NFC West Draft Grades

This is my last divisional draft recap. The NFC West which is currently the top division in football added a bit more talent.

Arizona Cardinals

1(27) Deone Bucannon  (SS, Washington State)

2(52) Troy Niklas (TE, Notre Dame)

3(84) Kareem Martin (DE, North Carolina)

3(91) John Brown (WR, Pittsburg State)

4(120) Logan Thomas (QB, Virginia Tech)

5(160) Ed Stinson (DE, Alabama)

6(196) Walt Powell (WR, Missouri State)

Best Pick: Ed Stinson

Where he was picked, Stinson provides a great value as a 5 technique. Unlike others, I am not a big fan of Arizona's draft either so being one of two picks I liked helps Stinson.

Summary: The Cardinals got great value with Stinson in round 5 and with Martin in Round 3. However, I am not a fan of the rest of their draft at all. They reached on Brown who is small and doesn't run great routes. They picked Brown solely on speed in a loaded wide receiver class. They also reached hard on Logan Thomas who I just don't see it on. Notre Dame's history on tight ends makes me hopeful about Niklas, but he's very slow. He's a good blocking tight end which makes him a good day 3 selection, but I think 2nd round is a little high in this draft. Bucannon had good size and speed, but not sure about him as a first rounder. Didn't hate the draft, but it was below average for me.

Grade: D+

Undrafted Free Agents

Zach Bauman (RB, Northern Arizona)
Jonathan Brown (LB, Illinois)
Glenn Carson (LB, Penn State)
Chandler Catanzaro (K, Clemson)
Tim Cornett (RB, UNLV)
Bruce Gaston (DT, Purdue)
Kelvin Palmer (OT, Baylor)
Kelsey Pope (WR, Samford)
Justin Renfrow (DT, Miami)
Brendon Sermons (DB, UCLA)
Kevin Smith (WR, Washington)
Anthony Steen (OG, Alabama)
Corey Washington (WR, Newberry)
Todd Washington (CB, Southeastern Louisiana)

Steen was one of only three good signings by Arizona. He will make the 53 man roster and likely be an eventual starter for the Cardinals. It was surprising that he lasted to free agency.
Corey Washington has fantastic kick return ability and is big and athletic. He is another free agent that will make the Cardinals out of camp and contribute this season.
Todd Washington is the 3rd signing. He will likely make an NFL roster or the 49ers practice squad. He has a lot of ability and tested well even with a toe injury. This guy has a lot of talent.

San Francisco 49ers

1(30) Jimmie Ward (SS, Northern Illinois)

2(57) Carlos Hyde (RB, Ohio State)

3(70) Marcus Martin (C, USC)

3(77) Chris Borland (LB, Wisconsin)

3(100) Brandon Thomas (OG, Clemson)

4(106) Bruce Ellington (WR, South Carolina)

4(129) Dontae Johnson (CB, North Carolina State)

5(150) Aaron Lynch (DE, South Florida)

5(170) Keith Reaser (DB, Florida Atlantic)

6(180) Kenneth Acker (DB, Southern Methodist)

7(243) Kaleb Ramsey (DT, Boston College)

7(245) Trey Millard (FB, Oklahoma)

Best Pick: Marcus Martin

Another center selected that was the best pick for their team. I must be a fan of instant starters that can help their team out. That is exactly what Martin provides. He has the ability to instantly enter a lineup and produce. He is a powerful guy that is a great run blocker and great fit for San Francisco.

Summary: I don't like picking a runningback in the 2nd round, but who they got and how they play, it works for the 49ers. They reached in round 1 too, but other than those first two picks, this was a very average draft for the 49ers. Martin was the highlight of the draft for me.

Grade: C-

Undrafted Free Agents
Morgan Breslin (OLB, Southern California)
Asante Cleveland (TE, Miami)
Dillon Farrell (C, New Mexico)

Kory Faulkner (QB, Southern Illinois)
Fou Fonoti (OT, Michigan State)
LJ McCray (S, Catawba)
Shane Skov (ILB, Stanford)

Founoti is a solid tackle and I think he will stick somewhere. San Francisco doesn't need much help at tackle, but he could compete for a backup position and push somebody. If he doesn't cut it in San Francisco, look for Fonoti to latch on somewhere else. Miami would be a great fit for Fonoti.
McCray has kick returning ability and is said to be an asset on special teams. He went to the alma mater of the 49ers defensive line coach which is likely how they found him and got him signed. This guy will be very interesting to watch. Although the 49ers are deep at safety, I like his chances as a special teams player to start out.
Skov was projected by many as a 3rd round pick and ranked by many as the 3rd best inside linebacker in the entire draft. How he didn't get drafted blows my mind, but the 49ers smartly jumped all over signing him. This guy is a fantastic signing that provides instant depth at the position. While the 49ers have one of the best, if not the best linebacking corps in the country, Skov adds to the talent at the position. I still look for Skov to make the team despite the talent at linebacker in San Francisco. The additions of Borland and Skov certainly help out with the horrible injury to Novorro Bowman. One man's misery is another man's opportunity and the injury improves Skov's chances of making the team and an early impact.

Seattle Seahawks

2(45) Paul Richardson (WR, Colorado)

2(64) Justin Britt (OT, Missouri)

4(108) Cassius Marsh (DE, UCLA)

4(123) Kevin Norwood (WR, Alabama)

4(132) Kevin Pierre-Louis (LB, Boston College)

5(172) Jimmy Staten (DT, Middle Tennessee State)

6(199) Garrett Scott (OT, Marshall)

6(208) Eric Pinkins (DB, San Diego State)

7(227) Kiero Small (FB, Arkansas)

Best Pick: Cassius Marsh

There are concerns for Marsh off the field which is one of the reasons he is a 4th rounder, but its worth a shot in the 4th round. Pete Carroll is not afraid to take a chance on a kid and he did it with Marsh. He is a good fit for them as a situational pass rusher and he doesn't have to play right away. If it works out great, if not no harm done. A decent risk to take in Round 4.

