2025 Draft Needs for NFC West
The NFC West has long been one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions, featuring teams with rich histories and passionate fan bases. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, each team—the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks—faces unique challenges and opportunities to strengthen their rosters. This analysis shows the specific needs of each team, considering their 2024 performances and offseason developments.
Table of Contents
Arizona Cardinals.
Los Angeles Rams.
San Francisco 49ers.
Seattle Seahawks.
Conclusion.
Arizona Cardinals
Biggest Needs: Edge Rusher, Defensive Tackle, Wide Receiver, Offensive Guard
The Arizona Cardinals endured another season of mediocrity in 2024, struggling to find a clear path to success. Their defense was a significant liability, particularly in generating a pass rush and stopping the run. Offensively, while quarterback Kyler Murray remains a dynamic presence, the supporting cast requires enhancement.
The Cardinals’ inability to pressure opposing quarterbacks was glaring in 2024. Addressing the edge rusher position is paramount. Additionally, their interior defensive line struggled against the run, necessitating the acquisition of a dominant defensive tackle.
Protecting Kyler Murray and providing him with reliable targets are essential. Upgrading the offensive guard position will bolster pass protection and the running game. After selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. in the top five last year, adding another wide receiver in the draft would further enhance the offense.
Possible Draft Targets:
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
No one in this class may have a better first step than Green. A healthy BJ Ojulari and Green would go quite a long way in putting more explosiveness onto the edge.
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Jalon Walker is a fascinating prospect because of his versatility, a trait the Cardinals staff has notoriously valued in young players.
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Due to his size, Grant was one of the best in the country at stopping opposing rushing attacks. Put Grant next to Darius Robinson and the Cardinals defensive line would look pretty scary.
Los Angeles Rams
Biggest Needs: Edge Rusher, Offensive Line, Secondary
The Los Angeles Rams experienced a roller-coaster 2024 season, managing to secure a playoff spot but falling short against formidable opponents. With quarterback Matthew Stafford secured for the foreseeable future, the focus shifts to fortifying both the offensive and defensive lines, as well as the secondary.
Despite Aaron Donald’s continued dominance, the Rams’ edge rushers underperformed, recording one of the league’s lowest pressure rates. Investing in a dynamic edge rusher is crucial to alleviate the burden on Donald and enhance the overall pass rush.
Protecting Stafford remains a priority. While the offensive line ranked 14th in 2024, there is room for improvement, particularly with key players entering free agency. Reinforcing this unit will ensure the offense operates at peak efficiency.
The Rams’ secondary struggled, especially when the pass rush faltered. With several defensive backs hitting free agency, acquiring young talent in the secondary is essential to maintain defensive integrity.
Possible Draft Targets:
Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
Taylor is extremely fluid in space with a good frame and consistent hands. His spatial awareness and dependability are outstanding. His 55 receptions and 546 receiving yards in 2024 were both career-highs, as he flashed athleticism and versatility at the position.
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell is the consensus top linebacker in the draft and was one of only five FBS players at the position to earn 75.0-plus PFF grades as a run defender, a pass-rusher and a coverage defender this past season.
Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
Harmon was one of the best at pressuring the quarterback at the defensive tackle on the FBS level, and he ran a 40-yard dash in 4.95 seconds. That will work alongside 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse.
San Francisco 49ers
Biggest Needs: Wide Receiver, Defensive Tackle, Edge Rusher, Safety
The San Francisco 49ers faced a dramatic decline in 2024, plummeting from Super Bowl contenders to a six-win season. Injuries and roster deficiencies were central to this downturn, highlighting the need for strategic reinforcements.
Trading away Deebo Samuel and the ACL injury to Brandon Aiyuk have left the receiving corps depleted. Identifying reliable wideouts is imperative to revitalize the passing game.
The once-formidable defensive line showed vulnerability against the run. Infusing young talent into the defensive tackle and edge rusher positions is crucial to reestablish defensive dominance.
With potential departures in the linebacker corps and secondary, securing a versatile safety would enhance pass coverage and run support.
Possible Draft Targets:
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Big production at Marshall combined with excellent work during Senior Bowl practices lands Green with the Niners, who welcome back Robert Saleh as their DC.
Armand Membou, T, Missouri
Following an outstanding junior year and combine, Membou looks like a top-15 lock. He slots in perfectly as San Francisco’s right tackle and is an excellent fit in Kyle Shanahan’s zone-heavy scheme.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Will Johnson, whose 31.0 passer rating when targeted was the second best in college football since 2022, fills a big need.
Seattle Seahawks
Biggest Needs: Wide Receiver, Offensive Guard, Quarterback, Linebacker, Defensive Tackle
The Seattle Seahawks showed signs of improvement under new head coach Mike Macdonald in 2024, narrowly missing the playoffs. To capitalize on this momentum, targeted enhancements are necessary.
The release of Tyler Lockett and trade demands from D.K. Metcalf have left the Seahawks thin at wide receiver. Acquiring new talent is essential to support the offensive scheme.
Protecting the quarterback is vital. Upgrading the offensive guard position will ensure stability and improve both pass protection and run blocking.
With Geno Smith entering the final year of his contract, the Seahawks must evaluate long-term options at quarterback. While Smith has provided stability, drafting a young prospect who can develop within the system would be a smart investment. If they don’t select a quarterback in the early rounds, a mid-round developmental prospect could be in play.
Seattle’s defense showed improvement under head coach Mike Macdonald, but there are still gaps to address. The linebacker corps needs more speed and playmaking ability, particularly against the run. Additionally, bolstering the defensive tackle position will improve their ability to control the trenches against physical offenses like San Francisco’s.
Possible Draft Targets:
Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
He has a surprisingly quick first step and uses his hands well to shoot gaps and be a disruptive presence in the backfield.
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Emmanwori said he models his game after Kyle Hamilton, arguably the best safety in the NFL at only 23 years old.
Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
Jackson is a big, athletic guard who has good length. He has traits that can make him a standout zone blocker in Seattle’s run scheme.
Conclusion
The NFC West remains a dynamic and competitive division, with each team facing critical roster decisions in the 2025 NFL Draft.
With the right draft selections, these teams can position themselves for success in a highly competitive NFC West. The 2025 NFL Draft will serve as a pivotal moment for each franchise as they seek to either rebuild, reload, or maintain their dominance in one of the toughest divisions in football.