Draft Grades: NFC West

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

Grade: A

Best Pick: Levi Brown

Sleeper: Ben Patrick

Picks: (5) OT Levi Brown, DT Alan Branch, LB Buster Davis, WR Steve Breaston, TE Ben Patrick

Comments: The Cardinals got five players that could all see significant playing time as rookies. The selection of Levi Brown may have been a reach, but he'll help to fill a huge need, and if you have a player you like that much, you have to find a way to take him. Alan Branch has great potential and could be a steal as a second-round pick.

St. Louis Rams

Grade: B

Best Pick: Brian Leonard

Sleeper: Keith Jackson

Picks: (7) DE Adam Carriker, RB Brian Leonard, CB Jonathan Wade, C Dustin Fry, DT Cliff Ryan, DT Keith Jackson, WR Derek Stanley

Comments: The Rams got flexibility and versatility from this year's draft. They made defensive line a priority and picked up three big bodies that could help solidify their run defense. I particularly like the pick of Brian Leonard, who reminds me of a young Mike Alstott.

San Francisco 49ers

Grade: A

Best Pick: Patrick Willis

Sleeper: Jason Hill

Picks: (9) LB Patrick Willis, OT Joe Staley, WR Jason Hill, DT Ray McDonald, DE Jay Moore, CB Dashon Goldson, DT Joe Cohen, CB Tarell Brown, RB Thomas Clayton

Comments: The 49ers had an impact draft, selecting playmakers and guys who can contribute from day one. Patrick Willis is a stud who could revolutionize the San Francisco defense. The Niners also took two guys in Ray McDonald and Tarell Brown who have had some off-field issues.

Seattle Seahawks

Grade: C

Best Pick: Brandon Mebane

Sleeper: Jordan Kent

Picks: (8) CB Josh Wilson, DT Brandon Mebane, DE Baraka Atkins, OG Mansfield Wrotto, LB Will Herring WR Courtney Taylor, WR Jordan Kent, G Steve Vallos

Comments: The Seahawks seem to grade players differently from other teams in the league, emphasizing fit within the Seattle system as much as overall value. The 'Hawks prize character and football I.Q. over more measurable skills, and have done well the past couple of seasons with that strategy.