2026 NFL Draft Franchise Post-Draft Review - NFC West

SNS takes a deep dive look into how every NFL team reloaded during the 2026 NFL Draft - every draft pick is evaluated and each UDFA class is assessed. Every NFL team is graded on how they addressed team needs and an early assessment is made about what to expect in the coming season. And for those who play fantasy football, consider this your first primer on the 2026 NFL rookie fantasy class as each rookie class is assessed and future stars are identified! The 2026 NFL Franchise Post-Draft Review is here to help you make sense of what every NFL team was trying to accomplish in Pittsburgh last month.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (3)

Jeremiyah Love 

RB

Notre Dame

Although the Cardinals have a deep and talented RB corps (Tyler Allgeier / James Conner / Trey Benson), they add the top offensive talent in this draft. Love has a perfect combination of power, speed, and agility to be a Pro Bowler as a rookie.

2 (34)

Chase Bisontis

OG

Texas A&M

The Cards, despite needing a QB, select the tough and athletic Bisontis who combines experience with intelligence and mobility to become a plug and play starter. 

3 (65)

Carson Beck 

QB

Miami, Fl

With incumbent starting QB Jacoby Brissett planning to sit out OTAs, competition is needed in Glendale. Beck has the size, stature, and arm strength to push for the starting job before the end of the season.

4 (104)

Kaleb Proctor

IDL

SE Louisiana

Proctor played last season at 275 lbs but bulked up to 291 lbs at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. His game relies on quickness and burst - when he wins it is due to his twitch and speed. He offers little against the run but should contribute immediately as a sub-package interior pass rusher. Proctor will pair with Walter Nolen as dangerous pass rushers who excel as 3Ts.

5 (143)

Reggie Virgil

WR

Texas Tech

Virgil really came on last season in Lubbock when he displayed the hands, separation ability, and playmaking ability to be developed into an NFL starter. Virgil's poorer than preferred 40 time (4.57) and strength deficiencies cost him draft position but he will provide a quality option in event of injuries in Glendale.

6 (183)

Karson Sharar

LB

Iowa

Sharar profiles as an outstanding special teams player with the instincts in space to be a productive player in zone coverage while cleaning up as a run defender with very good range. Sharar gets good depth in his zone drops, follows the QB's eyes, and makes plays on the ball consistently. Sharar has starting potential in the next couple of years in the NFL.

7 (217)

Jayden Williams

OT

Ole Miss

Perhaps the biggest need on the Cardinals, beside QB, is adding a starting caliber ORT on Arizona's OL. But Arizona waited until the first pick of the seventh-round to address this need by selecting Williams the Ole Miss ORT, who I not ready to start in the NFL. Williams has the desired size and length (6043 / 310 lbs / 33 & 1/4" Arms) to line up outside on the EDGE. Williams is very strong but his footwork and hand use both need significant development before he is ready to start in the NFL.

UDFA Signings

Harrison Wallace

WR

Ole Miss

Jameson Geers

TE

Minnesota

Ka'ena De Cambra

OG

Arizona

Cam Robertson

EDGE

Arizona

Damonic Williams

IDL

Oklahoma

Elijah Culp

CB

James Madison

Wydett Williams

S

Ole Miss

Draft Needs - QB, OT, IOL, EDGE, S

Draft & UDFA Grade - C

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Cardinals have a loaded backfield but it appears that Love is definitely RB1 on the depth chart, meaning Conner may need to find a new home later this summer. Arizona still has one of the weaker OL groups in the NFL, especially at ORT, but guard Bisontis is a plug and play starter who immediately upgrades the interior protection up front. Beck is likely to gain the starting job at some point this season, especially with veteran Jacoby Brissett intending to hold out in hopes of a new contract. Proctor is exceptionally quick and sudden and has tremendous upside to be developed. Virgil is tall, long, and possesses great body control. He will provide excellent depth on the outside in Glendale. Sharar is a smart and instinctive off-the-ball LB with the range and tackling ability to eventually earn a starting job and provide quality depth as a rookie. Williams will be given every opportunity to compete for the ORT job but he needs significant development before he is ready to start in the NFL.

