The NFC West was a three-team race in 2025 between the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks came out on top as division champions and the No. 1 seed in the 2025 NFL playoffs, but all three teams have a legitimate shot at making it to Santa Clara for Super Bowl LX.
While those teams are preparing for a playoff run, the Cardinals are a franchise in flux after firing head coach Jonathan Gannon and uncertainly surrounding the future of starting quarterback Kyler Murray. In all, the post season run of the Seahawks, Rams and 49ers along with the roster transition of the Cardinals will lead to a very interesting 2026 NFL Draft.
The Rams will enter the draft with two first round picks, including one in the top 15, while the Cardinals have a top 3 pick. With some fascinating young talent already leading the way in the NFC West, some more interesting talent will enter a very competitive division in 2026.
NFL Mocks explores top prospects in each of the first two rounds who fit the needs of the Cardinals, Rams, 49ers and Seahawks based on expected needs this off season.
Arizona Cardinals (3-14) – Last in NFC West
First round, No. 3: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
There will be rumblings about the Cardinals taking a quarterback high in the draft, but with the top to QBs off the board, the Cardinals take the best player available in Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. The ultra-athletic, playmaking linebacker give the Cardinals more speed on defense and a prolific pass rusher off the edge. He will be a dream for any defensive coordinator.
Second round, No. 34: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
If the Cardinals stick with Kyler Murray or even if they go in another direction at QB, they need a secondary receiver in the offense to complement Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride. As Fernando Mendoza’s prime target with the Hoosiers, Elijah Sarratt fits the bill. At 6-foot-2, 209 pounds, Sarratt has strong hands and is an outstanding route-runner who plays with physicality. He’s not the explosive receiver the Cardinals are looking for, but he is reliable and has no problem putting his body on the line as a blocker down the field.
Los Angeles Rams (12-5) – tied 2nd in NFC West
Round 1, No. 13: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
A lockdown cornerback is one of the top needs for the Rams in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the No. 13 overall pick the Rams could see LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane ball into their laps. The 6-foot-0, 190-pound cornerback is one of the top corners in the draft due to his versatility as a corner. He excels playing either man or zone and will give the Rams that young, impact defensive back they have been seeking.
Round 1, No. 29: Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama
With the second first round pick, the Rams add depth and their left tackle of the future with the selection of Kadyn Proctor out of Alabama. Big, powerful and physical as both a pass protector and run blocker, Proctor is praised as one of the top tackles in the nation and in the 2026 NFL Draft. He will quickly prove to be an asset along the Rams’ offensive line.
Round 2, No. 61: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
The Rams could get a former projected first-round pick late on Day with the selection of LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. Coming off a up-and-down season, Nussmeier has seen his draft stock drop, but he is still considered a “Pro-ready” quarterback who could excel under Sean McVay and benefit from playing behind and learning from Matthew Stafford, a QB he could eventually succeed.
San Francisco 49ers (12-5) – tied 2nd in NFC West
Round 1, No. 26: Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
The 49ers will have a great need at edge rusher and defensive tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the No. 26 overall pick, they select Christen Miller of Georgia. In earning 2025 AP All-SEC first team honors, Miller is a physical disruptor in the middle of the line who can collapse the pocket and defend the run. With the size and talent to develop into an impact player. With 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams with a year under his belt and Joey Bosa returning as edge rushers, Miller fits right in as a cog in the middle of the line along with 2025 second round pick Alfred Collins.
Round 2, No. 59: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
Another top need for the 49ers is at the wide receiver position. With both Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings hitting free agency, the 49ers will need to snag a receiver high in the draft. A great option is Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II. With size, speed and a big play waiting to happen, Brazzell II will give Brock Purdy another vertebral threat who excels against zone coverage. In 2025, Brazzell hauled in 62 catches for 1,017 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Seattle Seahawks (14-3) – 1st in NFC West
Round 1, No. 32: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
With several cornerbacks hitting free agency, the Seahawks could see the cornerback position as a high priority. With a late, first round pick, the Seahawks add Tennessee’s Colton Hood with the No. 32 overall pick. Hood’s competitive nature along with his scheme versality makes him a good fit for the Seahawks secondary. He will need to work on run support and his physicality against bigger receivers. Playing in a secondary with young stars like Devon Witherspoon and safety Nick Emmanwori will bring out his talent at the corner position.
Round 2, No. 64: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
In the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Seahawks add depth at linebacker with the selection of Jake Golday who represents that off-ball linebacker they are looking for. With the ability to play on and off the ball, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebacker out of Cincinnati adds more talent to the Seahawk’s linebacker group and gives them a reliable tackler who has some pass-rushing skills. He also adds value to special teams.