2025 NFC West NFL Draft recap | Pick-by-pick analysis, trades,
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The NFC West's NFL Draft recap features a number of teams that may be done trying to play catch up.
The 2025 NFC West’s NFL Draft recap features teams in a rush to break through after San Francisco’s fall from grace. But is it truly the beginning of a new renaissance for the “others” in the division?
Rebuilt NFC West or much of the same old thing?
In Arizona, the organization is banking on a former Texas A&M five-star recruit who found a new gear in 2024. Many of their hopes also lie in the belief that its second-round pick slid right into their hands.
The 49ers were not going to stay put after it went through a mass exodus in free agency. The team’s brass sought out a new direction by focusing on length, undervalued talents and experienced performers.
Not to be outdone, the Seattle Seahawks found solace in taking an offensive lineman who was a jack of all trades. Where will that prospect start begin his career? Each of the Seahawks next three draft picks come with Pro Bowl potential and at least one real question mark.
We’ve seen the Rams trade its way to success on more than one occasion. The team passed on a quarterback and put value over substance in a six-pick draft that supplements a talented roster. That roster still, however, has a major question mark on the outside lanes.
We break down all of the picks in our 2025 NFC West NFL Draft recap.
| 2025 NFC West NFL Draft Recap | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | |||||
| Round, Pick | Player Selection | Position- School | Nasty’ Take: | Value (1-5) | Trades |
| 1 (16) | Walter Nolen  | 6’2 312 DT-Ole Miss, Texas A&M | The Cardinals get a unique defensive tackle prospect in the mold of former DT Darnell Dockett, a former three-time Pro Bowler in Arizona. Disruption was a big part of his game. Nolen is more than capable of filling a similar role. | 4.5 | |
| 2 (47) | Will Johnson (video link)  | 6’2 194 CB-Michigan | The last Cardinals cornerback who had questions regarding speed was current Vikings Pro Bowler Byron Murphy. The team has a number of solid corners on the roster. They should expect Johnson to at least match their levels. | 5 | |
| 3 (78) | Jordan Burch | 6’4 279 DE-Oregon, South Carolina | The litany of question marks regarding Burch have little to do with talent. Does the motor run relentlessly? That’s what he’ll have to answer at the next level. Returned an interception vs. Eastern Illinois for a 61-yd TD in 2021. After beating the cut block from the OT, he caught the ball like a former RB and looked like a 4.5-speedster running it into the end zone. | 4.25 | |
| 4 (115) | Cody Simon | 6’2 229 LB-Ohio State | QB of the defense in 2021. Stays square as a wrap tackler. Simon has improved his angles vs outside runs over the last two seasons. The former St. Peter’s Prep HS (N.J.) product developed into a player capable of matching routes in zone progression (1st QTR, CFP semifinals ’25) | 4 | |
| 5 (174) from Dallas | Denzel Burke | 5’11 186 CB-Ohio State | Kudos to the Cardinals for not staying put in terms of adding depth at a position where they have gotten better in recent years. Burke flat-lined in school, but still has a skill-set capable of developing nicely as a depth piece in the team’s secondary remake. | 4 | |
| 6 (211) | Hayden Conner | 6’6 314 OL-Texas | Conner -a 43-game starter in school- has been consistent and active while on the move. He can execute reach and scoop blocks with satisfactory lateral quickness. With his size, it was surprising the left guard did not earn starts at a tackle spot. | 3.75 | |
| 7 (225) | Kitan Crawford | 5’11 202 S-Nevada, Texas | Crawford shined during postseason testing. Defends the screen game and wrap tackles with vigor. Can get off of blocks on the perimeter. The explosive athlete got Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year votes back in 2023 while at Texas. Crawford was a factor for Nevada at S as an honorable mention All-MWC selection. | 4.25 | |
| Notable UDFA signing: | Oscar Cardenas | 6’4 265 TE-UTEP | Cardenas faces a long road to recovery from a knee injury that shelved him for much of 2024. When available, the 265-pounder could work the seams of the field, insert block (Scooter’s Coffee Frisco ’23) and served as the personal protector for the punt team. | 3.75 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.19 | ||||
