The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday night. All 32 teams have been scouring their big boards for the best players available. I’m going through every division and analyzing every team’s biggest need. Here’s a full breakdown of the NFC West.
The Cardinals are looking ahead to 2027 for their franchise quarterback. They released Kyler Murray, and they’re seemingly rolling with veteran Jacoby Brissett. In the meantime, they’ll be focused on building out a strong roster.
Arizona should prioritize the offensive line here, but strengthening the defense is just as important. They ranked 24th in pass yards allowed per game (230.8), 25th in rush yards allowed per game (126.9), and 28th in sacks (30). To make matters worse, they ranked 29th in points allowed per game (28.7).
Arizona holds the third overall pick in the Draft, and they can go one of two ways with it. Miami’s offensive tackle, Francis Mauigoa, is a top candidate, along with his teammate, defensive end Rueben Bain Jr.
The Cardinals need to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Texas Tech’s David Bailey and Ohio State’s Sonny Styles could be game-changers. The New York Jets hold the second pick. Depending on who they choose, Ohio State’s Arvell Reese could be on the board here.
The Rams could target an offensive lineman in the first round, and likely will. One position that is creeping up on them is wide receiver. Davante Adams is 33 years old, and Puka Nacua is in a bit of hot water off the field.
Following Adams and Nacua, LA’s receiver room consists of Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Brennan Presley, and Xavier Smith. If the Rams use their first rounder on a lineman, their second should go toward a receiver.
The Rams’ first-round options could see them target USC’s Makai Lemon, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, and Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. In the second round, they could look to Alabama’s Germie Bernard, Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell, and Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt.
LA holds picks 13 and 61 in this year’s Draft. After acquiring cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs, they’ll likely build on the offense this weekend. There are plenty of receivers available in every round of the Draft, many of whom could benefit in a Sean McVay system.
The 49ers need wide receiver help in this Draft. Brandon Aiyuk is essentially out the door already, and Jauan Jennings isn’t signed to a new deal yet. They acquired Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, but may look for more long-term options.
The Niners would be wise to upgrade the offensive line this weekend. They ranked 24th in the league in rush yards per game (106.9) despite Christian McCaffrey being healthy for most of the year. The star running back is 29 years old, and given his injury history, he might have only a few highly productive seasons left.
Another factor for San Francisco is the impending loss of Trent Williams. The multiple-time All-Pro tackle is turning 38 in July and dealt with an ankle injury in the final weeks of 2025.
The 49ers hold the 27th overall pick in the Draft. Clemson’s Blake Miller, Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor, and Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor are all viable options in that range.
The Seahawks are fresh off a dominant Super Bowl victory, largely thanks to their “Dark Side” defense. They ranked third in rushing yards allowed per game (91.9) and topped the league in points allowed per game (17.2).
Seattle lost safety Coby Bryant, cornerback Riq Woolen, and linebacker Boye Mafe. They’ll be looking to reload the defense that took home the Lombardi Trophy.
The most likely candidate for the Seahawks at pick 32 is Tennessee’s Colton Hood. The cornerback is my pick for them in my latest mock Draft. He’s ranked 34th on PFF and could fit in perfectly with Mike MacDonald’s scheme.
The Seahawks could also hope for Clemson’s Avieon Terrell to fall into their laps. If they wait until the second round, Arizona’s Treydan Stukes and Ohio State’s Davison Igbinosun will be legitimate options at 64th overall.
The NFC West saw three teams reach the Playoffs last season. The Rams and Seahawks met in the NFC Championship after splitting wins in the regular season. This division is highly competitive, and any pick in this Draft could completely turn the tide.
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