NFL Draft Review: NFC West

The NFC West figures to be 'Royal Rumble' that goes down to the wire.

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NFL DRAFT RECAP SERIES: NFCE || AFCE || NFCN || AFCN || NFCS || AFCS

NFC WEST 2025 NFL DRAFT RECAP

Welcome to the ‘Wild, Wild, West,’ where on any given Sunday, you should learn to expect the unexpected. That is due to the competitive balance within the division. While each of these teams are capable of winning the division, the Los Angeles Rams were the top team a year ago and will enter the year as one of the NFC favorites. They did not own a first round selection this year and while initial impressions would seem to indicate that the Rams didn’t add any high impact players, they have earned the reputation as one of the premier NFL front offices, so they receive the benefit of the doubt. Los Angeles is built for a deep run.

San Francisco has been mentioned amongst the NFC elites in recent seasons but injuries ravaged the team a year ago. Lots of changes were made during the offseason and an influx of youth was brought in via the draft, as San Francisco had a total of 11 selections, which is sure to raise the level of competition come August. They made a concerted effort to build the defense back up with their early selections. The duo of general manager John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan (photo: SF 49ers) have provided extremely inconsistent results on a yearly basis, with four winning seasons and four losing seasons. This would appear to be a make-or-break year for team brass.

The Cardinals are deeper than any team in the division inside the trenches and have loaded up on big bodies along the defensive line, which is sure to create chaos for opposing quarterbacks. Arizona went defense with their first five selections, which comes at no surprise with defensive-minded head coach Jonathan Gannon at the helm. This rookie class should make a significant impact for the franchise. However, much like the case in past seasons, the Cardinals success will only go as far as the health of quarterback Kyler Murray can take them. This is a team no one will want to face come playoff time.

Do not count out the Seattle Seahawks. While they have failed to make the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, head coach Mike Macdonald was able to guide the team to double-digit victories for the first time since 2020. The Seahawks would seem to be back on the uprise and they have invested heavily in the defensive secondary in recent drafts. The added talent, plus the signing of quarterback Sam Darnold, has the organization optimistic headed into the season.

The NFL did its part this season by scheduling inter-division games during the final week of the regular season, making Week 18 a potential western showdown!

ARIZONA CARDINALS

ROUND | PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL

Rd.1 No.16. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss — The Cardinals continue to swing for the fences in stacking their defensive line. Nolen is an explosive three-technique who provides a major boost in applying pressure on the quarterback with his presence.

Rd.2 No.47. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan — A long, lengthy corner with elite ball instincts, Johnson dealt with turf toe and knee injuries, which creates concerns about his durability. However, he will be the lead candidate to fill-in for Sean Murphy-Bunting, who is out for the year after a non-football injury.

Rd.3 No.78. Jordan Burch, ER, Oregon — If not for medical concerns,