2023 NFL Draft: NFC West Rookie Projections

Let’s take a look at how each selection of the 2023 NFL Draft fits in with their new teams for the NFC West.

Author:
Zack Patraw
Publish date:
May 26, 2023 9:08 AM EDT

The NFC West features some of the greatest head coaches in the NFL. There are Super Bowl Champions such as Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks and Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams. Plus, whizzes such as San Francisco 49ers offensive mastermind Kyle Shanahan and new to the party, Arizona Cardinals defensive guru Jonathan Gannon, who is tasked with attempting to slow down some of these high-octane offenses out in the wild west.

No team was hotter down the stretch than the 49ers, who rode a 10-game regular season win streak into the playoffs after their acquisition of Christian McCaffrey at the NFL trade deadline. San Francisco was unable to sustain a healthy quarterback, which ultimately led to their demise. However, the roster remains very much intact and they are re-loaded for another run, presumably with Brock Purdy in the saddle. Another team entering the year with injuries at quarterback will be Arizona, as Kyler Murray could miss the first half of the season due to ACL surgery. Possibly a reason why general manager Monti Ossenfort chose to trade down and stockpile picks, as this could be used as a redshirt year with a rookie head coach.

Ready to pounce would be the Seattle Seahawks who earned a wildcard spot last season and improved themselves more than any other team in the division. Injecting the lethal playmaking ability of Jaxson Smith Njigba into the fray with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett could take Geno Smith to even greater heights. On defense, they have assembled what just might be the best secondary in the NFL once again. Seattle is locked and loaded and it would appear that 2022 Best Draft Award winner John Schneider has done it again with another successful roster flip.

Did the Rams just hit reset? Based on their wheeling and dealing during the draft, it would seem that way. Coming off a season in which the franchise lost more games (11) than any other previous Super Bowl Champions, Los Angeles added 14 players via the draft and signed another 26 undrafted free agent rookies, for a grand total of 40 first-year players who will compete for a job on the 53-man roster. Regardless of the outcome, this is sure to be one the most intense training camps in the country.

As we conclude our 2023 ‘Rookie Impact’ series, let’s take a look at how each selection of the 2023 NFL Draft fits in with their new teams for the NFC West, plus projections on how they might perform in year one. For year-round coverage of the NFL Draft, be sure to subscribe to our All Access Football Newsletter.

ARIZONA CARDINALS [OVERALL ROOKIE IMPACT RATING = 73.8]

Rd1.No.6. Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State: An immediate impact starter, the new Arizona brass stockpiled picks by trading out of the three spot and adding an anchor in Johnson to plug-in along the offensive line; he’s expected to play left guard. Projection: 17 starts. Impact Factor: 8.6

Rd2.No.41 BJ Ojulari, OLB, LSU: Look for head coach Jonathan Gannon to maximize the pass-rush ability of Ojulari who might emerge as the most explosive edge rusher on the roster. Projection: 14 games played, eight starts, 44 tackles, six sacks, nine tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 8.1

Rd3.No.72 Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse: Possibly a first round talent had he not tore his ACL, Williams will be a dependable nickelback for many years to come if the injury turns out to be an abbreviation. Projection: 11 games played, four starts, 23 tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception. Impact Factor: 7.5

Rd3.No.94 Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford: A hard-nosed, refined route runner who has experience on all four special teams units, Wilson is sure to contribute in various ways this upcoming season. Projection: 10 games played, five starts, 32 catches, 395 receiving yards, two touchdowns. Impact Factor: 7.4

Rd4.No.122 Jon Gaines II, OG, UCLA: Known for his smarts and position flexibility, Gaines has played every position along the offensive line but fits best at center; one of the best value selections of the entire draft. Projection: 17 games played, 14 starts. Impact Factor: 8.0

Rd5.No.139 Clayton Tune, QB, Houston: The Cardinals should be out of contention pretty early. With Kyler Murray coming off injury, don’t be surprised to see the mechanically fine Tune get a few spot starts as an alternative option to Colt McCoy. Projection: nine games, five starts, 94 completions, 145 attempts, 1,050 passing yards, 165 rushing yards, six touchdowns, nine interceptions. Impact Factor: 6.9

Rd5.No.168 Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn: Able to cover lots of ground laterally, Pappoe is speedy, quick and swarms to the football—he can be a valuable backup at multiple linebacker spots. Projection: 12 games played, 38 tackles. Impact Factor: 6.5

Rd6.No.180 Kei’Trel Clark, CB, Louisville: One of the dominant players from the East-West Shrine Bowl, it was shocking to see him still on the board. He’s a strong candidate to outplay his draft position. Projection: 15 games played, nine starts, 41 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, one interception. Impact Factor: 6.8

