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NFC West, 2023, 2023, NFC, NFL, Articles, Free Agency

2023 NFL Free Agency, Live Updates: NFC West

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The NFC West 2023 offseason started off with the hiring of a new head coach in the desert and a couple of notable retirements from perennial Pro Bowl stalwarts. The Rams parted ways with a couple of veteran Super Bowl champions. The Texans came in to the division to steal 49ers safety/nickel Jimmie Ward. The Seahawks are all the way in on Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith.

NFC West

Los Angeles Rams

Offensive free agents

  • RB Malcolm Brown
  • QB Baker Mayfield (Agreed to terms with Buccaneers)
  • IOL Matt Skura
  • OT Ty Nsekhe
  • OG David Edwards
  • OG Oday Aboushi
  • OL Coleman Shelton (released)
  • PK Matt Gay (Agreed to terms with Colts)
  • WR-Ret Brandon Powell (Agreed to terms with Vikings)

Defensive free agents

  • CB-nickel Grant Haley
  • CB David Long
  • DT A’Shawn Robinson
  • DT Greg Gaines (Agreed to terms with Buccanneers)
  • OLB Leonard Floyd (released)
  • LB Bobby Wagner (released)
  • S Taylor Rapp
  • S Nick Scott (Agreed to terms with Bengals)
  • P Riley Dixon (Agreed to terms with Broncos)
  • LS Matthew Orzech (Agreed to terms with Packers)

2023 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Hired former NY Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur as its new offensive coordinator after 2022 offensive coordinator Liam Coen returned to Kentucky in the same position
  • Reportedly released LB Bobby Wagner, OLB Leonard Floyd, OL Coleman Shelton, 2019 third-round pick OG Bobby Evans
  • OT Joseph Notebroom restructured his contract
  • Traded CB Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins for TE Hunter Long and a 2023 third-round pick (77th overall)
  • Lost PK Matt Gay (Colts), QB Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers), S Nick Scott (Bengals), P Riley Dixon (Broncos), WR-Ret Brandon Powell (Vikings), DT Greg Gaines (Buccaneers), LS Matthew Orzech (Packers)

Arizona Cardinals

Offensive free agents

  • TE Stephen Anderson
  • TE Chris Banjo
  • QB Trace McSorley
  • OC Billy Price
  • OL Max Garcia
  • OG Will Hernandez (re-signed)
  • OG Cody Ford (Agreed to terms with Bengals)
  • LT Kelvin Beachum (re-signed)
  • PK Matt Prater
  • OG Justin Pugh
  • WR Chosen Anderson (released)

Defensive free agents

  • CB Byron Murphy (Agreed to terms with Vikings)
  • CB Antonio Hamilton
  • CB Josh Jackson
  • DE Zach Allen (Agreed to terms with Broncos)
  • OLB Markus Golden (released)
  • DT Trysten Hill (Agreed to terms with Browns)
  • LB Tanner Vallejo
  • LB Ezekial Turner (re-signed)
  • P Andy Lee

2023 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • GM Steve Keim resigned and HC Kliff Kingsbury was relieved of his duties
  • Hired former Tennessee Titans director of player personnel Monti Ossenfort as its general manager in January 2023
  • WR AJ Green and DE J.J. Watt announced their retirements
  • Agreed to terms with former Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon on a five-year contract to become its new head coach
  • Designated OC Rodney Hudson a post June 1 release
  • Released WR Chosen Anderson, OLB Markus Golden
  • WR Greg Dortch re-signed with the team
  • Re-signed OT Kelvin Beachum to a two-year deal, OG Will Hernandez on a two-year deal, LB Ezekial Turner on a one-year deal
  • Agreed to terms with LB Kyzir White (Eagles) on a two-year deal, OG Hjalte Froholdt (Browns) on a two-year deal, DT Kevin Strong (Titans) on a one-year deal, OT Dennis Daley (Titans) on a two-year deal
  • Lost DE Zach Allen (Broncos), CB Byron Murphy (Vikings), OG Cody Ford (Bengals), DT Trysten Hill (Browns)

Seattle Seahawks

Offensive free agents

  • FB Cullen Gillapsia
  • RB Travis Homer
  • RB Rashaad Penny (Agreed to terms with Eagles)
  • WR Marquise Goodwin
  • FB Nick Bellore (re-signed)
  • OL Jamarco Jones
  • OG Gabe Jackson (released)
  • QB Drew Lock (re-signed)
  • QB Geno Smith (re-signed)
  • OG Phil Haynes (re-signed)