Three of the UDFAs signed have displayed the experience, skills, and production to earn playing time in the NFL. Wallace has started in the Big Ten (Penn State) and SEC (Ole Miss) and has displayed the craftiness, route running, and hands to compete for a job as the team's fourth or fifth WR. Damonic Williams has a nice combination of size, quickness, and range to be developed into an important depth piece up front. Wydett Williams has experience at both CB and free safety and projects as a possible slot CB in the NFL. All three prospects have an excellent chance at making the 53-man roster or the practice squad, at a minimum.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Love is obviously a player to target in your fantasy draft this summer but until the RB depth chart plays out, limit expectations. And for Allgeier owners, this case of de ja vu is definitely unwanted - Allgeier played second fiddle to Bijan Robinson in Atlanta and now gets to repeat the experience in Glendale with Love. Beck should not be drafted, except in dynasty leagues, but has potential to be useful as a streaming option, once he wins the starting job. 

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (13)

Ty Simpson

QB

Alabama

The Rams decide to draft a QB that fits Sean McVay's offensive system perfectly in Simpson. With Puka Nacua's legal troubles, a WR like Omar Cooper or Makai Lemon makes sense but decide to draft Matthew Stafford's successor here. Simpson needs significant development before he is ready due to his lack of experience but goes to a great situation.

2 (61)

Max Klare

TE

Ohio State

The Rams seem to like to collect TEs - two years ago they drafted Davis Allen / Clemson and Terrance Ferguson / Oregon was drafted last year. Now Klare, a quality receiving option and competent blocker joins the most loaded TE room in the NFL. The rich gets richer.

3 (93)

Keagen Trost

OT

Missouri

The Rams need to improve their depth along the OL and draft Trost, the experienced and durable ORT with a skill set suited inside at guard. Trost is a very strong run blocker who seals the edge and opens the outside running lane consistently. Very good lateral agility and ability to mirror and slide in pass protection – handles speed off the edge well. Trost could push for a starting job before the end of the season.

6 (197)

CJ Daniels

WR

Miami, Fl

Daniels, who began his career at Liberty, transferred to LSU, and then transferred to Coral Gables prior to the 2025 season. Daniels has big, soft hands and he snags the ball and secures through contact. Almost all of his catches are contested and he gains little separation in his routes but has the strength and leaping ability to win at the catch point. Daniels will push for a roster spot in LA this fall.

7 (232)

Tim Keenan

IDL

Alabama

Keenan (6011 / 327 lbs / 30 & 1/2" Arm) is one of the best interior run defenders in the 2026 NFL Draft with very good girth and mass – functional size and strength. Natural leverage and bend allow him to get low, unroot the IOL, and reset the LOS. Requires double teams in short yardage and profiles as an ideal NT in an odd man front. Very good hand use for shedding blocks – strong, violent hands. When he sinks his hips and anchors, nearly impossible for any single OL to move in the running game. Keenan is a limited athlete without great range or burst – may be limited to running downs in the NFL. Very little pass rush production and is overly reliant on his bull rush to generate pressure. Subbed for on obvious passing downs last season at Alabama. Excellent value in the seventh-round.

