NFC West Draft Grades

Arizona Cardinals:

Rd. 1: Jonathan Cooper OG: The Cardinals needed help anywhere they could get it along this offensive line. Carson Palmer does not perform well when under duress and Cooper should help some. We had Warmack rated higher but Cooper is better is pass protection which is what the Cardinals will need.

Rd. 2: Kevin Minter LB: Daryl Washington is suspended the first four games and as of today is being investigated into domestic assault. Minter is an excellent get and will play right away and when and if Washington returns they'll make a very good duo.

Rd. 3: Tyrann Mathieu DB: Mathieu is a cornerback but Bruce Arians has said they will use him at free safety. Mathieu has some of the best ball skills in this draft but is undersized and has major character issues. Major risk reward player though and plays with Peterson a college teammate who tried to keep him on the straight and narrow when they were in school together.

Rd. 4: Alex Okafor DE/OLB: When Okafor was drafted he was announced as an outside linebacker. But at 6'4 265 he can play either spot, even though I think he'all make a better defensive end. The Cardinals need help getting after the quarterback and he should help.

Rd. 4: Earl Watford OG: I see him as a potential starter along side Cooper in year 2. Will take a year to develop.

Rd. 5: Stepfan Taylor RB: For them to land a running back who notched 3 consecutive 1,000 yards in the 5th round is a steal. While Taylor doesn't do anything great he is still very good.

Rd. 6: Ryan Swope WR: Swope showed great straight line speed at the combine running in the mid 4.3 range. He fell due to concussions.

Rd. 6: Andre Ellington RB: Ellington was one of my top rated backs so to me this is an absolute steal. He and Taylor will compliment themselves very well.

Rd 7: DC Jefferson TE: Quality depth pick in the 7th round.

Overall Grade: A-

San Francisco 49ers:

Rd. 1: Eric Reid S: They lost Dashon Gold son to free agency and Reid is a big physical safety who will replace him.

Rd. 2: Tank Carradine DE: I love the measurables on this kid. His size, speed and strength are elite. He has medical issues coming off last season with a torn acl or he would have been a top 15 pick.

Rd. 2: Vance McDonald TE: A good size and strength combo and a perfect fit for the 49ers. He'll replace the loss of Delanie Walker.

Rd. 3: Corey Lemonier DE/OLB: A really good edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme. His ability could have had him go in the 1st or second round.

Rd. 4: Quinton Patton WR: I really like Patton and he was just outside my top 5 receivers. He is a steal in the 4th.

Rd. 4: Marcus Lattimore RB: Frank Gore, LaMichael James and Kendall Hunter are all on the roster. Perfect fit for Lattimore to rehab for a year and then see if he is ready next year.

Rd. 5: Quinton Dial DE: 6'5 315 is the perfect size and strength type player to eventually replace Justin Smith.

Rd. 6: Nick Moody LB: Depth pick, doesn't possess any elite skills, a bit undersized.

Rd. 7: BJ Daniels QB: Duel threat QB who has great leadership. Didn't think he would get drafted.

Rd. 7: Carter Bykowski OT: Another depth pick, not really an intriguing upside pick here.

Rd. 7: Marcus Cooper CB: I like this player as a developmental prospect. He possesses great size at his position.

Overall Grade: A



Seattle Seahawks:

Rd. 2: Christine Michael RB: This kid has a ton of talent but not sure why the Seahawks went here. They have Lynch and Turbin and I don't see Michael having impact.

Rd. 3: Jordan Hill DT: Has the strength to stand up guards to plug holes. Fits well with Seahawks defensive line.

Rd. 4: Chris Harper WR: This former quarterback is big and physical. At 6'1 230 he has great hands and is the definition of a possession wide receiver.

Rd. 5: Jesse Williams DT: He dropped based on durability questions but is a gifted kid for his size.

Rd. 5: Tharold Simon CB: Great size but character issues. Arrested just days before the draft but it should be dropped based on what the story was. But there is upside there.

Rd. 5: Luke Wilson TE: I think there were better tight ends on the board. This pick confused me.

Rd. 6: Spencer Ware RB: A good short yardage back, not sure it was a need though.

Rd. 7: Ryan Seymour OG: Long arms but plays high at 6'5 but a good developmental project.

Rd. 7: Ty Powell DE/OLB: Former QB and major project but he has a high upside and tested out of the building.

Rd. 7: Jared Smith DT: Hear they may try to move him over to guard.

Rd. 7: Michael Bowie OT: Just like all their 7th round picks, he has sneaky good ability which if developed correctly could become a factor in the future.

Overall Grade: B+

St. Louis Rams:

Rd. 1: Tavon Austin: His size was never a cancer to me because he possesses other traits rare to find in the same player. Speed and quickness and both are elite. He is the best play maker in this draft.

Rd. 1: Alec Ogletree LB: Jeff Fisher is not afraid to give a player a chance after some character issue concerns. Ogletree was the most athletic linebacker in this draft.

Rd. 3: TJ McDonald S: Might be one of the most physical safeties in the draft. Has trouble in coverage but a big time hitter.

Rd. 3: Stedman Bailey WR: Love this pick, there were better wide receivers but putting teammates with the chemistry he and Austin have will be very good in booths development.

Rd. 4: Barrett Jones OL: He is coming into the league as a center but can play every line position. Love this kids versatility and pedigree.

Rd. 5: Brandon McGee CB: This kid has potential to compete for the slot corner position.

Rd. 5: Zac Stacy RB: This is a depth pick to play behind Pead and Richardson.

Overall Grade: A-