NFC West Draft Grades
Now that the NFL Draft is over, teams can now turn their full attention to the upcoming season. In a Draft that saw a record number of trades (38) in Philadelphia, it’s time to figure out who filled their needs, who got fleeced, and who found a late-round steal. Here are the Draft Grades for the NFC West.
Arizona Cardinals: C+
Haason Reddick (LB, Temple), Budda Baker (S, Washington), Chad Williams (WR, Grambling State), Dorian Johnson (G, Pittsburgh), Will Holden (OT, Vanderbilt), T.J. Logan (RB, UNC), Rudy Ford (LB, Auburn)
Arizona added two more hybrid playmakers to their defense. Reddick can play linebacker or defensive end and can cover, while Baker can drop down into the box or cover single-high. Williams had off-field concerns and speed issues and was a reach in the 3rd round. Johnson should compete for starting snaps while Holden adds depth. Logan replaces Andre Ellington (now a wide receiver) as David Johnson’s scatback complement. Ford will be a special teamer can could appear in sub-packages. However, the Cardinals didn’t find a successor for Carson Palmer at quarterback or a true wide receiver heir for Larry Fitzgerald.
Los Angeles Rams: B-
Gerald Everett (TE, South Alabama), Cooper Kupp (WR, Eastern Washington), John Johnson (S, Boston College), Josh Reynolds (WR, Texas A&M), Samson Ebukam (OLB, Eastern Washington), Tanzel Smart (DT, Tulane), Sam Rogers (FB, Virginia Tech), Ejuan Price (DE, Pittsburgh)
New head coach Sean McVay’s main priority is developing Jared Goff, so the Rams invested in some new weapons for the sophomore quarterback. Everett is a “move” tight end in the form of Jordan Reed, whom McVay coached in Washington, while Kupp is a sure-handed possession receiver and crisp route runner. Reynolds is a deep threat speedster. Johnson is the cover safety who can anchor LA’s secondary. Ebukam should see sub-package work as a rotational pass rusher. Rogers gives the Rams an all-round fullback who can open holes for Todd Gurley as well as contribute as a receiver.
San Francisco 49ers: A-
Solomon Thomas (DL, Stanford), Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama), Ahkello Witherspoon (LB, Colorado), C.J. Beathard (QB, Iowa), Joe Williams (RB, Utah), George Kittle (TE, Iowa), Trent Taylor (WR, Louisiana Tech), D.J. Jones (DT, Mississippi), Pita Taumoepenu (OLB, Utah), Adrian Colbert (DB, Miami)
Rookie GM John Lynch pulled off the deal of the Draft, extracting a ransom from Chicago for the 2nd overall pick, while still picking two of their top three players in Thomas and Foster, who should both anchor the front seven for years. Witherspoon is intriguing but inconsistent. Beathard reminds head coach Kyle Shanahan of Kirk Cousins, but needs development. Williams is set to be this year’s Jordan Howard-esque steal, and could push Carlos Hyde for the starting job. Kittle is an all-round pro-ready tight end, while Taylor comes in with a chance at the return job.
Seattle Seahawks: D+
Malik McDowell (DT, Michigan State), Ethan Pocic (C, LSU), Shaquil Griffin (DB, Central Florida), Delano Hill (SS, Michigan), Nazair Jones (DT, UNC), Amara Darboh (WR, Michigan), Tedric Thompson (FS, Colorado), Michael Tyson (S, Cincinnati), Justin Senior (OT, Mississippi State), David Moore (WR, East Central Oklahoma), Christopher Carson (RB, Oklahoma State)
Despite huge offensive line needs, Seattle picked four defensive backs in an attempt to find the future of the Legion of Boom. Pocic is by far their best pick, as he can play any position along the line. McDowell is talented but takes plays off, and offensive linemen like Cam Robinson, Dan Feeney, and Forrest Lamp were still available before Seattle traded down for McDowell. They added depth at receiver, and Darboh should see plenty of action. Carson adds to an already crowded running back stable.