Defensive free agents

  • S Johnathan Abram
  • CB Artie Burns
  • NB Justin Coleman
  • DT Poona Ford
  • DL Quinton Jefferson (released)
  • DT Shelby Harris (released)
  • DT Al Woods (released)
  • DL L.J. Collier
  • DE Daryl Johnson
  • S Josh Jones
  • CB Teez Tabor
  • LB Cody Barton (Agreed to terms with Commanders)
  • LB Ben Burr-Kirven (released)
  • LS Carson Tinker
  • LS Tyler Ott

2023 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed QB Geno Smith on a three-year deal, QB Drew Lock on a one-year deal, FB Nick Bellore to a two-year contract, OG Phil Haynes to a one-year deal
  • Agreed to terms with PK Jason Myers to a four-year extension
  • C Austin Blythe retired
  • Released DL Quinton Jefferson, DT Shelby Harris, OG Gabe Jackson, DT Al Woods
  • Reportedly agreed to terms with DT Dre’Mont Jones (Broncos) on a three-year deal, DT Jarran Reed (Packers) on a two-year deal, OG Evan Brown (Lions) on a one-year deal, LB Devin Bush (Steelers) on a one-year deal, S Julian Love (Giants) on a two-year deal,
  • Lost RB Rashaad Penny (Eagles), LB Cody Barton (Commanders)

San Francisco 49ers

Offensive free agents

  • QB Jimmy Garoppolo (Agreed to terms with the Raiders)
  • WR Richie James
  • C Jake Brendel (re-signed)
  • OG Daniel Brunskill (Agreed to terms with Titans)
  • OT Mike McGlinchey
  • TE Ross Dwelley
  • PK Robbie Gould
  • QB Josh Johnson

Defensive free agents

  • DB Jimmie Ward (Agreed to terms with the Texans)
  • DE Jordan Willis
  • DE Charles Omenihu (Agreed to terms with Chiefs)
  • DE Samson Ebukam (Agreed to terms with Colts)
  • DT Maurice Hurst
  • DL Kerry Hyder
  • DT T.Y. McGill (re-signed)
  • DT Hassan Ridgeway (Agreed to terms with Texans)
  • LB Azeez Al-Shaair
  • S Tashaun Gipson (re-signed)
  • S Tarvarius Moore (Agreed to terms with Packers)
  • CB Jason Verrett
  • LS Taybor Pepper (re-signed)

2023 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • The team hired former Arizona Cardinals head coach and Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks as its defensive coordinator to replace former DC Demeco Ryans, who joined the Houston Texans as its new head coach
  • Reportedly agreed to terms with DT Javon Hargrave (Eagles) on a four-year deal, DE Clelin Ferrell (Raiders) on a one-year deal, CB Isaiah Oliver (Falcons) on a one-year deal, DT Ty McGill (Raiders) on a one-year deal,
  • CB Charvarius Ward, LB Fred Warner restructured their contracts
  • Re-signed OL Jake Brendel to a four-year deal, S Tashaun Gipson to a one-year extension, LS Taybor Pepper on a three-year extension
  • Lost QB Jimmy Garoppolo (Raiders), DT Hassan Ridgeway (Texans), S-Nickel Jimmie Ward (Texans), OLB Samson Ebukam (Colts), DE Charles Omenihu (Chiefs), S Tarvarius Moore (Packers)
NFC West, 2022, NFC, 2022, NFL, Articles, Free Agency

2022 NFL Free Agency, Live Updates: NFC West

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The NFC West traded away a franchise quarterback and saw quality pass rushers leave the division. Through two weeks, trades have been at or near the top of the NFC West’s agenda. Will this division keep its aggression through the 2022 NFL Draft?

