Team Needs in the NFC West
As we head into draft week, every team is improving, chasing the goal of a Lombardi trophy. In the NFC West, two teams seem far further along on the path to that objective, but not the ones we expected a year ago. Meanwhile, the Cardinals and 2021 Champion Rams appear destined for a total rebuild. Let’s take a look at the positions each team will be targeting this week and in the buildup to September.
Cardinals – DL, EDGE, RB, OG, TE, C, CB, WR
The Cardinals chose the QB over the Head Coach in January. But despite being a playoff contender up until last year, they suddenly need to retool at pretty much every position. Most critical is the defensive trenches. Having lost JJ Watt and Zach Allen, the edge looks toothless. The team had only 36 sacks as it was. Another position of weakness on defence is at Corner, having lost Byron Murphy.
Kyler Murray also needs a significant amount of help on offence. Each of the skill positions needs addressing and that is before DeAndre Hopkins’ likely trade. Just to top it off, there is a distinct lack of talent on the offensive interior, with Will Hernandez the only name of note. Jonathan Gannon and Monti Ossenfort have their work cut out.
49ers – OT, OG, S, CB, WR, TE
The 49ers were a plague of QBs away from the Super Bowl three months ago. Aside from identifying their QB going forward, who is likely already on the roster, the understandable focus is on improving the Offensive Line at both Tackle and Guard. Worse still, they have lost Mike McGlinchey and lack a first round pick. Unlike Niners teams of old, and despite the presence of Talanoa Hufunga and Tashaun Gipson, the secondary is an area of improvement. San Francisco has lost two EDGE players but have retooled well around Nick Bosa. Finally, adding some depth beyond the star power at Wide Receiver and Tight End would be useful.
Rams – OG, EDGE, CB, DL, TE, QB, OT, S, WR, LB
Throw a dart and you’ll land a position of need for the Rams. The dominant defence of 2021 is gone and only Aaron Donald remains. Every other position could be improved, though it will have to be done without a first round pick. The situation at the skill positions is manageable, though they could do with another receiver. Aside from that, rebuilding the offensive line across the board is critical, having allowed the third most sacks last season. Finally, the Rams need to find their next QB. Matthew Stafford is the only signal caller on the roster and he has injury concerns and has considered retirement. However it’ll be a considerable challenge given the market and their draft capital. Could this be Hendon Hooker’s landing spot?
Seahawks – EDGE, S, LB, DL, WR, OG
Seattle was the surprise package of 2022. After a great draft, they find themselves in a position of luxury, coming off a run to the playoffs and with a top 5 pick. The main focus will be on building up the defence, especially in the front seven building around Jarran Reed, Jordyn Brooks and the last dregs of Bobby Wagner. Away from that, adding a complimentary third receiver will be a boost for the offence and strengthening the interior line at Guard will be a force multiplier. However, given the position of luxury and the opportunity, it will be hard to avoid the temptation of draft your next QB with the fifth pick on Thursday.
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