2025 NFL Draft Grades: NFC West
With the 2025 draft complete, theScore's senior NFL writer Dan Wilkins hands out his initial grades for each team's incoming rookies.
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Grade: B+
There's plenty of risk here, but this has the potential to be a transformative draft haul for the Cardinals defense. Nolen's ceiling is as high as any defensive lineman in this class, and he'll be a game-changer if he can improve his consistency at the next level. Johnson, who was the No. 8 overall player on my board, looks like a steal in the middle of the second round. And he may be, but he was only available at that spot due to a knee issue reportedly flagged by teams during medical reviews. Burch and Simon have the potential to contribute in starting roles, too. The grade accounts for the risk, but it should be acknowledged that there's a ton of potential here.
Grade: B
Getting a 2026 first-round pick from the Falcons to trade out of Day 1 is more than enough to earn the Rams high marks. The extra draft capital could put Les Snead and Sean McVay in position to trade up for Matthew Stafford's successor in next year's talented quarterback class. There's lots to like with this group, too. The Rams were long rumored to be chasing playmaking ability at tight end and Ferguson certainly has the athleticism to fill that role. Stewart is a great addition to an impressive young pass-rush group, and Paul fills a pressing need at linebacker. The grade would have been even higher if L.A. found a way to upgrade the secondary, but perhaps there's another path for such a move later this offseason. How about a reunion with Jalen Ramsey?
Grade: B
The 49ers were clearly focused on upgrading the defense in this draft, and it's easy to be excited by the result. Williams is an excellent run defender whose impressive physical traits should lead to an uptick in pass-rush production at the next level. He'll be a strong bookend to Nick Bosa on the edge. Collins and West were two of my favorite players in this defensive line class. Both excel in the run game, but they've also got more upside than you think when it comes to getting after the quarterback. That may be three eventual starters on the defensive line right there. The rest of the group is a little underwhelming, and the lack of investment in the offensive line could lead to some problems. The grade reflects that, but 49ers fans should be excited about where this defensive front is headed.
Grade: A-
Zabel fills a massive need on the interior offensive line, and his athleticism will make him an excellent fit for Klint Kubiak's zone scheme. Emmanwori, considered a first-round talent by many, is great value early on Day 2; Mike Macdonald should have some big plans for his rare size and athletic ability. Arroyo brings some much-needed playmaking at tight end, and Horton is a late-round sleeper who could fill a boundary receiver role alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. And then there's Milroe, who'll sit and learn for a few years behind Sam Darnold. It's possible Milroe never gets there as a passer, but his elite traits were too good to pass up at that point on Day 3. He'll be one of the league's premier running quarterbacks from Day 1, potentially opening the door for him to contribute in certain packages as a rookie. The Seahawks also came away with Martinez, my No. 4 running back, in the seventh round. This is a really fun group for Seattle overall.