We have finally reached our conclusion of the 2015 NFL Draft reviews. We wrap everything up by going through the NFC West. The Seahawks are looking for another division and conference championship, the Cardinals hope to catch the Seahawks, the 49ers are looking to get back to the postseason, while the Rams are looking to get to finally get to the postseason.
Could the draft determine how all of that plays out? We’ll find out soon enough. Until then, let’s look at the top draft picks for this year’s NFC Western Division……
Seattle Seahawks:
Best Draft Pick: Kansas State wide receiver Tyler Lockett (3rd round).
Why: The reigning NFC Champions needed that third receiver to compliment Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse. Lockett gives Russell Wilson that third receiver option, and some big play making ability.
Outlook: Combine Lockett with newly acquired tight end Jimmy Graham and the Seattle passing game just got a lot more dangerous.
Arizona Cardinals:
Best Draft Pick: Northern Iowa running back David Johnson (3rd round).
Why: While the Cardinals managed to get by with their running back by-committee approach to some degree, injuries to the quarterback position last year put pressure on the running game and in turn exposed some weaknesses. Drafting Johnson gives the Cards’ a potential number one rusher.
He’s one of the few all-around backs coming out of college these days. Aside from being a fast, hard runner, Johnson is also a very dangerous receiver out of the backfield and he’s solid with blitz pick up.
Outlook: The Cardinals offense just took on a different dynamic with this selection.
San Francisco 49ers:
Best Draft Pick: Oregon defensive tackle Arik Armstead (1st round), and Virginia linebacker Eli Harold (3rd round).
Why: Armstead fits into a 3-4 defense with his size, while Harold played in a 3-4 defense during his college career.
Outlook: It’s always a good idea to have younger players at your disposal with this type of defense.
St. Louis Rams:
Best Draft Pick: Georgia running back Todd Gurley (1st round)
Why: Despite the fact that there were a lot of questions about his health –tore his ACL in his final year at Georgia- the Rams felt good enough about him that they took him with the 10th overall pick instead of filling another team need.
While Tre Mason has held his own to this point, Gurley is the type of back that can take over a game when healthy. He can get you 20 to 30 carries per game, and having Gurley around can mask the weaknesses in the wide receiving corp.
Outlook: Expect him to contend for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The draft is over, the mini-camps have taken place, now it’s time for OTA’s to begin.
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