Every team in the NFC West drafted NFL-caliber starters who could one day transform into top-notch players.
NFL draft grades 2017: 49ers make the biggest splash in the NFC West
The NFC West is a physical division that could get stronger with all the recent draft picks.
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Cardinals lost key defensive players like Calais Campbell, Tony Jefferson, and Kevin Minter in free agency. Campbell was a lethal pass rusher with size and strength, and Jefferson played the safety position as well as anyone in the NFL last season. Minter was a three-down linebacker who clogged up creases in the run game. Arizona went into the draft needing players who could step in and make an impact on defense.
There’s a new regime in San Francisco, led by head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. Shanahan and Lynch are trying to restore a winning culture in the Bay area, and like the Cardinals, the 49ers’ biggest needs before the draft were on defense.
The Seattle Seahawks have been the class of the NFC West for the past five years, and they didn’t need to add much this offseason to make another Super Bowl run. Going into the draft, Seattle could have used a cornerback to pair with Richard Sherman and another pass rusher could give this stifling defense a boost.
Sean McVay is the youngest coach in NFL history, and he is trying to turn the Rams around. A year ago, the Rams mortgaged a lot of picks to draft quarterback Jared Goff with the No. 1 pick. His rookie season was a huge disappointment, and it was evident that he needed help. The Rams’ main goal in the draft was to surround Goff with talent and add a defensive back or two to an already stellar defense.
How did each team do in the draft? Let’s find out.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals didn’t waste any time addressing their needs on defense. They used their first-round pick on linebacker Haason Reddick, who has the athleticism and speed to get to the quarterback and cover tight ends. Arizona followed that up by selecting safety Budda Baker on Day 2. Baker is an explosive safety who plays with speed and instincts. The Cardinals also drafted receiver Chad Williams on Day 2. Arizona’s Day 3 picks were Dorian Johnson, Will Holden, T.J. Logan, and Rudy Ford.
Chris Burke, SI: A-
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B+
San Fransisco 49ers
The 49ers defense looked dominant one paper after Day 1. They traded down to the No. 3 spot and still got the second player on their draft board, dangerous edge rusher Solomon Thomas. San Francisco traded back into the first round to snag another of the top players on its board, hard-hitting linebacker Reuben Foster, at No. 31 overall. Ahkello Witherspoon is a big-bodied corner who has the potential to morph into a shutdown cornerback. And quarterback C.J. Beathard, selected in the third round along with Witherspoon, was a questionable selection, but Shanahan said that Beathard reminded him “a lot of Kirk Cousins.”
Mel Kiper, ESPN: A-
Chris Burke, SI: A-
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B+
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle traded out of the first round with the Green Bay Packers to acquire more picks. On Day 2, the Seahawks drafted defensive tackle Malik McDowell, center Ethan Pocic, defensive backs Shaquill Griffin and Delano Hill, defensive tackle Nazair Jones, and receiver Amara Darboh. McDowell is a big defensive tackle with length and power, and Pocic will help keep quarterback Russell Wilson upright. Griffin and Hill are solid defensive backs who can contribute immediately. Jones and Darboh are decent players who still have to sharpen their skills. Seattle’s Day 3 picks were Tedric Thompson, Michael Tyson, Justin Senior, David Moore, and Christopher Carson.
Mel Kiper, ESPN: C+
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A-
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams didn’t make their first selection until Day 2 because they traded their 2017 first-round pick for Goff last year. Los Angeles used its first pick on tight end Gerald Everett, a solid pass catcher who loves to block. The Rams went on draft receiver Cooper Kupp and safety John Johnson on Day 2. Kupp is a good route runner with reliable hands, and Johnson can play deep and near the line of scrimmage. Los Angeles spent its Day 3 picks on Josh Reynolds, Samson Ebukam, Tanzel Smart, Sam Rogers, and Ejuan Price.
Mel Kiper, ESPN: C-
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B-
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