| Los Angeles Rams | |||||
| Round, Pick | Player Selection | Position- School | Nasty’ Take: | Value (1-5) | Trades |
| 2 (46) | Terrance Ferguson (video profile) | 6’5 247 TE-Oregon | Ferguson’s feel for working in a flex position boils down to pace. He has a unique feel for running routes that time up well for the QB. He uncovers well from defenders in the Red Zone (see Maryland ’24). In addition, his run after the catch strength is largely under appreciated (see Holiday Bowl ’22). Will he get stronger? | 4.5 | The Los Angeles Rams traded a 2025 first-round pick (26th overall) and a 2025 third-round pick (101st overall) to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for the 46th overall pick (Ferguson), a 2025 seventh-round pick (242nd overall-Mumpfield) and a 2026 first-round pick. |
| 3 (90) | Josaiah Stewart (video profile) | 6’1 250 DE-Michigan, Coastal Carolina | It is rare to see players from Coastal Carolina get drafted this early. That’s why you transfer to Michigan. As a Chanticleer, Stewart had 12.5 QB sacks in 2021. He immediately introduced himself to the Wolverines with burst out of his two-point stance (OLB) and an ability to set the edge in the run game. | 4.25 | |
| 4 (117) | Jarquez Hunter | 5’10 209 RB-Auburn | Hunter went about nothing quietly on the football field. His tenacious running style makes him a tough tackle even in the hole. The low center of gravity had a big hand in him rushing for 278 yards against Kentucky in late October 2024. For whatever reason, he averaged just under 16 carries per game for the Tigers in 2024. | 4.5 | |
| 5 (148) | Ty Hamilton | 6’3 303 DT-Ohio State | Hamilton is looking to follow in the footsteps of older brother, Davon (Jacksonville). Not as big but perhaps even stronger (35 reps-225 lbs). If his spectacular individual workout had been at the NFL Combine, he may have generated a bigger buzz heading into the proceedings. Productive in each of last two seasons. | 4.25 | The Rams traded a 2025 sixth-round pick (195th overall) and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick (148th overall-Hamilton). |
| 5 (172) | Chris Paul, Jr. | 6’1 222 LB-Ole Miss, Arkansas | There are not many LBs in this class with the natural instincts and anticipation of Paul, Jr. He was adequate at Arkansas, yet took his game to another level for Ole Miss this past season playing behind an active front. If Paul, Jr’s kept clean, he can earn more than just a roster spot. | 4.75 | |
| 7 (242) | Konata Mumpfield (link) | 5’11 186 WR-Pitt, Akron | Few receivers were as lightning quick off the ball as the elusive Mumpfield. He timed in the 6.7-range in the 3-cone drill during Pro Day workouts. He’s been a polished receiver going back to his time at Akron, when he showed the ability to work the sidelines deftly. | 4.5 | |
| Notable UDFA signing: | Shaun Dolac | 6’0 221 LB-Buffalo | How did Dolac not get drafted? The former Bulls All-American put up 168 tackles, 6.5 QB sacks, 18.5 TFLs, 5 INTs (TD) and 5 PBUs in 2024. A shoulder injury in 2023 ended his season after just four games. Good feet but mechanical in some of his movements. Slippery. Special teams will have to be his calling card. | 4 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.39 | ||||
| San Francisco 49ers | |||||
| Round, Pick | Player Selection | Position- School | Nasty’ Take: | Value (1-5) | Trades |
| 1 (11) | Mykel Williams | 6’5 260 DE-Georgia | Williams’ pass rush skills are best used running stunts from the outside-in. His speed-to-power is evident, but the pass rush repertoire needs refinement. Few edge defenders hold the point of attack with his level of violence. | 4.25 | |
| 2 (43) | Alfred Collins | 6’6 332 DL-Texas | Collins has started for years and continued to get better in school. His activity in the run game revolves around excellent discipline. Collins can flip his hips to play to half-a-man, but those skills have largely been hidden in the team’s 3-3-5 schemes as a zero-or-four-technique DL. | 5 | |
| 3 (75) | Nick Martin | 6’0 220 LB-Oklahoma State | When there is a clean read from Martin, he beats 2nd level blockers on run action away. The size could be an issue, and the 49ers are banking on him being covered up as a weak side linebacker in their 4-2 schemes. | 3.75 | |
