Field Gulls
The Seahawks’ division rivals are not short on draft picks.
The NFC West has been as tough a division as it gets for over a decade. Last season the San Francisco 49ers locked up the No. 1 seed in the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams rallied from a 3-6 start to make the playoffs at 10-7, the Seattle Seahawks finished 9-8 but just missed out on a postseason spot, and even the Cardinals were more competitive than their 4-13 record indicated. In all likelihood, it’ll be another dog fight to emerge from this division with a winning record and a playoff berth.
On the eve of the NFL Draft, here’s a rundown of the Seahawks’ NFC West rivals and their respective draft situations.
Picks: 10
Round 1, No. 31
Round 2, No. 63
Round 3, No. 94
Round 3, No. 98
Round 4, No. 125
Round 4, No. 132
Round 5, No. 176
Round 6, No. 214
Round 6, No. 215
Round 7, No. 230
Round 7, No. 249
Top draft needs: OL, WR, CB
Trent Williams will be 36 and eventually he won’t be playing at an elite level anymore. The 49ers offensive line was surprisingly not that good last year, but Kyle Shanahan is a mad scientist who’s been able to mitigate that. They’re very much in the hunt for tackles and guards.
The cornerback position outside of Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir is probably the weakest spot on the 49ers defense. I don’t rule out San Francisco looking at interior defensive line but it’s not as big a need as getting another starting caliber CB.
Wide receiver? Well let’s just head straight for the next topic.
Top storyline to watch: Brandon Aiyuk on the block?
Approaching the end of his rookie contract, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has not received that big money extension. The rumors are swirling that the 49ers could trade Aiyuk on draft day and land a high pick in return. Aiyuk is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and has been San Francisco’s leader in receptions and yards over Deebo Samuel.
It’s distinctly possible we see Aiyuk dealt and the 49ers drafting a receiver early. They also lost the Super Bowl again but that’s neither here nor there.
Picks: 11
Round 1, No. 19
Round 2, No. 52
Round 3, No. 83
Round 3, No. 98
Round 5, No. 153
Round 5, No. 154
Round 6, No. 191
Round 6, No. 209
Round 6, No. 213
Round 6, No. 217
Round 7, No. 254
Top draft needs: DT, OT, EDGE, WR
You might have heard and celebrated the news of Aaron Donald’s retirement. That suddenly opens up a gigantic void in the heart of the Rams defense. Perhaps it’s a void that will be filled by Byron Murphy II. Kobie Turner was a revelation for LA on the interior but how will he perform without Donald?
The Rams have solidified the interior...