UDFA Signings

Mathew Caldwell

QB

Texas

Dean Connors

RB

Houston

Rohan Jones

TE

Arkansas

Dan Villari

TE

Syracuse

Bryce Henderson

OT

Vanderbilt

Chad Lindberg

OT

North Carolina

Austin Blaske

OL

North Carolina

Eddie Walls

EDGE

Houston

Darryl Peterson

EDGE

Wisconsin

Wesley Bailey

EDGE

Louisville

Jalen Logan-Redding

IDL

Minnesota

Jaxson Moi

IDL

Tennessee

Peyton Zdroik

IDL

Air Force

Nikhai Hill-Green

LB

Alabama

Nyzier Fourqurean

CB

Wisconsin

Al'zillion Hamilton

CB

Fresno State

Dreyden Norwood

CB

Missouri

Nick Andersen

S

Wake Forest

Draft Needs - OT, LB, IOL, S, QB

Draft & UDFA Grade - B-

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Rams are on the cusp of winning another Super Bowl so it was surprising that they chose to invest in Matthew Stafford's successor in the first-round in Simpson. With a need for reinforcements along the OL and most of the best prospects still available, selecting the inexperienced Simpson was a forward thinking choice but left the OL to be addressed in the third-round in Trost, an OT with a skill set that might be best inside at guard or center. Klare seems like a luxury pick until you realize how Stafford likes to lean on his TEs on third down, a task that Klare excels at. Daniels has good size, clean hands, and climbs the ladder extremely well and can sky for the jump ball. Keenan fell to the last 25 picks in the draft due to his short arms and lack of pass rushing upside but he is a superb run defender who plays with a low center of gravity. Keenan will push for a roster spot over the summer.

The Rams signed a loaded class of UDFAs but the majority of these prospects are competing in some of the most talented position groups in the NFL, which limits their chances of making this Rams team. Connors has the toughness, versatility, and running instincts to earn a job on the practice squad as a rookie. Henderson, Lindberg, and Blaske are likely competing for one or two practice squad spots. EDGEs Walls, Bailey, and Peterson are likely competing for a spot on the practice squad as are IDL Logan-Redding, Moi, and Zdroik. Hill-Green is a much traveled off-the-ball LB with the range and experience to push for a job. Fourqurean, Hamilton, and Norwood have good size and have flashed as cover CBs. If one of these players excel this summer, they could earn a job on the 53-man roster. Perhaps the UDFA with the best chance to make the roster is Anderson, an experienced and instinctive ball hawk who addresses a defensive need otherwise left unaddressed in the draft.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Simpson seems unlikely to see the field this season. No need to add him to your roster, even in dynasty leagues. If Klare can carve out a defined role in LA's offense, he could be worth a late round flyer but the depth in the Rams' TE room limits opportunities. Daniels is likely stuck far down the Rams' WR depth chart. Monitor Klare and Daniels and be prepared to add them as streaming options later this fall.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

2 (33)

De'Zhaun Stribling

WR

Ole Miss

Unhappy with their WR corps and despite needing a CB and an EDGE, they draft the ascending talent in Stribling who was nearly unstoppable in October and November of last season. Stribling should line up as a starter early in his career.

3 (90)

Kaelon Black

RB

Indiana

Only three RBs have been drafted through the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, an unusually low number. And all three RBs played in the state of Indiana - Love / Price - Notre Dame and Black - Indiana. Black looks like an outstanding back-up RB with the contact balance and ball security to excel in that role.

4 (107) 

Gracen Halton

IDL

Oklahoma

The Niners pass rush dropped off significantly last season and although most blame falls on the EDGEs, the lack of an interior pressure was a major contributor. Halton needs development as a run stuffer but his twitch, burst, and an arsenal of pass rush moves allow him to pressure the QB consistently as a 3T. Halton will be a major contributor in San Francisco this fall.

4 (127)

Carver Willis

OG

Washington

Willis was announced by the Niners as a guard after starting more than twenty games at OLT at Kansas State and Washington. Willis shifts inside in the NFL due to lacking desired length but is a technician who plays balanced and is fudamentally solid.

4 (139)

Ephesians Prysock

CB

Washington

Prysock has fantastic length and has the size desired in a press CB. Prysock lacks some desired strength and is not nearly the ball athlete that is desired for a starter. But he has the length and agility to be developed. He will provide immediate depth to the Niners' secondary.

5 (154)

Jaden Dugger

LB 

Louisiana

Dugger flew under radars during the draft process and got drafted despite not participating in any all-star games or the NFL Scouting Combine. Dugger possesses ideal size and length (6045 / 240 lbs / 34 & 7/8" Arms) and ran a great 40 time at his Pro Day (4.61). Dugger will need to excel on special teams to earn an opportunity to start in the NFL.

5 (179)

Enrique Cruz

OT

Kansas

Cruz has ideal size and length (6054 / 313 lbs / 33 & 3/4" Arms) but is stiff, does not bend well, and lacks desired agility and lateral range for staying on the outside. But Cruz is very strong and plays with the nasty disposition desired in an OL. Cruz has a borderline skill set for an NFL OT and was an odd selection in the fifth-round.

