2025 NFL Draft Grades: NFC West
By Julian Cordova
The NFC West is one of the most interesting divisions in football, and its four franchises certainly had interesting drafts. This article assesses the draft classes of the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks, diving into their key selections, evaluating the potential impact of their picks, and assigning grades to each team.
Arizona Cardinals
1 (16) – Walter Nolen | IDL, Ole Miss
2 (47) – Will Johnson | CB, Michigan
3 (78) – Jordan Burch | EDGE, Oregon
4 (115) – Cody Simon | LB, Ohio State
5 (174) – Denzel Burke | CB, Ohio State
6 (211) – Hayden Conner | G, Texas
7 (225) – Kitan Crawford | SAF, Nevada
Grade: A-
While the selection of Nolen felt like a reach to me, his potential upside clearly appealed to the Cardinals front office. I really liked their next pick though. Will Johnson could be the steal of the draft if he can overcome medical concerns and stay healthy, as his talent is undeniable.
Burch and Simon are solid picks who add some more depth to Arizona’s front seven. Burke has the potential to be a nice value pick too and in Conner they get a developmental offensive lineman. Overall, this draft for the Cardinals is a bit of a gamble, particularly on the defensive side, but it could yield significant rewards if their high upside picks pan out.
Los Angeles Rams
2 (46) – Terrance Ferguson | TE, Oregon
3 (90) – Josaiah Stewart | EDGE, Michigan
4 (117) – Jarquez Hunter | RB, Auburn
5 (148) – Ty Hamilton | IDL, Ohio State
5 (172) – Chris Paul Jr | LB, Ole Miss
7 (242) – Konata Mumpfield | WR, Pittsburgh
Grade: C
While the Rams gained valuable draft capital by trading back, their actual selections leave something to be desired. Taking Ferguson in the second round felt early to me. I thought the selection of Josaiah Stewart in the third round was solid and he projects as a good rotational edge rusher with intriguing potential as a future starter.
Jarquez Hunter is an exciting running back who runs with power and burst, though he lacks elite traits in any particular area. Taking a chance on Ty Hamilton is reasonable given his size/athleticism combo and fit in the defensive scheme. By far my favorite Rams’ pick was Paul, a linebacker who fell due to run defense concerns but possesses plus pass coverage skills, quickness, and intelligence.
The Rams were also active in the UDFA market, signing the likes of Tulane WR Mario Williams and North Carolina IOL Willie Lampkin. Ultimately I felt that the Rams added a few players with future potential, but they didn’t add many immediate contributors. They could definitely have done a better job of maximizing their draft capital.
San Francisco 49ers
1 (11) – Mykel Williams | EDGE, Georgia
2 (43) – Alfred Collins | IDL, Texas
3 (75) – Nick Martin | LB, Oklahoma State
3 (100) – Upton Stout | CB, Western Kentucky
4 (113) – CJ West | IDL, Indiana
4 (138) – Jordan Watkins | WR, Ole Miss
5 (147) – Jordan James | RB, Oregon
5 (160) – Marques Sigle | SAF, Kansas State
7 (227) – Kurtis Rourke | QB, Indiana
7 (249) – Connor Colby | IOL, Iowa
7 (252) – Junior Bergen | WR, Montana
Grade: B-
Mykel Williams was the first surprising pick of the draft for me. While I understand the appeal of his size and physicality, taking him at No. 11 overall felt early. However, if any team can maximize Williams’ potential, it’s San Francisco. The 49ers then focused on bolstering their defense with their next four picks, all of which I can at least support. Collins has the potential to be a strong run-defending defensive tackle. Martin should be a nice developmental linebacker and Stout is a great option for playing nickel. West adds more depth in the trenches and offers great athleticism and power. Robert Saleh’s return has clearly influenced a defensive-focused draft.
I thought they made some solid moves on day three too. Jordan James should provide valuable depth behind McCaffrey and Guerendo, particularly in short-yardage situations. Colby could also develop into a reliable backup at guard or center. The selection of Kurtis Rourke is intriguing, given his similarities to Brock Purdy and the fact he was drafted in both the NFL and CFL. Cincinnati RB Corey Kiner and Colorado St G Drew Moss are notable UDFA additions. Overall, this draft represents a significant effort to revamp the defense with Saleh back at the helm, and I believe it has a good chance of yielding positive results.
Seattle Seahawks
1 (18) – Grey Zabel | IOL, North Dakota State
2 (35) – Nick Emmanwori | SAF, South Carolina
2 (50) – Elijah Arroyo | TE, Miami
3 (92) – Jalen Milroe | QB, Alabama
5 (142) – Rylie Mills | IDL, Notre Dame
5 (166) – Tory Horton | WR, Colorado State
5 (175) – Robbie Ouzts | TE, Alabama
6 (192) – Bryce Cabeldue | T, Kansas
7 (223) – Damien Martinez | RB, Miami
7 (234) – Mason Richman | T, Iowa
7 (238) – Ricky White III, WR, UNLV
Grade: A
Zabel was nearly my highest-rated offensive lineman in this entire class, and he’s a safe bet to significantly upgrade Seattle’s interior offensive line. I liked the selection of Emmanwori too. This is a physical safety with rare size who could become a cornerstone of Macdonald’s defense.
Arroyo was a nice addition, potentially providing much-needed stability at tight end, a position where Noah Fant and AJ Barner don’t appear to be long-term solutions. The selection of Jalen Milroe is intriguing. His raw athleticism is off the charts, and the opportunity to learn behind Darnold and Kubiak for a few years could be invaluable for his development as a passer and processor.
Mills and Horton should provide solid depth at their respective positions and their seventh-round pick of Damien Martinez is exciting. The powerful downhill runner from Miami lacks top-end speed and elusiveness but excels at running through contact to gain tough yardage. Adding Ricky White in the seventh was also a nice move. This looks like a great draft for Seattle, and a step up from last year’s class.