NFC West Draft Recap

Arizona Cardinals: Ken Whisenhunt took over a roster that has included the addition of a solid nucleus of skill players.  So the objective for Whisenhunt was becoming a stronger team at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball while improving the run defense. 

Levi Brown addresses the desperate need to add blue-chip talent at offensive tackle.  Brown’s not as polished as Joe Thomas, but Russ Grimm feels strongly about his upside.  Brown possesses solid physical skills and has quick feet, but must refine his footwork and have more consistent focus.  You can guarantee Grimm will be on top of Brown’s development.  Alan Branch has tremendous size and power to control the line of scrimmage, especially on the nose as the Cardinals begin implementing the 3-4 defense.  But Branch will have to learn not to let blockers get into his chest so easily at this level. 

Buster Davis should be a nice addition at inside linebacker in the 3-4.  He’s short, but is very tough and active against the run.  Davis has an instinctive feel to find the football against the run. 

St. Louis Rams: A blue-collar mentality is needed on the defensive side of the football here – especially under Jim Haslett.  Adam Carriker should help the Rams create that new identity on defense – especially against the run.  Carriker has excellent strength and toughness to convert into a solid defender on the nose.  Carriker will bring the intangibles that Jimmy Kennedy failed to display in the trenches. 

Another priority that was address by Scott Linehan was finding depth behind Steven Jackson at running back.  Brian Leonard brings a lot of versatility to the backfield.  He’s tough and has underrated run skills, but displays a tremendous feel for the passing game. 

San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Willis will be a major component in the evolving new culture on the defensive side of the ball with his competitive nature.  He’s an underrated athlete with excellent physical tools.  The 49ers have gotten along with overachievers at inside linebacker, but Willis will bring better natural tools once he adjusts to the defense.  Joe Staley was a nice bonus pick in the first round.  Mike Nolan loves to create competition along the offensive line.  Jonas Jennings can’t stay healthy and Kwame Harris has been a bust, so Staley will solidify concerns moving forward regarding the offensive line. 

Jason Hill should provide solid depth at wide receiver.  I question whether he’ll play to his timed speed on a track, but has good physical tools to strengthen their depth.  Ray McDonald was a nice pickup despite past knee problems.  He’ll provide quickness to complement the size they are building upfront. 

Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks won’t have any star talent coming out of this draft, but they added solid depth at a number of spots.  Josh Wilson is a small, but feisty cornerback who adds depth.  Despite his speed, he’s not fluid in coverage and will have trouble making plays on the ball. He’ll need some work at this level.  But Wilson could become an explosive kickoff returner immediately. 

Courtney Taylor could be a solid backup at wide receiver.  He’s not very fast, but has good size and toughness.  Taylor also has a good feel for getting open.  Jordan Kent will likely be a practice squad member.  He’s on the raw side, but has intriguing athletic tools from his basketball background.  Mansfield Wrotto is a raw developmental guard with excellent size and physical tools.   Brandon Mebane could develop into a backup inside.  He’s limited, but is pesky and has enough quickness to disrupt gaps.   

No Comments