Rd6.No213 Dante Stills, DT, West Virginia: With a unit full of unestablished veterans ailing the defensive line and the Cardinals expected to be out of contention by the bye week, Stills could get a look-see as a spot starter too see how he fits in the long-term. Projection: 14 games played, seven starts, 21 tackles, one and a half tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 6.7

LOS ANGELES RAMS [OVERALL ROOKIE IMPACT RATING = 68.4]

Rd2.No.36 Rams – Steve Avila, OL, TCU: A well-rounded technician, Avila lacks lower body strength but makes up for it with ‘know how’ and can compete as a starter at guard, or center. Projection: 17 starts. Impact Factor: 8.0

Rd3.No.77 Byron Young, DE, Tennessee: While Young doesn’t bring the potential upside as some of the pass-rushers chosen ahead of him, he does own a high floor and is a clean prospect in terms of polish and experience. Projection: 13 games played, 11 games started, 35 tackles, four sacks, seven tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 6.9

Rd3.No.89 Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest: It was wise to inject some young legs into the defensive line rotation. Turner could see 15-20 reps per game to help keep others fresh, most notably Aaron Donald who could be entering his final year. Projection: 15 games played, 18 tackles. Impact Factor: 6.6

Rd4.No.128 Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia: While his personality wasn’t for everyone, word is Bennett was highly impressive on the white board during team meetings. He’ll fit in well as the backup to fellow Bulldog Matthew Stafford. Projection: six games, three starts, 76 completions, 105 attempts, 756 passing yards, 90 rushing yards, eight touchdowns, seven interceptions. Impact Factor: 6.8

Rd5.No.161 Nick Hampton, OLB, Appalachian State: A solid tackler, Hampton is quick to close in pursuit and is in line to compete for playing time in a thin linebacker corps. Projection: 15 games played, two starts, 42 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack. Impact Factor: 6.5

Rd5.No.174 Warren McClendon Jr., OL, Georgia: Another strong value play, McClendon Jr. will receive an opportunity to stick at tackle. If he is unable to hack it there, he can always kick inside and add depth there. Projection: 17 games played, six starts. Impact Factor: 7.4

Rd5.No.175 Davis Allen, TE, Clemson: The Clemson coaching staff believes Allen is the best tight end they’ve had during the Dabo Swinney era, which is extremely high praise; Allen owns a well-rounded skill-set. Projection: 11 games played, 12 catches, 134 receiving yards. Impact Factor: 6.4

Rd5.No.177 Puka Nacua, WR, BYU: Health has been a major issue at wideout for the Rams, it was a bit surprising to see them wait so long on addressing the depth at the position. Projection: 14 games played, two starts, 24 catches, 376 receiving yards, one touchdown. Impact Factor: 6.6

Rd6.No.182 Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU: One of the smallest players in the draft, his heart outweighs his size, as ‘THT’ likes to get physical. Projection: 13 games played, five starts, 33 tackles, two tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 6.7

Rd6.No.189 Ochaun Mathis, OLB, Nebraska: A raw, athletic pass-rusher who has yet to put it all together, Mathis oozes potential but will need it coached out of him. Projection: 11 games played, 13 tackles, two and a half tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 6.3

Rd6.No.215 Zach Evans, RB, Mississippi: There are going to be some late round rookies that come in and steal some starting jobs. Evans has as good of a chance as anyone, as Cam Akers has been skating on thin ice during his time in Hollywood. Projection: 12 games played, five starts, 126 carries, 529 rushing yards, 126 receiving yards, four touchdowns. Impact Factor: 6.8

Rd7.No.223 Ethan Evans, P, Wingate: When you have 14 draft picks at your disposal, you can afford to roll the dice on one of your final selections with an under the radar, small school punter and hope to find a starter for the next decade. Projection: 17 games started. Impact Factor: 8.0

Rd7.No.234 Jason Taylor II, FS, Oklahoma State: One of the premier standouts during the week of NFLPA Bowl practices, Taylor II is solid in coverage and can also help out in the run game. Projection: 14 games played, eight starts, 42 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions. Impact Factor: 6.9

Rd7.No.259 Desjuan Johnson, DE, Toledo: If we learned anything from last year’s ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ Brock Purdy, it’s that this pick is anything but. Johnson will look to prove his worth as a backup and special teams player. Projection: five games played. Impact Factor: 5.9

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS [OVERALL ROOKIE IMPACT RATING = 70]

Rd3.No.87 SS Ji’Ayir Brown, SS, Penn State: A strong candidate to outplay many of the players chosen before him, Brown is instinctual, physical and versatile. He can fill-in at safety or slide in at nickel, while providing superb depth on the backend of the defense. Projection: 17 games, five starts, 36 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, one touchdown. Impact Factor: 7.7

Rd3.No.99 Jake Moody, K, Michigan: Top secret weapon for hire. Moody has a boot that can connect from deep, is accurate and is adept at kicking in adverse conditions. Projection: 26-of-30 field goal attempts, long of 53 yards, 50 extra points, 128 points. Impact Factor: 8.2

