NFC West drafts welcome Aaron Donald, Michael Sam, Paul Richardson in strong weekend

Our man Wes Hanson is breaking down the roster additions for each of the 49ers opponents, but while he is powering through that, I thought it would be good to take a look at the 2014 NFL Draft additions for the three NFC West teams. The NFC West as a whole did a solid job over the three days of the draft. The Seahawks had arguably the worst performance of the four teams, and even in that light they add some intriguing projects that hold strong long-term value. I've posted a video above with some grades from the studio, and below are some thoughts on each team. You can check out Nick and Trevor's grades HERE.

Arizona Cardinals

1 (27). Deone Bucannon, SS, Washington State
2 (52). Troy Niklas, TE, Notre Dame
3 (84). Kareem Martin, DE, North Carolina
3 (91). John Brown, WR, Pittsburg State
4 (120). Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
5 (160). Ed Stinson, DE, Alabama
6 (196). Walt Powell, WR, Murray State

The Cardinals added to an already strong secondary by grabbing Bucannon in the first round. It's not exciting to have to face that defense, but as a general football fan, it's easy to get excited about the talent out there. Niklas is primarily a blocking tight end, but he could potentially do just enough in the passing game to move right into the starting lineup. Arguably the most intriguing pick might be Logan Thomas. He could end up doing nothing in the NFL, and some have even joked he'll switch to tight end. However, there is some measure of talent there, so keep an eye out.

St. Louis Rams

1 (2). Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
1 (13). Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
2 (41). Lamarcus Joyner, CB, Florida State
3 (75). Tre Mason, RB, Auburn
4 (110). Mo Alexander, SS, Utah State
6 (188). E.J. Gaines, CB, Missouri
6 (214). Garrett Gilbert, QB, SMU
7 (226). Mitchell Van Dyk, OT, Portland State
7 (241). C.B. Bryant, FS, Ohio State
7 (249). Michael Sam, DE, Missouri
7 (250). Demtrius Rhaney, C, Tennessee State

The St. Louis Rams put together one of the top drafts in the league. They added some serious bulk to the offensive and defensive line with their two 1st round picks. Robinson will start his NFL career at guard, while Donald will move right into the middle of that defensive line. As some have pointed out, you could argue that while the Seahawks probably have the best secondary in the league, and the 49ers probably have the best linebackers in the league, the Rams probably now have the best defensive line in the league. It's going to be kind of filthy.

The Rams did a great job top to bottom, and I would be remiss if I did not mention the Michael Sam pick. The Rams used the first of two sevenths on Sam, with Jeff Fisher pulling the trigger on this one. Who knows how Sam will work out, especially given the depth this team has along the line. However, he gets his chance, and that's all he has been looking for. A chance to play football. He stays close to where he went to school, and goes to a place with a strong head coach, and a solid defensive line coach. I have to admit, I'll be paying close attention to this story as it develops.

Seattle Seahawks

2 (45). Paul Richardson, WR, Colorado
2 (64). Justin Britt, OT, Missouri
4 (108). Cassius Marsh, DE, UCLA
4 (123). Kevin Norwood, WR, Alabama
4 (132). Kevin Pierre-Louis, OLB, Boston College
5 (172). Jimmy Staten, DT, Middle Tennessee State
6 (199). Garrett Scott, OT, Marshall
6 (208). Eric Pinkins, FS, San Diego State
7 (227). Kiero Small, RB, Arkansas

The Seahawks went with more of a speed guy in Richardson as they look to replace Golden Tate in the passing game. Given that we can probably guess that Percy Harvin will struggle to stay on the field, Richardson could see a lot of playing time as a rookie. Justin Britt will also compete right off the bat at right tackle, while Marsh will get a chance to fill some of the gaps on the line. They might have some reaches in there, but I'll give the Seahawks the benefit of the doubt for now.