NFC West

Los Angeles Rams

Offensive free agents

  • RB Sony Michel
  • RB Buddy Howell
  • TE Johnny Mundt (Agreed to terms with the Vikings)
  • WR Odell Beckham Jr.
  • WR-Ret Brandon Powell (re-signed)
  • OG  Austin Corbett (Agreed to terms with the Panthers)
  • OC Brian Allen (re-signed)
  • OT Joe Noteboom (re-signed)   

Defensive free agents

  • CB Darious Williams  (Agreed to terms with the  Jaguars)
  • CB Donte Deayon
  • DT Sebastian Joseph Day (Agreed to terms with the Chargers)
  • OLB Von Miller (Agreed to terms with the Bills)
  • OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Agreed to terms with the Texans)
  • P Johnny Hekker (Agreed to terms with the Panthers)
  • S Antoine Brooks
  • LB Will Compton
  • LB Troy Reeder

2022 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • OT Andrew Whitworth retired this offseason.
  • Re-signed OT Joseph Noteboom to a three-year deal, OC Brian Allen to a three-year deal, WR-Ret Brandon Powell to a one-year deal and signed OL Coleman Shelton to an extension
  • Signed QB Matthew Stafford to a four-year extension
  • Placed a RFA tender on PK Matt Gay, LB Travin Howard
  • Agreed to terms with WR Allen Robinson (Bears) on three-year deal, LB Bobby Wagner (Seahawks) on a five-year deal, P Riley Dixon (Giants)
  • Traded WR Robert Woods to the Tennessee Titans for a 2023 sixth-round pick
  • Released P Johnny Hekker (signed with the Panthers)
  • Lost OLB Von Miller (Bills), OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Texans), DT Sebastian Joseph Day (Chargers), CB Darious Williams (Jaguars), P Johnny Hekker (Panthers), TE Johnny Mundt (Vikings), OT Austin Corbett (Panthers)

Arizona Cardinals

Offensive free agents

  • RB James Conner (re-signed)
  • RB Chase Edmonds (Agreed to terms with the Dolphins)
  • TE Zach Ertz (re-signed)
  • WR A.J. Green (re-signed)
  • WR Christian Kirk (Agreed to terms with the Jaguars)
  • QB Colt McCoy (re-signed)
  • TE Maxx Williams (re-signed)
  • TE Darrell Daniels
  • TE Demetrius Harris
  • OG Max Garcia (Agreed to terms with the Giants)

Defensive free agents

  • DE Chandler Jones (Agreed to terms with the Raiders)
  • LB Dennis Gardeck (re-signed)
  • LB Ezekial Turner (re-signed)
  • LB Jordan Hicks (released and signed with the Vikings)
  • CB Robert Alford
  • CB Antonio Hamilton
  • CB Breon Borders
  • S Charles Washington
  • DL Jack Crawford
  • S Chris Banjo
  • P Andy Lee (re-signed)
  • LS Aaron Brewer (re-signed)
  • DT Corey Peters

2022 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • GM Steve Keim and HC Kliff Kingsbury were given five-year contract extensions
  • Re-signed P Andy Lee, LS Aaron Brewer, LB Ezekial Turner, LB Dennis Gardeck to one-year deals.
  • Re-signed TE Zach Ertz on a three-year deal, QB Colt McCoy to a two-year deal, RB James Conner on a three-year deal, LB Dennis Gardeck on a three-year deal
  • Agreed to terms with LB Nick Vigil (Vikings), CB Jeff Gladney (Vikings), OG Will Hernandez (Giants), TE Stephen Anderson (Chargers)
  • Released LB Jordan Hicks (signed with the Vikings)
  • Lost DE Chandler Jones (Raiders), WR Christian Kirk (Jaguars), RB Chase Edmonds (Dolphins), OG Max Garcia (Giants)

Seattle Seahawks

Offensive free agents

  • LT Duane Brown
  • RB Alex Collins
  • TE Will Dissly (re-signed)
  • TE Gerald Everett (Agreed to terms with the Chargers)
  • OL Kyle Fuller (re-signed)
  • OL Jamarco Jones
  • RB Rashaad Penny (re-signed)
  • C Ethan Pocic
  • OT Brandon Shell
  • QB Geno Smith (re-signed)
  • WR John Ursua

Defensive free agents

  • S Quandre Diggs (re-signed)
  • DE Rasheem Green
  • DE Carlos Dunlap (designated post June 1 release)
  • CB Sidney Jones (re-signed)
  • CB Gavin Heslop
  • DB Blessaun Austin
  • DT Robert Nkemdiche
  • DB D.J. Reed
  • DT Al Woods (re-signed)
  • DE Benson Mayowa (released)
  • DE Kerry Hyder (released)
  • LB Bobby Wagner (released and signed with Rams)

