2024 NFL Draft Review: NFC West

With their first opening-round pick since 2016 (!!) Jared Verse sure is an exciting guy for the Rams. The former Seminole is a force of a defender with a knack for the pass rush and will put opposing quarterbacks through hell. Some other big names to follow aren’t too shabby either: DE Braden Fiske (another Seminole), RB Blake Corum, and S Kam Kinchens were all widely coveted and could be game-changers.

I’d expect this team to compete for a playoff spot in the upcoming season. That is assuming Matthew Stafford stays healthy. You can never count out the McVay-led Rams when he’s got his veteran quarterback out on the field.

San Francisco 49ers

The Niners certainly added to their areas of need: wide receiver, offensive line, and secondary. Some were a little unsettled that Ricky Pearsall was selected while a number of pass-catchers were still on the board, but everyone has their own needs and, to John Lynch, Pearsall was that guy.

The offensive line depth is fantastic and gives some added breathing room for Brock Purdy when he lines up this season. The two bigger names who can aid in their secondary are Renardo Green and Malik Mustapha.

Seattle Seahawks

To mark the start of the Mike Macdonald era the Seahawks, unsurprisingly, went defense to open up the draft. You can’t ask for much more than getting a guy like Byron Murphy III. His versatility along the line paired with his size (very similar to Aaron Donald and just as fast per his 40), has to make the new head coach very happy.

I am a little surprised that they did not take a quarterback at any point; however, they must have faith in Sam Howell to succeed Geno Smith down the line. There was no lack of talent at QB through the entirety of the draft. They did add a hefty amount of depth to the offensive line which is wise-especially with an older quarterback.

While I am not big on giving draft grades, I do believe that the entirety of this division will only go up post-draft. My favorite drafts have to go to the Cardinals and Rams.

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