It seems only yesterday we were talking about how the NFC West was the undisputed top division in the NFL.
In 2013 the NFC West was hands-down the best division in the league. They had a collective 42 wins -- five more than the second place AFC West. Three of those teams had records of 10-6 or better, with the St. Louis Rams not too far behind at 7-9.
Fast-forward a year, and while the Seattle Seahawks still reign supreme as 2014's NFC Champions, it seems the division as a whole took a step back. After a ridiculous start to this year's offseason that saw big name players both leaving and joining the NFC West, let's take a look at each team's remaining biggest draft needs that could help get them back to their former pristine level.
St. Louis Rams
Biggest Need: Offensive Tackle
Participating in one of the many blockbuster trades that happened this offseason, the St. Louis Rams acquired quarterback explosive back that finished in the 90th percentile at the NFL Combine last year in the broad jump, vertical jump, and 10-yard dash. Part of his explosiveness is his impressive 10' 6" broad jump that's only been topped seven times since 2010 among running backs. The Rams need to add a versatile offensive lineman that can help create lanes for Mason to utilize these traits and be a day-one starter.
Using the 10th overall pick this year could very likely present the Rams with the opportunity to take the first offensive tackle off the board. There are several offensive linemen that have first-round talent, and general manager Les Snead would be wise to invest in one. The Rams have an NFL-low five picks this year, and hitting on them in 2015 is essential. Both their passing and running games depend on it.
Potential Picks: OT Andrus Peat (Stanford), OT Brandon Scherff (Iowa)
San Francisco 49ers
Biggest Need: Cornerback
The San Francisco 49ers just watched it's fair to question whether Ellington will ever be a lead back. Given the incredible depth of efficient running backs in the 2015 class and the Cardinals' shrewd move picking up run-blocking extraordinaire Mike Iupati, drafting a running back on day two of the draft could help Arizona alleviate one of its other high concerns -- their lack of a pass rush.
A year after having the sixth-most sacks in the league (47), Arizona had one of the worst pass rushes in 2014. They had the seventh worst sack percentage in the league, reaching the quarterback on only 5.7% of their opponents' drop backs. After parting ways with longtime standout trading away center Max Unger in the deal that brought them put up numbers in the top percentile of nearly every category among offensive lineman. Oregon's Hroniss Grassu is another interior offensive lineman the Seahawks may be interested in. Grassu has good initial quickness, but an injury in his senior season may cause a draft slide. He'd be a good fit translating from Oregon's zone blocking scheme into Seattle's and fill the void left by Unger.
Having 11 picks gives Seattle a ton of room for general manager John Schneider to help his team return to the Super Bowl for the third year in a row. It'll be exciting to see if he can pull it off.
Potential Picks: C Ali Marpet (Hobart), C Hroniss Grassu (Oregon)