NFC West training camp watch: Biggest surprise, hottest seat, more

With training camps underway, it's time to preview the biggest storylines throughout the NFL. Here's what to watch for in the NFC West:

THE BIGGEST SURPRISE WILL BE... | Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seahawks: The Seahawks raised eyebrows in the 2023 NFL Draft when they used a second-round pick on Charbonnet, a powerful running back out of UCLA. Seattle already had a promising young running back in Kenneth Walker, who is coming off a strong rookie season (1,050 yards rushing). 

But Charbonnet not only has a chance to get serious playing time as a rookie, he might even end up starting because of his running style. Walker made big plays as a rookie, but he was one of the NFL's least effective runners in terms of success rate and stuff rate. Charbonnet is a more physical, consistent runner who should be a great fit in Pete Carroll's offense. 

HOTTEST SEAT | Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, WR, Cardinals: Quarterback Kyler Murray is not the only player in Arizona facing a scorching-hot seat. Because Murray — who is recovering from a knee injury — isn't likely to particpate much in training camp, this category goes to his teammate. 

In 2022, the Cardinals dealt a first-round pick (No. 23 overall) to Baltimore for Brown. Last season, he missed time due to injury, and when he played, Brown didn't make the impact Arizona had hoped (67 catches, 709 yards). Brown must replace No. 1 wideout DeAndre Hopkins, who was cut and signed with the Titans. With journeyman QB Colt McCoy expected to start early in the season, Brown could struggle again. 

MOST SURPRISING CUT | Robert Rochell, CB,  Rams: The trade of Jalen Ramsey this offseason seemingly created a big opportunity for Rochell,  a fourth-round pick in 2021. But the Rams do not seem as convinced that he is ready. They added CB Ahkello Witherspoon in free agency, and Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick are also fighting for playing time at the position. 

The concern with Rochell is that even in a thin secondary, he received almost zero playing time during the 2022 season. He played mostly on special teams. Rochell went from playing 223 defensive snaps as a rookie to just 27 a year ago. That is not a great sign for his development, and unless he has a huge training camp, his roster spot could be in jeopardy. 

THE BIGGEST QUESTION | How will  San Francisco QB situation play out?: The 49ers have one of the NFL's most impressive rosters on both sides of the ball. The position that could make or break the team's Super Bowl chances is quarterback. 

If recovered from a torn ligament in his throwing arm, Brock Purdy is expected to be the starter. But he has only seven games' experience in the NFL. Defensive coordinators have plenty of film on him. Can the former seventh-round pick adjust his game? If Purdy flops, the Niners could go with former first-round pick Trey Lance, who hasn't done much in two seasons, or veteran Sam Darnold, a former first-rounder who is just bleh.  

BIGGEST HEADLINE COMING OUT OF CAMP | Seattle's improves on defense: The Seahawks were one of the biggest surprises in the NFL last season, earning a playoff spot during what was supposed to be a rebuilding year. The offense drove almost all of that success.

In 2022, Seattle's defense ranked 26th in yards allowed and 25th in points allowed, making it one of the worst units on a playoff team. It needed to get better, so the Seahawks made a major effort to improve in the offseason. They re-did their linebacker room by bringing back Bobby Wagner and signing Devin Bush. They also used two of the first 37 picks in the draft to select cornerback Devon Witherspoon and edge-rusher Derick Hall.