As one of the powerhouses in the NFC, the West is one division to watch in the draft. There’s one perfect draft fit for each NFC West team.
One Perfect Draft Fit for Each NFC West Team
Arizona Cardinals
Chop Robinson – EDGE Penn State
In Philadelphia, Jonathan Gannon got the most out of his edge rushers. Arizona has less to work with as they continue to rebuild, but the team made a few signings along the defensive line to help improve the defense. Adding Robinson would give the defense some serious juice off the edge. His skill set is reminiscent of Hasson Reddick’s, who flourished in Philadelphia under Gannon’s tutelage. Although his production did not always match his tape at Penn State, Robinson has the type of burst and bend that translates to success in the pros. Whether it comes through trading up or staying put, the Cardinals could select Robinson late in the first round.
Los Angeles Rams
Byron Murphy II – DT Texas
After Aaron Donald’s retirement, the Rams have a gaping hole up front. The team has not invested premium capital on the defensive side of the ball in recent drafts. Los Angeles has been savvy with adding veteran free agents, but the defense could use an infusion of young talent. Inserting Murphy into the lineup would give them a player who can plug holes in the run game and still get after the quarterback. Murphy wreaked havoc on Washington’s stellar offensive line the last time he was on the football field and could have a similar impact at the next level. Since Murphy’s stock has been on the rise lately, the Rams might need to call a team like the Denver Broncos about trading up in the first round.
San Francisco 49ers
T.J. Tampa – CB Iowa State
Although the team has proven able to coax quality play out of cast-offs, the 49ers need to add young premier talent to the defense. The fact that Logan Ryan played meaningful snaps in Super Bowl LVIII shows how pressing the need at cornerback is for San Francisco. While Tampa is considered a day-two prospect, a team like the 49ers could pull the trigger in round one. Tampa’s blend of size and physicality makes him a perfect fit for San Francisco. At Iowa State, he was a ball-hawk and proved capable of being a force against the run.
Seattle Seahawks
Graham Barton – OL Duke
The Seahawks are one of the least predictable teams in the 2024 NFL Draft. They are just as likely to draft Geno Smith’s successor as they are to trade out of the first round. While drafting a quarterback early will be tempting, the Seahawks must add depth to their offensive line. Laken Tomlinson was signed to a modest contract, but the veteran should not be relied on to start for a whole season. Adding a player like Barton would give Seattle insurance and flexibility along the offensive line. His stock continues to rise, and the Seahawks could be in perfect position to draft Barton in the first round.
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