| 3 (100) | Upton Stout | 5’9 182 CB-WKU, North Texas | Stout overcame an injury during his senior year of high school to reach third-round status. He feet in off-man or press coverage were on display going back to North Texas. Stout plays to his help and rarely gets out of position in coverage. This is a player whose best football may be ahead of him. | 4.25 | |
| 4 (113) | CJ West | 6’1 316 DT-Indiana | West uses head-and-shoulder fakes that synchronize with his feet to set up his speed-to-power rushes. It negates a lack of elite length. He will run himself out of plays playing to half a man, but the penetration skills could be a welcome addition to a defensive line that continues to add one-gap penetrators. | 4.25 | |
| 4 (138) | Jordan Watkins | 5’11 200 WR-Ole Miss | Watkins’ five-touchdown performance against Arkansas was the highlight of his career, but his productivity spans back to Louisville. Rather quietly, Watkins ran in the 4.35-range at the 2025 NFL Combine. | 4.5 | |
| 5 (147) | Jordan James | 5’9 1/2” 205 RB-Oregon | James’ electric running style features slick feet, excellent balance and exceptional vision. He could become one of the best change of pace runners in the class. 31 rushing TDs in three seasons. | 5 | The Washington Commanders traded a 2025 fifth-round pick (147th overall-James) to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for WR Deebo Samuel. |
| 5 (160) from Minnesota | Marques Sigle (video profile) | 5’11 199 S-Kansas State, NDSU | Sigle’s hard-hitting capability was on display in the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl (forced fumble). One of our favorite safeties in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sigle even played cornerback at NDSU. That experience served him well working over the slot. | 4.5 | The San Francisco 49ers traded RB Jordan Mason and a 2025 sixth-round pick (187th overall) to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick (160th overall-Sigle) and a 2026 sixth-round pick. |
| 7 (227) | Kurtis Rourke | 6’4 220 QB-Indiana, Ohio | Rourke’s skill-set is different than his brother, Nathan (current starter for BC Lions). Kurtis has a strong arm capable of attacking all levels of the field. Anticipation on timing routes is a tick late. Slightly drops the ball before bringing it back up on the release. Ball placement is fine on deep stops outside the numbers. Lines his feet up in the direction of his passes across the middle of the field. | 4 | |
| 7 (249) | Connor Colby | 6’6 309 OT-Iowa | Veteran presence along the team’s OL. 50 career starts. Has started at RT and RG in school. Competitive player. Fights through the down. Contains some ‘Nasty’ (1st QTR/0:55, Michigan State ’24). Inside movement with power rip moves cause him issues when he uses quick-sets in pass pro (3rd and 8, QB sack allowed, FF, fumble lost, vs. Harrison, 1st QTR/6:48, Ohio State ’22). | 4.25 | |
| 7 (252) | Junior Bergen | 5’10 184 WR-Ret/Montana | Bergen’s instant capability as a potential punt return option was exemplified in the FCS national semifinal during a clutch moment. His stop-and-start return skills belie his 40-yard dash times (4.55). | 4 | |
| Notable UDFA signing: | Jakob Robinson | 5’10 181 CB-BYU, Utah State | Robinson had at least three interceptions in three of final four seasons (11 career INTs) in college. Robinson flashed slot coverage capability in the East-West Shrine Bowl. He ran in the low 4.4s during pre-draft workouts and showed off explosiveness. | 4.25 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.33 | ||||
| Seattle Seahawks | |||||
| Round, Pick | Player Selection | Position- School | Nasty’ Take: | Value (1-5) | Trades |
| 1 (25) | Grey Zabel | 6’6 312 OL-NDSU | For as much as Zabel showed off in the last couple of months, he was uneven at times in the 2025 FCS national championship game. Pass pro was not a question as a LT at the FCS level. Leverage will be the key if asked to man the OC position in Seattle. | 4.25 | |
| 2 (35) | Nick Emmanwori | 6’2 224 S-South Carolina | Emmanwori may give Seahawks fans Cam Chancellor-vibes, a former Seahawks legend. He picked off four passes in his final year, returning two for touchdowns. Can he play off the hash marks with effectiveness? The Seahawks gave up a lot in the move to go grab him. | 4.5 | The Seattle Seahawks traded a second-round pick (52nd overall) and a a 2025 third-round pick (82nd overall) to the Tennessee Titans for the 35th overall pick (Emmanwori). |
