This is the fourth in a series of eight 2020 NFL Draft posts that will cover who teams should, could, and ultimately will end up drafting in the first round. Today we look at the NFC West.
Arizona Cardinals
Should. The Cardinals have the 8th pick in the draft. The acquisition of DeAndre Hopkins makes taking a receiver this high unnecessary. They need to work on protecting their number one overall pick from last year. Jedrick Wills Jr. should be the pick.
Could. They could take CeeDee Lamb and reunite the Oklahoma WR with his former QB. Given how often Kliff Kingsbury utilized four-WR sets, this would not be a terrible decision. However, there are too many other holes on both sides of the ball that Arizona needs to address. They can take care of adding a quality rookie receiver later in the draft.
Will. The team has stated they are still considering WR even after the Hopkins trade. This sounds like bait for a team to trade up. I see the Cardinals trading down and acquiring more draft capital in this and next year’s drafts.
Los Angeles Rams
Should. The Rams do not have a first-round pick this year. Or next year, for that matter. This was a result of mortgaging their future in exchange for Jalen Ramsey. Should they have done this? Very few players are worth a first-round draft pick. Even fewer players are worth two first and one second-round pick. Unless Ramsey enjoys a hall of fame career with Los Angeles, this was likely a mistake.
Could. The Rams could trade into the first round, but this would be very difficult. They would have to absolutely be in love with a prospect. Additionally, they would have to give up players in addition to picks.
Will. The Rams will observe the first round and maybe take the time to think about how much money they will pay Ramsey.
San Francisco 49ers
Should. The 49ers have two first-round picks (#13 and #31). They hit on Deebo Samuel last year. Adding another quality receiver will help the team greatly. They do not need to do this with the 13th pick. That selection should be used for either DT Derrick Brown or CB C.J. Henderson.
Neither one of those players would have to perform right away. Brown or Henderson could sit and learn behind established veterans for at least a year. Pick #31 should be traded to a team eager to get into the first round, like Los Angeles or Houston.
Could. The 49ers could take a top WR if either Lamb, Jerry Jeudy, or Henry Ruggs III are still available. This is the flashy move, but not the smartest. This would leave them with DT or CB as a need at pick #31.
Will. The 49ers will draft the best available player at #13 if they are in love with a potential defensive star or offensive lineman. Otherwise, they will trade down and then possibly use their #31 pick to trade up if another highly graded player on their board falls.
Seattle Seahawks
Should. The Seahawks have the 27th pick. Offensive tackle is a need, but the Seahawks hate addressing offensive line. Joshua Jones is likely available at this position next Thursday and is the player the Seahawks should take.
Could. The Seahawks love trading down. This will definitely be an option with plenty of teams itching to get into the first round.
Will. If CB Kristian Fulton falls to this spot, the Seahawks should not think twice. If he does not, Patrick Queen is arguably the top linebacker in this draft and would go a long way to resurrecting a once-feared defense in Seattle.