Summary: Seattle is used to having their drafts under Carroll questioned and this is another example. However, they seem to work out. I am one that hasn't questioned their drafts until now. I am among the haters this year because I just don't see contributors in this draft class. There is some potential with Norwood, Pierre-Louis, and Marsh in the middle rounds, but they reached more than once.

Grade: D

Undrafted Free Agents
Dion Bailey (S, Southern California)
Brock Cole (LB, Montana)
Chase Dixon (TE, Central Arkansas)
Garry Gilliam (OT, Penn State)
Bronson Irwin (OG, Oklahoma)
Jackson Jeffcoat (DE, Texas)
Jimmy Legree (CB, South Carolina)
Demonte McAllister (DT, Florida State)

Keith Price (QB, Washington)
Andru Pulu (DT, Eastern Washington)

Jeffcoat has a great shot at making Seattle's roster and would have been a 4th round pick in most drafts. The depth of this draft really hurt Jeffcoat as did Texas' season. However, he is a good player. A little to slow for linebacker and a little too small for a traditional defensive end role, Jeffcoat is a tweener, but in Seattle he will be a situational pass rusher and will be a great fit for that. If he can add some speed or size, watch out.
McAllister didn't get much playing time this past year because FSU had Timmy Jernigan at nose and they also had Jaccobbi McDaniel. However, eventhough Jernigan was one of the best players in this draft, it doesn't mean McDaniel and McAllister are scrubs. All three can play pretty well. The Seahawks are going to love McAllister and he will provide some depth.

St. Louis Rams

1(2) Greg Robinson (OT, Auburn)

1(13) Aaron Donald (DT, Pittsburgh)

2(41) Lamarcus Joyner (DB, Florida State)

3(75) Tre Mason (RB, Auburn)

4(110) Maurice Alexander (SS, Utah State)

6(188) EJ Gaines (DB, Missouri)

6(214) Garrett Gilbert (QB, Southern Methodist)

7(226) Mitchell Van Dyk (OT, Portland State)

7(241) Christian Bryant (DB, Ohio State)

7(249) Michael Sam (DE, Missouri)

7(250) Demetrius Rhaney (C, Tennessee State)

Best Pick: Lamarcus Joyner

Joyner is the guy the Rams wanted in this draft. He fills a huge need by providing desperately needed secondary help. Most of all though the Rams wanted his playmaking ability and were not shying away because of his size. He is the 3^rd best Seminole in this draft (behind Benjamin and Jernigan) and the has a knack for the big play. He dominated Clemson and their star player Sammy Watkins. His two turnovers early turned that game into a rout quickly. Above, one of those plays is pictured. This guy just makes plays.

Summary: The Rams got three starters with their first three picks and added a guy that will contribute highly to their running game with their next selection. I wouldn’t be surprised if Alexander started by the end of the season either. 5 contributors for years to come is fantastic. All the other picks are just gravy on top if they pan out. I like EJ Gaines too. That guy could end up being another contributor down the road. Great draft for the Rams and the 3^rd best overall in my opinion. They were the 3^rd team to separate themselves from the group.

Grade: A

Undrafted Free Agents
Alex Bayer (TE, Bowling Green)
Jarrid Bryant (CB, South Dakota)
Avery Cunningham (S, Central Michigan)
Austin Franklin (WR, New Mexico State)
Deantre Harlan (DT, Bacone)
Aaron Hill (LB, Minnesota)
Kadeem Jones (FB, Western Kentucky)
Emmanuel McCray (OT, Mississippi)
Johnny Millard (LB, California Poly)
Marcus Roberson (CB, Florida)
Abasi Salimu (OT, Nicholls State)
Jamaine Sherman (WR, East Texas Baptist University)
Trey Watts (RB, Tulsa)
Ethan Westbrooks (DT, West Texas A&M)
Tavarius Wilson (LB, North Alabama)

Bayer will push for a roster spot because there is nobody beyond the top three, but he is unlikely to win the 3rd tight end job.
Even as the Gator hater that I am, it is shocking that Roberson is available. I had him rated as a 5th rounder and CBS Sports had him rated as a 3rd rounder. Many mocks had Roberson being picked on Day 2, so to see him last all the way through day 3 is rather surprising. Solid move by the Rams to swoop him up.
The Rams didn't draft a wide receiver and have issues with Kenny Britt and Stedman Bailey making them need improved depth at wideout. Step in Austin Franklin who although undersized can run routes and has decent speed. Another great pickup. Sherman has better size and could also be a good fit, but is unproven against solid competition being from such a small school.
Avery Cunningham and Jarrid Bryant are unlikely to make the team, but they add desperately needed competition in the secondary.
Unless Lance Kendricks moves from tight end to fullback, expect Kadeem Jones to be lining up at fullback for St. Louis. He is the most likely besides Franklin to make the team and could easily start day 1.
It is shocking that McCray was not drafted out of Mississippi. The Rams have 4 capable tackles, but many reports have two of those tackles bumping down to guard to start. That move will leave St.Louis thin behind the starters and makes McCray a perfect fit as a backup tackle. This also gives Salimu a decent chance to make the team.

-Noland