UDFA Signings

Will Pauling

WR

Notre Dame

Wesley Grimes

WR

North Carolina State

Khalil Dinkins

TE

Penn State

Mikhail Kamara

EDGE

Indiana

Bryson Eason

IDL

Tennessee

James Thompson

IDL

Illinois

Duce Chestnut

S

Syracuse

Jalen Stroman

S

Notre Dame

Jack Bouwmeester

P

Texas

Draft Needs - CB, IOL, S, TE, OT

Draft & UDFA Grade - C-

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Niners approached the 2026 NFL Draft with their own set of priorities and ignoring perceived needs identified by the scouting community. Stribling really came on in the second-half of his last season in Oxford but it was still surprising to see him go off the board at the top of the second-round. Black was the third RB drafted, going ahead of several other highly rated RBs, and he figures to be Christian McCaffrey's top backup this season in Santa Clara. Halton adds a dynamic interior pass rusher to the Niners rush. Willis, added in the fourth-round, and Cruz, added in the fifth-round will provide depth on the OL with Willis' experience at OLT in college giving him an edge in the competition. Prysock has extraordinary length, combined with his agility, makes him a potential starter a year or two down the line. Dugger has a great combination of size and speed to be a demon on special teams while he develops as an off-the-ball LB in the NFL.

San Francisco signed a small group of UDFAs and a couple of these prospects should push for a roster or practice squad spot over the summer. Pauling and Grimes both have good chances of at least making the practice squad. Grimes' size and length gives him an advantage in this competition. Dinkins has flashed at Penn State but never consistently found a role in the offense. Dinkins' upside and pedigree gives him a good chance of sticking on the 53-man roster. The Niners are planning on the continued development of Mykel Williams at EDGE but add an intriguing prospect in Kamara, who is coming off a down year statistically, but displayed the ability to make plays in the backfield consistently as a junior. Eason and Thompson are two IDL with slightly different skill sets - Eason flashes as a dynamic pass rusher while Thompson's size and length make him an ideal candidate to play 5T in an odd man front. Stroman starred at Virginia Tech, transferred to Notre Dame and subsequently lost his starting job, and then excelled in the post-season to get himself an opportunity to play in the NFL. Special teams play will be crucial to Stroman's NFL future. Bouwmeester was one of the best punters in college football and has the leg strength to push for the punting job this summer.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Stribling and Black are the two skill position prospects to monitor this summer. Stribling should earn a starting job before the conclusion of his rookie season and is worth a late round pick. Black is likely to be Christian McCaffrey's primary backup and since CMC battles injuries every year, he is likely to get a decent number of carries this fall. For CMC owners, target Black as a handcuff in the last couple of rounds of your fantasy draft this summer.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (32)

Jadarian Price 

RB

Notre Dame

After losing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker in free agency (Kansas City) and with the late season injury suffered by Zach Charbonnet, the Seahawks badly needed a RB. Price has a nice combination of size, speed, agility, and toughness to step-in as Seattle's starting RB in week one this fall.

2 (64)

Bud Clark

S

TCU

Clark is a superior ball hawk - 15 career INTs and 21 career passes defensed, as a free safety and slot CB in Fort Worth. Clark may get a look at slot CB but no matter what, he needs to get on the field - he is a certified turnover machine.

3 (99)

Julian Neal 

CB

Arkansas

Neal is a big, physical CB who some teams grade as a safety but he has the size and length (6015 / 203 lbs / 32 & 3/4" Arms) desired in a press CB. Neal is tight in the hips and struggles in off-man coverage but he profiles as a productive and physical bump and run CB.

5 (148)

Beau Stephens

OG

Iowa

Stephens profiles as a potential future starter with the strength, twitch, and hand fighting skill to be a plug and play option for the Seahawks, even though they have a young and quality OL. Stephens is a great value pick for a team that stresses winning at the POA and being physically tougher than their opposition.

