The NFC West promises to be a three-team race in 2026, with the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers looking to knock the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks off their throne. Can the Arizona Cardinals be competitive enough to have a say in the race? More importantly, could key rookie additions from the 2026 NFL Draft help determine which team comes out on top?
While Myles Garrett's arrival in Los Angeles grabbed headlines, the division also welcomed several intriguing rookies through the 2026 NFL Draft. Notre Dame teammates Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price headline the class, but they aren't the only newcomers capable of becoming long-term problems for NFC West rivals.
Aside from those two selections, which rookies in the division have the potential to become future stars that NFC West rivals should watch out for?
Why these Day 2 and Day 3 rookies could haunt NFC West rivals
Arizona Cardinals: Carson Beck, QB, Miami (No. 65 overall)
Will NFC West rivals really fear Carson Beck? The question isn't whether Beck can develop into a top-level NFL quarterback. Instead, it's whether he can make the Cardinals competitive in 2026 if he proves to be the quarterback who flourishes in Matt LaFleur's system.
Beck may not see the field immediately behind Jacoby Brissett, but his upside makes him one of the division's most intriguing developmental quarterbacks. If he proves capable of thriving in Matt LaFleur's offense, the Cardinals could suddenly have a young franchise quarterback surrounded by Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson and Jeremiyah Love. That's the type of supporting cast NFC West defenses don't want to see come together.
Los Angeles Rams: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State (No. 61 overall)
The Rams used their top pick in the draft on Alabama’s Ty Simpson, which was a bit of a surprise. At the time of the draft, no one saw the blockbuster Myles Garrett trade coming, so what the Rams are doing with the Simpson pick is putting pieces in place for the future while also adding pieces to compete for a championship. Smart strategy, right?
Another surprise selection in the 2026 NFL Draft was Ohio State tight end Max Klare. Given that the Rams drafted Terrance Ferguson in 2025 and still have Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee on the roster, tight end wasn't viewed as an immediate need. But the Rams were looking into the future once again with the pick as Parkinson is in the final season of his contract and Higbee is getting up there in age. In adding Klare to the mix, the Rams add another pass-catching option who can block and create mismatches with his route running.Â
Klare's combination of athleticism, route-running ability and blocking versatility gives him a chance to surpass Ferguson on the depth chart sooner than expected, adding yet another weapon to an already dangerous Rams offense.
San Francisco 49ers: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma (No. 107 overall)
The 49ers had an interesting draft. After trading out of the first round and then selecting wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd overall pick, the 49ers focused on adding depth at key positions. One of those positions was the interior of the defensive line where they got themselves a physical powerhouse in former Oklahoma star Gracen Halton.
Selected with the 107th overall pick, Halton has the makings of a mid-round steal thanks to his power at the point of attack, relentless motor and ability to generate interior pressure. With an ability to create pressure up the middle, Halton should find himself in the defensive line rotation for the 49ers, especially coming off a breakout season in 2025 with the Sooners in which he racked up 33 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He also had a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown showing off his athleticism and knack of getting to the ball carrier. You can bet NFC West opponents will learn who Gracen Halton is in a hurry.
Seattle Seahawks: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas (No. 99 overall)
The Super Bowl champions saw one of their starters from 2025 leave in free agency with the departure of Pro Bowl cornerback Riq Woolen. Although the team still has Devon Witherspoon, Josh Jobe and Nick Emmanwori headlining the defensive backfield, adding another quality corner was a mission in the 2026 NFL Draft. They did that with the selection of former Arkansas star Julian Neal with the 99th overall pick.
At 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, Neal brings ideal size, length and athleticism to Seattle's secondary. Following a standout season at Arkansas, his physical style of play and versatility make him an ideal fit in Mike Macdonald's defense. If he develops as expected, the Seahawks may have found another long-term starter capable of making life difficult for NFC West receivers.
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