NFC West Draft Needs: Rams, 49ers, Cardinals all searching for help under center
theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest positional needs for all 32 NFL teams entering the draft.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Arizona Cardinals
Biggest need: Defensive line
Other needs: Tight End, Safety, Quarterback
The Cardinals are in a good spot pretty much across the board. Pass-rusher was their biggest offseason need, but they filled that by trading for Chandler Jones, so this draft is about creating depth.
An interior pass-rusher to pair up with Calais Campbell, along with Jones, could reduce Bruce Arians' need to blitz so often. The Cardinals have had success without a legitimate receiving threat at tight end, but they could certainly benefit from a presence over the middle of the field. There's not an immediate need to replace Carson Palmer, but the man is 36 years old with some injury concerns and an inconsistent playoff record. Arizona could go with the Aaron Rodgers development approach and draft a quarterback who won't play for a few seasons.
Potential draft targets: With the depth of defensive-tackle talent at this year's draft and the Cardinals' late pick, it's very likely they will select the best player on the board at that position. That may be Kenny Clark, Sheldon Rankins, Andrew Billings, or Chris Jones to name a few. Taking top-ranked tight end Hunter Henry at the end of the first round would be a sensible move for the bird gang. Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones seems like an ideal fit to be that second-day pick who can sit behind Palmer, learn from Arians, and be a starter down the road.
Seattle Seahawks
Biggest need: Offensive Tackle
Other needs: Outside Linebacker, Offensive Guard, Running Back
The Seahawks' offensive line struggled mightily in the early parts of the 2015 season after losing All-Pro center Max Unger in the offseason. After the departures of Russell Okung and J.R. Sweezy, tackle Bradley Sowell and guard Mark Glowinski are slated to be starters on the Seattle line despite having one combined start though the past two seasons. Center, guard, and tackle can all be upgraded on the Seahawks' offensive line.
Seattle lost two major pieces to their team's identity this offseason in Marshawn Lynch and Bruce Irvin. The replacement for Lynch appears to already be on the roster with second-year runner Thomas Rawls, but it's unreasonable to expect the undrafted back to replace Lynch's production on his own. Irvin played a key role being used as a pass-rusher and an athletic coverage backer depending on need.
Potential draft targets: It's unlikely he will be available at pick No. 26, but Ohio State tackle Taylor Decker would be a big get for the Seahawks. If he's not there, Texas A&M's Germain Ifedi or Indiana's Jason Spriggs may be their man. No guards are expected to be selected in the first round this year, but the Seahawks could spend a second or third rounder on an interior lineman. Alabama center Ryan Kelly, Stanford guard Josh Garnett, or Kansas State guard Cody Whitehair would all make nice additions.
Los Angeles Rams
Biggest need: Quarterback
Other needs: Receiver, Defensive Back, Offensive Line
It's pretty clear that the Rams are going to take a quarterback with their first overall pick and we're going to have to wait until April 28th to know for sure who they are taking. Jared Goff makes sense as the local talent with the safer skill set and Carson Wentz makes sense as the player with the higher ceiling.
The issue with that one trade is that the Rams have lots of holes to fill around the quarterback position. They've been searching for a real receiving threat since the days of Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce and the offensive line is nothing special. With Todd Gurley on the roster and an impending rookie quarterback, it makes sense for L.A. to invest in protection. The Rams could also stand to improve in the secondary after losing Janoris Jenkins in free agency. The biggest problem for the Rams is that after they choose first overall, they aren't on the clock again until the 110th overall pick.
Potential draft targets: Either Goff or Wentz seem to be the consensus first overall pick for the Rams. Teams don't make trades like that to shore up their offensive line. Unless they trade back into the second or third round, it will be tough to target quality players with the Rams day-four picks. Wide receiver may be the their best bet to find an impact player late. TCU's Kolby Listenbee, Rutgers' Leonte Caroo, or Western Michigan's Daniel Braverman could all provide late-round value.
San Francisco 49ers
Biggest need: Quarterback
Other needs: Cornerback, Reciever, Offensive Line, Defensive Line
The 49ers have not had much luck luring free agents to San Francisco since the departure of Jim Harbaugh last offseason, so the draft becomes that much more important. The quarterback situation is a mess; it's been over five months since Colin Kaepernick was benched and tagged to be out the door, but he's still there.
There isn't a single position on the 49ers' depth chart that couldn't use some help. They may not be able to get a top quarterback with the seventh overall pick, but they won't have trouble finding a player at another position who can help make an impact. There aren't many, if any, pure playmakers who can drive an offense so pass-rushers and quality defensive backs stand to make the largest impact. Drafting the best player available at every pick would be a smart strategy.
Potential draft needs: If either Jared Goff or Carson Wentz are available at pick No. 7, that's the pick. Picking Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner to reunite him with college teammate Arik Armstead would create a scary 3-4 end combination. Lock-down corner Vernon Hargreaves III could allow for the Niners' defense to put him on an island against top opposing receivers. Playmaking Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright would be a nice fit as a third- or fourth-round pick to play beside NaVarro Bowman in the middle of the defense.
