develop.
The back end of Arizona’s draft leans heavily on projection. Kaleb Proctor is one name to watch after flashing in big moments, including a huge performance against LSU with multiple sacks and tackles for loss. Still, like several of Arizona’s later selections, he feels like a reach and may not develop into a consistent contributor.
This is a high-variance class with a wide range of outcomes, but the ceiling is undeniable.
Grade: C
San Francisco 49ers
Round 2 (No. 33): WR De’Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss
Round 3 (No. 70): EDGE Romello Height, Texas Tech
Round 3 (No. 90): RB Kaelon Black, Indiana
Round 4 (No. 107): DT Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
Round 4 (No. 127): OL Carver Willis, Washington
Round 4 (No. 139): CB Ephesians Prysock, Washington
Round 5 (No. 154): LB Jaden Dugger, Louisiana
Round 5 (No. 179): OT Enrique Cruz Jr., Kansas
San Francisco targeted multiple positions to help offset an aging and oft-injured roster. De’Zhaun Stribling brings speed to the outside as an X receiver and is one of the more polished route runners in the class. He can struggle in contested situations due to limited physicality, but his ability to create separation and generate yards after the catch fits what this offense needs.
The 49ers also looked to improve their pass rush with the addition of Romello Height. At 6-foot-3, 239 pounds, he wins with quickness rather than power. His first step, lateral movement, and burst allow him to pressure the quarterback, though his run defense will limit him to situational usage early. His ability to drop into coverage adds some flexibility to the front.
Beyond the top two selections, the class doesn’t provide much to get excited about. Kaelon Black is a questionable fit given the depth already in the backfield. Carver Willis and Enrique Cruz Jr. will compete for snaps on the offensive line, while the late-round defensive additions are unlikely to contribute right away.
San Francisco addressed several needs, but the lack of immediate impact players stands out for a roster trying to remain competitive.
Grade: C-
Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 (No. 13): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Round 2 (No. 61): TE Max Klare, Ohio State
Round 3 (No. 93): OT Keagen Trost, Missouri
Round 6 (No. 197): WR C.J. Daniels, Miami
Round 7 (No. 232): DT Tim Keenan III, Alabama
With only five selections and just one inside the top 60, the Rams had little margin for error. Using a top-15 pick on a quarterback unlikely to see the field for multiple seasons is a difficult decision to justify. That is not an indictment of Simpson’s talent. He is an accurate passer who stands tall under pressure and offers dual-threat ability with his size. He could develop into a long-term starter, but the timing of the pick does not align with a roster built to compete now.
The second selection raises similar questions. Max Klare is an athletic pass catcher with more range than most tight ends, but opportunities may be limited early given the depth at the position. The Rams found better value in the third round with Keagen Trost. A versatile lineman who played all five spots in college, he allowed just a 1.5% pressure rate last season, the best mark in the SEC. With multiple linemen on expiring contracts, Trost could easily earn a larger role.
C.J. Daniels is another nice addition, filling a need at wide receiver and offering a reliable, if limited, option. Tim Keenan III is a flier at best.
This was the smallest class in franchise history and one of the least impactful in the division. For a team positioned to contend, the lack of immediate contributors stands out.
Grade: D-
AFC East
AFC North
AFC South
AFC West
NFC East
NFC North
NFC South
NFC West
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