NFL Draft 2024 needs for 49ers, Rams, Seahawks, and Cardinals in NFC South, plus pick breakdown
We have made it dear reader.
No, not to the 2024 NFL Draft. We have one more sleep until the first round kicks off from Detroit on Thursday night. No, we have made it to the end of our division-by-division tour of NFL Draft needs. A journey that began in the AFC East with the New England Patriots comes to an end in the NFC West, with the San Francisco 49ers, the Seattle Seahawks, the Los Angeles Rams, and the team picking behind New England, that may hold the keys to the entire draft.
The Arizona Cardinals.
If you are looking for the rest of the divisions, we have you covered:
If you are here for these four teams, please read on.
We kick things off with the defending NFC Champions.
San Francisco made a number of additions along the defensive front this offseason, adding Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos, Jordan Elliott, and Maliek Collins. That should allow John Lynch to address other needs on the defensive side of the football, notably cornerback. Adding depth at linebacker, in the wake of Dre Greenlaw’s Super Bowl injury, is a likely move on Day Three.
But do not be surprised if the 49ers start on offense, particularly the offensive line. Graham Barton, Jordan Morgan, Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Tyler Guyton are popular picks for San Francisco in the first round. Depending on how the 49ers handle Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver could be a need, and a pressing one at that Thursday night. Then there is tight end. George Kittle remains one of the game’s best, but he turns 31 this fall and San Francisco might think about adding at that position from an intriguing TE class.
San Francisco 49ers draft selections
The retirement of Aaron Donald makes DT a need, but perhaps not a pressing one. Last year Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Kobie Turner is back to help solidify the defensive line, and while the Rams likely add depth at that position, they probably look elsewhere early. If they want to address the defense with their first-round pick, cornerback and EDGE are options.
On offense, Alaric Jackson and Joseph Noteboom are heading into free agency after this season, so tackle could be an option early. The Rams could also use help at kicker, as well as running back and wide receiver.
Oh, and despite drafting Stetson Bennett last year, they could consider a Matthew Stafford succession plan.
It seems like a lot, but they have 11 picks to work with.
Los Angeles Rams draft selections
Expect the Seattle Seahawks to focus on the defensive side of the football this weekend.
And not just because of new head coach Mike Macdonald.
EDGE, defensive tackle, and linebacker loom as needs for the Seahawks, even with the return of Leonard Williams. Adding on the interior of the defensive line, as well as on the EDGE and the second level, should be key. While Seattle did add Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson in free agency, more talent is needed at those spots.
On offense, some depth would be a good investment, and the team could also bolster their tight end group. The acquisition of Sam Howell and the contract status of Geno Smith means that QB is not a position Seattle addresses early, but do not be surprised if you see a late Day Three pick at the position.
Seattle Seahawks draft selections
We close out this draft preview series with the team that could hold the keys to the entire weekend.
The Arizona Cardinals.
With quarterbacks expected to come off the board with the first three selection, Arizona is in the catbird seat picking at No. 4. A team desperate for a quarterback — say the New York Giants and/or the Minnesota Vikings to name a few options — could offer a massive package if a passer they covet is still available.
Or the Cardinals could stay pat and take their favorite non-QB available, who many anticipate would be wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
WR is certainly a need for Arizona, and even if they draft Harrison or another WR they like at No. 4 do not be surprised if the Cardinals double-dip at the position. They could also use some running back depth, as well as some help in the inside. Defensively, a top flight corner would be a smart investment, as would be some help on the defensive front.
But with three picks in the top 35 (and six in the top 90) expect Arizona to add a lot of talent this weekend.
Arizona Cardinals draft selections
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5 of May 2024
