Looking at the rest of the NFC West’s first round

The San Francisco 49ers are the clear favorites in the NFC West. If 2019 wasn’t enough evidence, look no further than the first round of the NFL Draft. Both teams that had a selection took a prospect to stop the Niners’ best player. The Rams didn’t have a first-round pick. They traded theirs away for Jalen Ramsey. Coming into the draft, San Francisco was the best team, and after the first round, nothing has changed. Let’s look at the other three teams.

Arizona - Football player, Isaiah Simmons

Simmons is a stud in coverage. I’m curious to see how Arizona uses him. George Kittle vs. Simmons will bee must-see TV. Simmons is a great player; there is no denying that. What isn’t talked about is Simmons is more of a linear athlete than mentioned. Angles and tackling in space was an issue last year. If the Cardinals use Simmons as a deep safety, Kyle Shanahan will have a field day. Simmons’ instincts are questionable; the further you get away from the line of scrimmage.

Seattle - LB Jordyn Brooks

The Seahawks drafted a run-stopping linebacker in the first round. Do you think they know it’s 2020? Brooks is a good player, don’t get me wrong. You can make a strong argument that he’s the best run-stopping LB in the draft. How much value is there in stopping the run? Brooks was No. 65 on PFF’s big board. This is the definition of a reach, though. Brooks didn’t make any plays in coverage at Texas Tech and looked a bit stiff when asked to change directions. Seattle is banking on Brooks’ athleticism over his skillset, which is a dangerous game to play.

Rams

The Rams restructured Jared Goff’s contract to free up $7 million. They are still doing everything to claw their way out of the salary cap basement. Trading two first-rounders for Ramsey was risky, and it’ll be hilarious when Ramsey refuses to sign an extension and walks away in free agency. The Rams have four picks on Day 2, so we’ll how Los Angeles fills out their roster.