2022 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Traded QB Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in exchange for QB Drew Lock, TE Noah Fant, DL Shelby Harris, 2022 first-round pick (9th overall), 2022 second-round pick (40th overall), 2022 fourth-round pick and a 2022 fifth-round pick. They also received a 2023 first-round pick and a 2023 second-round pick
  • Released LB Bobby Wagner (signed with Rams), designated a post June 1 release of DE Carlos Dunlap, released DE Kerry Hyder, DE Benson Mayowa
  • Re-signed S Quandre Diggs to a three-year deal, CB Sidney Jones, TE Will Dissly to a three-year deal, OL Kyle Fuller, RB Rashaad Penny to a one-year deal, DT Al Woods to a two-year deal, QB Geno Smith to a one-year deal
  • Agreed to terms with DT Quinton Jefferson (Raiders) on a two-year deal, OLB Uchenna Nwosu (Chargers) on a two-year deal, CB Artie Burns (Bears) on a one-year deal, G Austin Blythe (Chiefs) on a one-year deal, CB Justin Coleman (Dolphins), LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe (Bears)
  • Lost OL Jamarco Jones (Titans), DB D.J. Reed (Jets)

San Francisco 49ers

Offensive free agents

  • OG Laken Tomlinson (Agreed to terms with the Jets)
  • WR Richie James
  • RB Trenton Cannon (Agreed to terms with the Titans)
  • WR Trent Sherfield (Agreed to terms with the Dolphins)
  • C Jake Brendel (re-signed)
  • WR-Ret Travis Benjamin
  • OL Tom Compton (Agreed to terms with the Broncos)
  • WR Mohamed Sanu
  • TE Ross Dwelley
  • RB Jeff Wilson, Jr. (re-signed)
  • RB Raheem Mostert (Agreed to terms with the Dolphins)

Defensive free agents

  • DB Tarvaris Moore
  • DE Jordan Willis (re-signed)
  • DL Maurice Hurst
  • DE-OLB Arden Key
  • CB Dontae Johnson (re-signed)
  • S Tavon Wilson
  • S Jaquiski Tartt
  • LB Marcell Harris
  • CB Josh Norman
  • CB K’Waun Williams (Agreed to terms with the Broncos)
  • CB Jason Verrett
  • DT D.J. Jones (Agreed to terms with the Broncos)
  • DL Darrion Daniels

2022 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms with CB Charvarius Ward (Chiefs) on a three-year deal, CB Darqueze Dennard (Giants), S George Odum (Colts) on a three-year deal, LB Oren Burks (Packers) on a two-year deal, WR-Ret Ray-Ray McCloud (Steelers) on a two-year deal, DT Hassan Ridgeway (Eagles) on a one-year deal, DE Kerry Hyder (Seahawks) on a one-year deal
  • Re-signed DE Jordan Willis on a one-year deal, C Jake Brendel, RB Jeff Wilson, Jr.
  • Lost CB K’Waun Williams (Broncos), RB Raheem Mostert (Dolphins), RB Trenton Cannon (Titans), OG Laken Tomlinson (Jets), DT D.J. Jones (Broncos), WR Trent Sherfield (Dolphins), OL Tom Compton (Broncos)
  • Placed RFA tenders on OL Daniel Brunskill and LB Azeez Al-Shaair
NFC West, NFL, Articles, DraftNasty Throwbacks (Videos, Photos, Articles), NFL Draft Recap, 2019, 2019

2019 NFL Draft recap, pick-by-pick: NFC West

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    Murray (No. 1 pictured) was often tasked with finding passing lanes behind a mammoth offensive line in school.

 

Arizona

Cardinals

Notable Picks: Two-time executive of the year Steve Keim let the draft come to the team patiently.  It is a big reason he picked up a center who we felt was one of the best overall players in the draft in Gaillard.  He may be able to battle for a backup spot.  Miles was an underrated athlete and collegiate left tackle with a legitimate six-inch punch.  The trade of 2018 first-round pick Josh Rosen to the Miami Dolphins netted the team its second round pick (62nd overall), UMass WR Andy Isabella, and a fifth-round pick in 2020.  Allen is a heck of a football player and may have to provide a presence as an interior pass rusher after the team didn’t pick up a true outside rusher in the draft.
Round,

