2022 NFL draft NFC West winners and losers and where the Seahawks fall
By Jake Luppino
Post-draft reactions always lean more towards optimism rather than pessimism. Teams tend to walk away from the draft with a rejuvenated sense and hope of feeling as if they are in the realm of being a contender. For the Seattle Seahawks, in particular, they are getting déjà vu of the early portion of the last decade.
In fact, the entire NFC West feels as if they all just took a step forward in the right direction. This next statement will be rebutted with “thanks captain obvious!”, yet I just can’t help myself in saying that this was a very important draft for all 4 divisional teams.
Every draft is important for every team, but when you are in a division as competitive as the NFC West, every single pick matters. Every last player you can possibly snag can help serve as an advantage in the quest to regain the crown in the dominant West.
Grading the NFC West: Winners and losers of the draft
This division was no stranger to headlines as the draft approached. Each and every single team not only had needs to address but outside variables that would serve as a heavy deciding factor in how they would fulfill those needs.
Los Angeles Rams: the pressure is amplified when your draft starts in the third round. Especially, with a major hole at left tackle. What was their plan of attack in addressing their needs with a such late start?
San Francisco 49ers: a disgruntled star wideout in Deebo Samuel had many questioning if he was going to be traded. How was that going to affect their other needs?
Arizona Cardinals: similarly to San Francisco, lots of speculation around QB Kyler Murray and a contract extension. Would this pressure them into a trade or drafting of a particular position?
Seattle Seahawks: the glaring hole was at quarterback after trading Russell Wilson. Would they reach on a quarterback or address other crucial needs in the trenches?
On the surface, it will appear as if each team did enough to answer those questions with certainties. Although the only real answer will be presented over time, I will discuss the true winners and losers of the NFC West after the 2022 NFL Draft.