Rd3.No.101 Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama: There could be mismatch opportunities for Latu to take advantage of when lined up in packages with George Kittle; a nice complimentary underneath target. Projection: 10 games played, 22 catches, 295 receiving yards, two touchdowns. Impact Factor: 7.2

Rd5.No.155 Darrell Luter Jr., CB, South Alabama: A lengthy boundary corner, Luter is viewed as a bit of a project but should be able to provide some depth at the boundary corner position. Projection: 14 games played, two starts, 23 tackles. Impact Factor: 6.7

Rd5.No.173 Robert Beal Jr., DE, Georgia: Another player who can be groomed as a potential plug-in down the road, Beal Jr. can be developed as an in-house replacement when the 49ers are impacted via free agent defections. Projection: nine games played, 13 tackles. Impact Factor: 6.1

Rd6.No.216 Dee Winters, LB, TCU: While Winters didn’t check off all the boxes in terms of measureables, he’s a pure football player who runs with a high motor, is relentless in pursuit and shouldn’t be underestimated; someone who can make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Projection: 17 games played, four starts, four and a half sacks, eight tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 7.3

Rd7.No.247 Brayden Willis, TE, Oklahoma: This is an interesting selection with the aforementioned draft choice of Latu. In Willis, San Francisco will look to utilize him as a movement piece; h-back, inline, backfield. Perhaps, more multi-tight end sets? Projection: seven games, 12 catches, 156 receiving yards. Impact Factor: 6.3

Rd7.No.253 Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan: It was surprising to see Bell fall this far, his speed and ability to separate are going to allow him to compete early on; he’s best-suited out of the slot. Projection: 13 games played, two starts, 29 catches, 402 receiving yards, two touchdowns. Impact Factor: 7.5

Rd7.No.255 Jalen Graham, LB, Purdue: Will be a special teams contributor if he is to earn any playing time as a rookie. Projection: practice squad. Impact Factor: 6.0

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS [OVERALL ROOKIE IMPACT RATING = 73.8]

Rd1.No.5. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois: Here comes the boom! The feisty, physical Witherspoon is a sticky cover man who will make opposing quarterbacks pick their poison opposite Tariq Woolen. Projection: 17 games started, 52 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions. Impact Factor: 8.7

Rd1.No.20 Jaxson Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State: Plucking the best playmaker in the draft to slot in between DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett should make for a tremendous triple threat. Projection: 14 games played, seven starts, 53 catches, 877 receiving yards, seven touchdowns. Impact Factor: 8.5

Rd2.No.37 Derick Hall, OLB, Auburn: A hybrid pass-rusher that Seattle will look to mix and match within their front seven; Hall earned a reputation for getting after the quarterback at Auburn. Projection: 17 games played, 30 tackles, five sacks, eight tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 7.2

Rd2.No.52 Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA: A more durable version of what they hoped Rashaad Penny (Eagles) would be; Charbonnet is very reminiscent of James Conner (Cardinals). Projection: 15 games played, four starts, 118 carries, 506 rushing yards, 264 receiving yards, six touchdowns. Impact Factor: 7.8

Rd.4No.108 Anthony Bradford, OG, LSU: It would seem that Seattle prefers P5 pedigree offensive line prospects and Bradford is another add to the mix. He will likely back up another former Tiger in Damien Lewis at left guard, or compete with Phil Haynes at right guard. Projection: 17 games played, 10 starts. Impact Factor: 7.7

Rd4.No.123 Cameron Young, DT, Mississippi State: The battle-tested Young brings a proven resume from the SEC ranks where he regularly saw double teams. He boasts a stout anchor and should back up Bryan Mone at nose guard. Projection: 17 games played, 21 tackles. Impact Factor: 6.4

Rd5.No.151 Mike Morris, DE, Michigan: A big-bodied, physical, aggressive, high-motor five tech, Morris is tenacious, can stop the run and is constantly bullying offensive linemen with his bulrush. Projection: 17 games played, five starts, 27 tackles, three sacks, six tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 7.0

Rd5.No.154 Olu Oluwatimi, C, Michigan: It wouldn’t be surprising to see Oluwatimi win the starting center job outright over Evan Brown. His fundamentally sound technique combined with his smarts will make him an asset. Projection: 17 games played, 12 games started. Impact Factor: 8.1

Rd6.No.198 Jerrick Reed II, SS, New Mexico: Made his mark at pro day and the Seahawks took notice. Reed has impressive athleticism and the versatility to compete for a roster spot as a valuable backup at multiple spots in the secondary. Projection: 14 games played. Impact Factor: 6.1

Rd7.No.237 Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia: The team has suffered from lack of depth at running back in recent years and McIntosh is very good value here. Projection: 10 games played, 27 carries, 112 rushing yards, 101 receiving yards. Impact Factor: 6.3

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