Selection,

 Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

 ‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (1) Kyler Murray QB/

Oklahoma

 17/1st Round Murray’s disciplined pocket approach is complemented by an ability to create once the pocket breaks down.  Whether or not the team did enough to address its offensive line is to debate, but it could be argued that its starting five is already in place.
2 (33) Byron

Murphy

 CB/

Washington

 24/2nd Round DraftNasty’s top-ranked corner has all of the tools to develop into a frontline starter. For this to be a value pick, he has to develop into at least an immediate starting nickel.
2 (62)

Acquired from Miami in the Josh Rosen trade

 Andy

Isabella

WR/UMass 137/3rd Round For better or worse, Isabella’s name will always be associated with Josh Rosen’s in terms of who got the better end of the deal.  In an offense where slot wide receivers have had large degrees of success on fade routes from the slot, Isabella’s speed will put pressure on defenses. He has been inconsistent tracking the ball down the field.
3 (65) Zach Allen DE/Boston College 190/3rd Round Allen gets as many points for batting down footballs as he does putting the quarterback on the ground.  In school he notched 14 pass break-ups, but he also tallied 40.5 tackles for losses. He is a feisty defensive end who excels at playing to half a man. 
5 (139) Deionte Thompson S/Alabama 66/2nd Round Although he is somewhat of a shoulder-block tackler, the 195-pound Thompson rarely runs away from contact.  Injuries clouded his postseason and left scouts wondering about his durability. 
6 (174) KeeSean Johnson WR/Fresno State 175/3rd Round One of the draft’s best route runners, Johnson plays a game that doesn’t rely completely on long speed.  He is adept at changing his speeds to achieve separation at the top of routes.  His ball skills are above average.
6 (179) Lamont

Gaillard

OL/Georgia 51/2nd Round We were bullish on Gaillard’s stock and certainly ranked him higher than most teams.  We like the fact that the former four-star recruit has experience at both OG and OC.  He has finishing DNA as a football player.
7 (248) Joshua Miles OL/Morgan State 227/4th Round Not many 314-pounders notch 36-inch vertical jumps.  This is a mere additive for the former Morgan State left tackle.  He became the first player from the school drafted since Visanthe Shiancoe in 2003 and just the second since 1982.
7 (249) Michael Dogbe DL/Temple 235/4th Round Dogbe translates perfectly as a four-technique DE for the Cardinals and his quick, slippery nature could get him looks at a three-technique position in Bear fronts.  He can play a number of spots in obvious pass rush situations, but he is sound defending the run versus reach or angle blocks.
7 (254) Caleb Wilson TE/UCLA 207/4th Round Mr. Irrelevant has 4.56 speed but limited thump as a point of attack blocker.  He became more willing in this regard as a cross-blocker when at the fullback or U-off position, but he is at his best after the catch or when working the seams of the field.

Collier (No. 91 pictured) had 14.5 quarterback sacks and 20.5 tackles for losses in 42 career games.

Seattle Seahawks Notable Picks: Fair or unfair, this draft may very well come down to a comparison between the team’s first-round pick L.J. Collier and the departed Frank Clark (Chiefs).  It shouldn’t.  GM John Schneider used the trade to pick up a 2020 second-round pick, swapped a third-rounder in 2019, and then traded its own first-rounder (21st overall) to the Green Bay Packers for its 30th pick in the first round and then picked up the 114th overall pick (4th round) and 118th overall pick (4th round).  After that, the ‘Hawks traded the 30th overall pick in the first round to the New York Giants for the 37th overall pick (2nd Round), a fourth-round pick (132nd overall) and a fifth-rounder (142nd overall). They used that fifth-round pick to select Washington LB Ben Burr-Kirven. What did they do with the 37th overall pick?  They traded it to the Panthers to get the 47th overall pick (Marquise Blair) and the 77th overall pick (3rd Rounder).  They used their other draft capital to trade back up into the third round with the Vikings to select Barton 88th overall while receiving the 209th overall pick (Christmas). There were other trades and moves that allowed a team with limited selections to end up grabbing 11 players, but you get the point.
Round,

