2023 NFC West NFL Draft Team Needs | Key Losses, Key Gains, List of Draft Picks, and More!

Arizona Cardinals

Draft Picks: 3, 34, 66, 96, 105, 168, 180, 213
Team Needs: DL, OC, Edge, CB, S
Key Players Gained: Jonathan Gannon (HC), Kyzir White (LB), Hjalte Froholdt (OC), Zach Pascal (WR), Dennis Daley (OT)
Key Players Lost: Zach Allen (DL), Byron Murphy (CB), JJ Watt (DE)-retired, Rodney Hudson (OC)-retired, Robbie Anderson (WR), Justin Pugh (OG), Markus Golden (OLB)

The Cardinals had to move on from Kliff Kingsbury and thus hired Jonathan Gannon as their new head coach. Coach Gannon has a defensive background, specifically at DB. That is one of the Cardinals needs, yet the team obviously has many more. Two key players retiring created immediate openings Center and Edge. The Cardinals could also upgrade their DL. They should plan to draft at least 2 DL this year. Recently, Budda Baker has demanded a trade that may force the team to take a safety early. Thankfully, the team has 4 picks in the top 100, and a 5th pick at 105 which help put them in good position to revamp the roster. Anticipate some growing pains as Coach Gannon adjusts to the grind of being a new head coach.

Los Angeles Rams

Draft Picks: 36, 69, 77, 167, 171, 177, 182, 189, 191, 223, 251
Team Needs: LT, CB, Edge, OLB, QB, WR, S, OC, K, P, LS
Key Players Gained: Hunter Long (TE)-trade
Key Players Lost: Matt Gay (K), Odell Beckham (WR), Nick Scott (S), Bobby Wagner (ILB), Baker Mayfield (QB), Matthew Orzech (LS), Riley Dixon (P), Greg Gaines (DT), Jalen Ramsey (CB)-trade, Leonard Floyd (DE), A’Shawn Robinson (DL), Troy Hill (CB), Allen Robinson (WR)-trade

Believe it or not, the Rams roster is completely void of specialists, and given that they have 11 draft picks, I’m sure they will draft at least one if not all 3. Additionally, Matthew Stafford is the only QB on the roster right now. I’m not saying I would draft a guy super early, but I would select a QB before it’s all over. There is a big need at LT, and they should address that very early in the draft. They were one of the worst teams at giving up sacks last season. They are seriously lacking bodies in the secondary and are going to need a lot of help after trading away Jalen Ramsey. There are not many positions that the Rams don’t have a need to be honest. They lost a ton of key players that really can’t be replaced that easily. Despite being one year removed from winning a Super Bowl, I believe the team will seriously struggle with its identity next season.

San Francisco 49ers

Draft Picks: 99, 101, 102, 105, 164, 173, 216, 222, 247, 253, 255
Team Needs: OT, Edge, LB, WR, OL, DB
Key Players Gained: Javon Hargrave (DT), Isaiah Oliver (CB), Sam Darnold (QB), Clelin Ferrell (DE), Jon Feliciano (OC), Zane Gonzalez (K)-trade
Key Players Lost: Mike McGlinchey (RT), Jimmy Garappolo (QB), Samson Ebukam (DE), Charles Omenihu (DE), Jimmie Ward (FS), Emmanuel Moseley (CB), Daniel Brunskill (OT), Azeez Al-Shaair (LB), Hassan Ridgeway (DT), Robbie Gould (K)

The Niners don’t have draft picks until late day 2 after trading up for Trey Lance a couple seasons ago. There’s no coincidence that they are fielding trade calls for Lance right now as we can expect Brock Purdy to be the starter for the foreseeable future. With just the draft capital that they currently have at 11 picks, they could trade up at least 10 spots in the 3rd round if there’s a player they really want. A trade for Lance could get them a bit more. Losing Mike McGlinchey and having Trent Williams teasing retirement, makes OT an alarming need. If they could bring in an Edge rusher who could play OLB and occasionally drop into coverage that would suit them best. Tennessee OLB Byron Young fits that mold although I don’t know if he will drop that far; Nick Herbig from Wisconsin might be more in their range. I like the idea of adding a slot receiver down the line as well as picking up some DBs to find guys who can contribute to special teams.

Seattle Seahawks

Draft Picks: 5, 20, 37, 52, 83, 123, 151, 154, 198, 237
Team Needs: DL, Edge, RG, WR, DB, QB, RB
Key Players Gained: Dre’Mont Jones (DL), Julian Love (DB), Jarran Reed (DL), Bobby Wagner (ILB), Devin Bush (ILB), Evan Brown (OG)
Key Players Lost: Travis Homer (RB), Quinton Jefferson (DT), Cody Barton (LB)…Free Agents: Shelby Harris (DT), Gabe Jackson (OG), Poona Ford (DL), Al Woods (DT)

Geno Smith had a breakout season for the Seahawks last season, earning the confidence of the team and agreeing to a 3-year contract extension. That being said, Smith is 33 years old, and his backup is in the last year of his contract. At some point in this draft, the Seahawks will take a flier on a QB. They have good draft position this year with 2 first round picks courtesy of the Russell Wilson trade and 5 picks in the top 100. The team has a desperate need at DT, being one of the worst defenses against the run last season and losing several key players from last season on the DL. Adding Dre’Mont Jones and Jarren Reed certainly helps. Although, they need a NT to anchor that line. I can see them picking up 2 DL in the draft. The Seahawks need an Edge rusher to step up this season opposite Uchenna Nwosu. The talent in this draft at Edge might be too good to pass up in the top 50. RG is another position of need. They need someone to challenge for the starting spot. There are positions that seriously lack depth such as RB and WR. There are only 2 RBs on the roster, 3 if you include the FB. There’s really no need for a starter as Kenneth Walker has locked that down. There just needs to be more bodies in that backfield. At WR, Eskridge has yet to prove his worth as the slot receiver and might need some extra motivation this season. The Seahawks should add a couple WRs from this draft.