| 2 (50) | Elijah Arroyo (video profile) | 6’4 251 TE-Miami (Fla.) | We went into detail (see video to left) regarding Arroyo’s immense NFL talent all over the field. The need for a blocking TE on the roster with him in the fold is evident. Will he improve as a point of attack blocker? His four-star talent often was interrupted by a nagging knee injury. How he maintains his health will be of focus in Seattle. | 4.5 | |
| 3 (92) | Jalen Milroe | 6’2 217 QB-Alabama | Milroe’s moments of excitement were never more evident than eight rushing TDs the last two seasons vs. LSU. Uneven performances -such as those in back-to-back bowl games versus Michigan (Reliaquest Bowl, CFP Playoff)- likely gave evaluators pause. | 4 | |
| 5 (142) | Rylie Mills | 6’5 295 DL-Notre Dame | Few defenders in this class control the point of attack with the efficiency of Mills. If not for an injury that robbed him of valuable time, the former Fighting Irish DL could have landed a round or two higher. | 4.25 | The Seahawks traded QB Sam Howell and a 2025 fifth-round pick (172nd overall) to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a fifth-round pick (142nd overall-Mills). |
| 5 (166) | Tory Horton (video profile) | 6’3 202 WR-Colorado State, Nevada | Horton’s long speed was evident at Nevada catching deep shots from Carson Strong. His punt return explosiveness went to new heights at Colorado State, where he also worked both inside and outside at the WR spot. A true burner in Round 5. | 4.5 | The Seahawks traded a 2025 fifth-round pick (144th overall) to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick (166th overall-Horton) and a 2025 sixth-round pick (192nd overall-Cabeldue). |
| 5 (175) | Robbie Ouzts | 6’3 274 TE-Alabama | Ouzts’ pop at the point of attack was often used as the point guy on toss sweeps (pancake, 1st QTR, Tennessee ’24). He aligned in stack looks and also served as the lead blocker for QB Jalen Milroe on QB-counters. At 274 pounds, he has solid movement to get to most spots. | 4.25 | |
| 6 (192) | Bryce Cabeldue | 6’5 300 OL-Kansas | While Cabeldue was on the ground too much during 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl week, he often shined sliding to pick up stunts during the event. Kansas used him to pull from the LT spot to lead on power schemes (see UNLV ’24). The athleticism shined getting up to second-level run blocking assignments during school. | 4.5 | |
| 7 (223) | Damien Martinez (video profile) | 6’1 217 RB-Miami (Fla.), Oregon St. | Martinez’s bruising nature blends well with underrated long speed (see 75-yd TD run, 2024 Cheez-It-Bowl). At Oregon State, he demonstrated an ability to work well on outside zones. During his one season in Miami, Martinez demonstrated a quick-footed nature while still maintaining power at 220-plus pounds. | 4.5 | The Seattle Seahawks traded WR DK Metcalf and a sixth-round pick (185th overall) to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a second-round pick (52nd overall) and a seventh-round pick (223rd overall-Martinez). |
| 7 (234) | Mason Richman | 6’6 312 OT-Iowa | Richman will battle effectively in street fights to win his share of battles. Once latched, he slides in a square manner to mirror pass rushers. Technically-aware, he becomes mechanical in some of his pass-sets. Four-year starter who was very durable in school. | 3.75 | |
| 7 (238) | Ricky White III (video profile) | 6’1 184 WR-UNLV, Michigan State | White III blocked more punts than team in the country last season. On top of that, he earned All-American honors as a WR in 2023. Few performances were as clutch as his big game against Michigan way back in 2020. Talented prospect who could find a role on special teams. | 4.5 | The Seattle Seahawks traded a fourth-round pick (137th overall) to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick (144th overall) and a 2025 seventh-round pick (238th overall-White III). |
| Notable UDFA signing: | Zy Alexander | 6’1 187 CB-LSU, SE Louisiana | There is not much that Alexander does not do well when playing off coverage in zone. This doesn’t mean that he’ll also shine in off-man coverage, but he is smooth overall. A solid tackler, Alexander displays a good feel for leverage. He knows how to play to his help in coverage. | 4.25 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.31 | ||||
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