6 (199)

Emmanuel Henderson

WR

Kansas

Henderson started his career as a highly-recruited WR at Alabama but had difficulty finding the field in Tuscaloosa which prompted his transfer to Lawrence. Henderson is fast (4.44 40), twitchy, and quick - he uncovers well and is a difficult assignment in man coverage but has difficulty with physical CBs. Henderson works best out of the slot but his speed and explosiveness works no matter where he runs his route from. He will provide quality depth to the World Champions this fall.

7 (236)

Andre Fuller

CB

Toledo

Fuller (6010 / 200 / 30 & 3/8" Arms) transferred to Toledo from Arkansas-Pine Bluff as a safety, missed the 2024 season with an injury, and then returned last fall and converted to CB. Fuller excels in press coverage where his strength and power allows him to bully WRs - very good press technique. Tight in the hips and loses a step at the break point, Fuller fits what the Seahawks want out of their outside CBs and should push for a roster spot this fall.

7 (242)

Deven Eastern

IDL

Minnesota

The Seahawks add the big and powerful IDL Eastern (6050 / 315 lbs / 34" Arms) with pick 242. Eastern is a powerful and plays with very good bend and leverage for his size. Difficult to unroot in short yardage situations when he keeps his pads low. Physical and powerful. When he keeps his pads down, can push the pocket with pure power and leg drive. Eastern offers little in the way of pass rush and will likely never be a full-time starter but he gives the defensive front a force against the run. Eastern will push for a roster spot over the summer.

7 (255)

Michael Dansby

CB

Arizona

The fourth Arizona DB drafted this weekend, Dansby was less hyped than his teammates but proved his worth on a weekly basis in Tucson last season. Dansby is smooth and fluid and has the loose hips desired on the outside. Dansby enters a crowded secondary in Seattle but he fits the mold of what the Seahawks want out of their CBs and should push for a roster spot next fall.

UDFA Signings

Michael Briscoe

WR

Cal Poly

Levi Wentz

WR

Kansas

Lance Mason

TE

Wisconsin

Aidan Hubbard

EDGE

Northwestern

Marvin Jones

EDGE

Oklahoma

Uso Seumalo

IDL

Kansas State

Devean Deal

LB

TCU

Draft Needs - RB, LB, S, EDGE, CB

Draft & UDFA Grade - B-

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The defending Super Bowl Champions were devastated by free agency where starters Kenneth Walker (Chiefs), Coby Bryant (Bears), and Boye Mafe (Bengals) all left for greener pastures. Seattle replaced Walker with Price and feel like their running game should remain effective this fall. The Seahawks then focused on reloading the secondary by drafting Clark, Neal, Fuller, and Dansby. Clark should step in and take over for Bryant as a starter while Neal, Fuller, and Dansby provide much needed depth across the secondary. Stephens provides an intense, physical brawler to improve the OL depth while Henderson's speed and explosiveness add a big play element to the offense. Eastern is a big and powerful IDL who squeezes down run lanes well. Eastern offers little as a pass rusher but he provides valuable depth up front in Seattle.

Seattle signed a small class of UDFAs, most of whom are unlikely to have long NFL careers but a few of these prospects have displayed the skills and experience to play in the NFL. Mason is coming off a productive final season in Madison and he is a well-rounded TE who is not flashy, just efficient. Mason has a very good opportunity to make the Seahawks 53-man roster. Hubbard and Jones are two college EDGEs who are likely battling for one practice squad spot. Hubbard is a high motor-high effort EDGE who scrapes and battles to win on the LOS. Jones, a former 5-star recruit and son of former first-round pick Marvin, Sr., has never lived up to the hype and has always left coaches wanting more but he is a solod run defender who flashes as a pass rusher. Seumalo possesses a low center of gravity that makes him effective as a NT and a run stuffer but offers little as a pass rusher. Seumalo will push for a roster spot over the summer.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Price should be a priority target since he is likely to be the undisputed number one RB in Seattle with Zach Charbonnet recovering from injury and unlikely to be ready for the beginning of the season in September. Price is worth a second or third-round draft pick in your fantasy draft over the summer.