Selection,

 Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

 ‘Nasty’ Take:
1(29)  L.J. Collier DE/TCU 125/3rd Round Collier was always a flex player for the Horned Frogs, but he arguably turned in his best season in 2018.  His improved play defending the run complemented an improvement when it came to setting up his pass rush moves.  He had two sacks, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble in the 2019 Senior Bowl. 
2 (47) Marquise Blair S/Utah 58/2nd Round It would not at all be a surprise to see Blair employed as a potential cornerback.  We felt as if his fluidity could work at the position, much like the safety the Seahawks took a season ago in Tre Flowers.  Blair, however, is unique in his skill at translating speed-to-power on contact as a tackler.  Will his frame hold up with his violent playing style?
2 (64) D.K. Metcalf WR/Ole Miss 37/2nd Round Metcalf’s lack of production can be attributed to a lack of repetitions due to injuries, some of them fairly major in nature.  When healthy, the former Rebel has demonstrated range, power and tracking skill down the field.  Can he put it all together as a route runner?      
3 (88) Cody Barton LB/Utah 177/3rd Round Although Barton presents a tad bit of stiffness, he often corrects his angles of pursuit.  Barton projects as a Will linebacker.  The former high school DB has awareness in coverage and can contribute in sub-packages.
4 (120) Gary Jennings WR/West Virginia 116/3rd Round The Seahawks continue to load up on wideouts with the uncertain status of WR Doug Baldwin.  Jennings impressed outside the numbers in the postseason after winning for most of his career in the slot with toughness and 4.4 speed. 
4 (124) Phil Haynes OL/Wake Forest 165/3rd Round Haynes competed well at the guard spot after initially playing the right tackle position earlier in his career.  His length will serve him well as a backup at both guard spots initially, but he has starting potential.
4 (132) Ugo Amadi All-Purpose/Oregon 271/4th Round Amadi’s ability to return punts is supplemented with an ability to cover the slot, contribute off the hash and as an eighth man in the box. 
5 (142) Ben

Burr-Kirven

 LB/

Washington

 200/4th Round The former high school track & field runner was often a blur running by his teammates on his way to an FBS-best 176 tackles.  His segmented nature, however, does result in some misses in space.  The former Husky reads the eyes of the QB well in zone coverage. 
6 (204) Travis Homer RB/Miami (Fla.) 170/3rd Round The team values special teams production and it doesn’t get much better than Homer’s 22 career tackles.  In-between running down at the gunner spot or on kickoff coverage, Homer used his 4.4 speed to rush for over 900 yards in back-to-back seasons. 
6 (209)

Compensatory pick acquired via Minnesota

 Demarcus Christmas DL/Florida State 254/4th Round There is still a place for Christmas on an NFL roster.  While most point to his lack of sack production, it is worth noting that he broke up 13 passes in his career. 
7 (236)

Acquired from Jacksonville via Baltimore

 John Ursua WR/Hawaii 413/5th Round Ursua finished his career with 189 receptions and 24 TDs while averaging over 14 yards per catch.  He has been an effective slot receiver and could add a different element of quickness in the slot.  His injury history is a concern at just 178 pounds.

Bosa, pictured, did 29 reps at 225 pounds at the 2019 NFL Combine and recorded a 4.14 20-yard short shuttle.

 

San

Francisco 49ers

Notable Pick: Over the last three years GM John Lynch has put together a talented roster. His draft picks from this year continue to indicate he is intent on building it through the draft.  Samuel and Bosa are the headliners, but both have extensive injury histories. They need to stay healthy.  If he has as much success with his 2019 third round pick (Hurd) as he had with his 2018 selection (Fred Warner), this draft could land high marks in a couple of years.
Round,

Selection,

 Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

 ‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (2) Nick Bosa Ohio State 3/1st Round Bosa has all of the tools to become a potent bookend at the DE spot opposite Dee Ford.  We think he will provide matchup problems if aligned on the left side versus the tackles of the Rams, Seahawks and Cardinals. Can he stay healthy?
2 (36) Deebo Samuel All-Purpose/

South

Carolina

 69/2nd Round In 30 career games, Samuel scored 32 touchdowns.  There was a marked difference when we viewed him early in the season as opposed to the postseason (due to past injury issues).  He has had injury scrapes in each of his seasons on campus.  If not, he may have been a Top 15 pick. 
3 (67) Jalen Hurd WR/Baylor, Tennessee 97/3rd Round Hurd could have made an impact at the 2019 Senior Bowl, but was unable to participate due to injury. After starring as a running back early in his career at Tennessee, he impressed with his work in the slot at Baylor in 2018.  The big question he faces is whether he can be as effective outside the numbers.
4 (110)

