The NFL Draft is almost here, so here are my BOLD draft predictions for the NFC West:
Los Angeles Rams: Help on the offensive line:
The last three seasons for the Rams have been dictated by their offensive line. When the line stays healthy, the Rams protect Matthew Stafford and they make the playoffs. When they have injuries, the entire roster falls apart. Expect the Rams to add a contingency plan in this draft by drafting multiple offensive linemen before the draft ends on Saturday.
The QB of the future:
Matthew Stafford isn’t getting any younger. While I would be surprised if they did it in round one, expect the Rams to draft a developmental QB to be Matthew Stafford’s successor. I think Quinn Ewers makes for a perfect fit with his intermediate accuracy if the Rams choose to go in that direction.
San Francisco 49ers; Must add a defensive tackle:
Honestly, San Francisco has one of the most well-constructed rosters in the league. Which is why it surprises me how much they have neglected the defensive tackle position. Someone like Walter Nolen would make a ton of sense to address the need at the very top of the draft.
Drafting Trent Williams’ successor:
Trent Williams isn’t getting any younger. While he is still one of the league’s best, I expect San Francisco to draft a developmental tackle to replace Williams when he chooses to step away. Josh Conerly out of Oregon may be available to fill the job on day two.
Seattle Seahawks: The first guard of the draft:
It makes a lot of sense for Seattle to address the guard position in this draft, and I think they will actually be the first team to draft a true guard. I would personally make it Tyler Booker out of Alabama.
The next Russell Wilson:
Seahawks fans may remember signing Matt Flynn in free agency before the start of the 2012 season. Or they may not, as rookie 3rd-round pick Russell Wilson overtook the starting job and never looked back. With Sam Darnold being signed to a very team-friendly deal this offseason, don’t be shocked if Seattle tries to repeat 2012 by drafting a day two Quarterback.
Arizona Cardinals: Playing the slot machine:
Arizona could really use an every-down slot receiver with adequate size and strength at the position to make Kyler Murray’s life easier. To me, Jaylin Noel out of Iowa State is the perfect fit as a true slot who is deceptively strong and fast, and has the production at the college level to back it up.
Don’t cut corners:
The Cardinals simply must address the cornerback position in this draft. There’s a chance that Michigan’s Will Johnson could fall, but Jahdae Barron out of Texas could be a day one target who can play multiple positions in the secondary and would fit right in with Budda Baker and co. If they don’t take one on day one, Arizona must take a day two corner.
