The NFL Draft is sadly over, but that doesn’t mean it has to stop being talked about, analyzed, and looked at to see which teams made out the best or worst. Plus, every team made a move that, in one way or another, affected your dynasty team or the dynasty fantasy football world in general. Whether you play IDP, Superflex, 1QB, or another variation, the NFL Draft impacts all of it. Below, I’ll be going over the NFC West and providing my Draft Grades on each of the teams in that division. Plus, there will be some dynasty analysis over each team’s picks and how that move affects the NFL team and the players in the dynasty world.
Seattle Seahawks: A-
- Highlights: Devon Witherspoon, Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Zach Charbonnet, Kenny McIntosh, and Derick Hall
The Seahawks had a stellar draft that royally tanked some dynasty grades and spots, but made their team a far superior team compared to last year. They got the CB1 in the draft in Witherspoon. He’s the rare cornerback that could be IDP-worthy as he is relentless in pursuing the ball carrier and always makes the tackle. He has gifted hands for interceptions and seems to always know where the ball is going. He’s going to be a star. Seattle also drafted Derick Hall and Kenny McIntosh, two depth players at EDGE and running back. Neither have any dynasty appeal but are names to remember for the future.
There were two massive dynasty moves the Seahawks made in drafting JSN and Charbonnet. The latter is now stuck in a time-share with Kenneth Walker III, which sinks both of their dynasty stock. Yes, they both are second-round picks, but Charbs had shown the ability to pass-catch and be a three-down back. Now, he won’t get that chance to play full-time. He will get more playing time than KW3 most likely due to the pass-catching abilities and pass-blocking, but this definitely drops him from the RB3 rookie spot. It also drops KW3 RB1/2 dynasty value too. It’s a tough spot, but take Charbs late first, early second.
JSN on the other hand now will be a WR3 to start his career instead of a WR1/2 on an NFL team. This is a bummer because he has the ability to be far more than a temporary player. However, Lockett is older and should start to slow down. That allows JSN to be the WR2 as fast as next year while being one of the best wide receiver handcuffs in the NFL. He’s still worth a mid-first. His talent is too good to be held down for long, but his addition does hurt DK Metcalf and especially Tyler Lockett. There’s much less volume for them now.
Los Angeles Rams: B+
- Highlights: Steve Avila, Byron Young, Stetson Bennett, Puka Nacua, Zach Evans
The Rams didn’t make any significant dynasty additions aside from the names above. The rest of their draft involved depth guys to fill out their bare-bones roster as they are clearly tanking for 2023. How else do you explain their 14 draft picks and not even a three-fourths-filled roster? Zach Evans is an interesting name as he has plenty of talent but extreme character concerns. He is worth a deep shot in your rookie draft as he could play his way into a decent amount of time.
Puka is a deep-flier for your dynasty team as he has the ability to serve as the Rams’ deep threat with Stafford. Puka isn’t a supreme talent but can make all the necessary plays and has plenty of speed. Watch for him late in drafts. Byron Young is a name to remember for IDP because if he can get a ton of free lanes to rush the passer thanks to Donald’s presence, he could rack up the points. Bennett’s a name to remember in case anything happens to Stafford as he’s the next man up. Avila will help the entire Rams offense, so expect more rushing and passing yards.
San Francisco 49ers: B+
- Highlights: Ji’Ayir Brown, Cameron Latu, Ronnie Bell, Dee Winters, Jake Moody
The 49ers had plenty of picks in this draft to replace the depth lost in free agency, but their first pick wasn’t until the third round. Hence why there are not a ton of big names in the highlights. Bell is a name to remember in case of injuries on the 49ers. Latu should be a guy to watch if he starts spelling Kittle or Kittle gets hurt, Latu is a must-have. This is especially true if Brock Purdy starts. As for IDP, Brown is a name to know and draft. He’s a talented safety capable of covering or playing in the box. He has good hands and knows how to read the quarterback. Don’t be shocked if he far outdoes what Jimmie Ward did for them last year. Brown has future DB2/3 all over him.
Arizona Cardinals: A+
- Highlights: Paris Johnson Jr., B.J. Ojulari, Garrett Williams, Michael Wilson, Owen Pappoe, Clayton Tune, Multiple 2024 Early-Round Picks
The Cardinals stole the show in the first round by navigating multiple trades. They moved down from three to six to then up to twelve. It was an impressive display by new GM Monti Ossenfort. He secured the Texans’ 2024 First-Round pick which is looking to be top-five. Beyond that, he secured a massive tackle, the best in the draft, that will finally help protect Kyler Murray and James Conner. Ojulari is a name to remember in the late rounds of your IDP rookie draft. He’s talented and set for a large workload. A high amount of snaps always helps you get IDP points.
Wilson is a fine WR3 for the Cardinals and a name to watch in round three or four. He will have a dynasty impact in the future if the Cardinals move Hopkins. Tune should be remembered as he’s Arizona’s long-term backup quarterback which is important due to Murray’s injury proclivity. The Cardinals are rebuilding. This is how you do it by getting seven picks in the first three rounds for next year. Plus, they got high-end talent this year.
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As always, May the Force be with you…