Acquired from Cincinnati

 Mitch

Wishnowsky

 P/Utah 451/5th Round Wishnowsky has a wide repertoire of punts.  From the running rugby-style (which he won’t use) version, he’s executed the now popular hook punt.  We think he can perfect this and some of his other punts from a traditional punting platform, which he executed from on occasion with success.  His highest hang times got up into the high 4-second range, but he was generally capable in the 4.6-range depending on the style of kick. He can also kickoff.
5 (148)

Acquired from Denver

 Dre

Greenlaw

 LB/Arkansas 186/3rd Round The operative thinking is that Greenlaw will just provide depth as a fourth or fifth LB who could see time in sub-packages.  However, we think he could challenge Malcolm Smith in due time.
6 (176) Kaden Smith TE/Stanford 241/4th Round Smith was one of the best tight ends in this year’s draft at making contested catches on seam passes.  If he can overcome his pedestrian speed to earn a roster spot, he could allow Kyle Shanahan to incorporate some two tight end receiving sets.
6 (183)

Acquired from Cincinnati

 Justin Skule OT/Vanderbilt 389/5th Round Skule will have every opportunity to grab the third tackle spot behind Staley and McGlinchey.  He’s probably best suited to backup McGlinchey, who he is nearly identical to in terms of size and quickness.  He played LT as a senior at Vanderbilt, but he did start at RT in school. 
6 (198)

Acquired from Cincinnati via Dallas

 Tim Harris CB/Virginia 226/4th Round Harris is a developmental draft pick in the mold of former third-rounders Tarvarius Moore and Ahkeilo Witherspoon.  Moore started two games in 2018 and Witherspoon has quietly started 21 games in two seasons. Harris’ durability question marks overshadowed 4.4 speed and decent foot quickness.

 

Henderson (No. 8 pictured) averaged 8.9 yards per carry for the Tigers in 2018 and scored 25 touchdowns.

 

Los Angeles Rams Notable Picks: Despite not having a first-round pick, many would argue that the Rams got better value than each of their picks in the first three rounds.  We had Rapp ranked lower than some teams and Long earned a second-round grade from us.  Grabbing Gaines in the third round had to feel like a coup for the team.  The pick of Scott in the seventh round was the classic ode to special teams coordinator John Fassel, a future NFL head coach.  Scott was Penn State’s best special teams player in each of the last two seasons.
Round,

Selection,

 Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

 ‘Nasty’ Take:
2 (61) Taylor Rapp S/

Washington

 94/3rd Round Rapp had a chance to go even higher had he put together a better 40-yard dash time (4.7), but he excelled in short area change of direction drills (3.99 20-yd SS, 6.82 3-cone).  On the field, he is a player who carries his pads.  He needs a lot of work timing his breaks when working off the hash marks.
3 (70) Darrell

Henderson

 RB/

Memphis

 154/3rd Round We spotlighted the explosive Henderson early in the year when he was averaging an insane amount of yards per carry.  In years past, the Rams have had bigger runners backing up Todd Gurley but this is a departure from that philosophy.  Henderson is an underrated receiver out of the backfield (15.5 YPR in 2018).
3 (79) David Long CB/Michigan 79/2nd Round The former high school wideout and U.S. Army All-American displays outstanding competitiveness in man coverage. He didn’t play quite as big as he measured in at during the postseason, but his flexibility is above average.
4 (134)

Acquired from New England

 Greg Gaines DT/

Washington

 106/3rd Round The nimble Gaines can translate speed-to-power when pushing the pocket and is underrated as a two-gapping force.  Gaines has even stood up to rush from the edge.
5 (169) David

Edwards

OT/

Wisconsin

 288/4th Round Edwards has some technique flaws but his hip flexibility and footwork are both adequate.  The light-footed former TE battled through injury in 2018.  He needs to play lower to earn a roster spot.
7 (243) Nick Scott S/Penn State 438/5th Round The pick of Scott in the seventh round was the classic ode to special teams coordinator John Fassel, a future NFL head coach.  Scott was Penn State’s best special teams player in each of the last two seasons.  In 2018, he began to find another gear in pass coverage as well. 
7 (251) Dakota Allen LB/Texas Tech 218/4th Round Allen trusts his eyes and delivers on contact at a violent clip. The two-time team captain overcame off the field troubles to become one of the Red Raiders team leaders. His short area change of direction rivals that of many of the class’ top defensive backs.