NFC West draft watch: Cardinals, Rams play it safe with rookie class

The 2024 NFL preseason is in the rearview mirror and the initial 53-man rosters are set for every team. Here is how each draft class has fared so far for the NFC West teams.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals had the NFL's largest draft class with 12 selections in 2024, and 10 of them are set to be a part of the team's roster. That includes two players — first-round pick Darius Robinson and fifth-round pick Christian Jones — that will be opening the year on injured reserve.

With such a large draft class, and with the team still in the middle of a rebuild, rookies are going to play a key role on this year's team. None of those rookies will be more important than wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., the No. 4 overall pick in the draft. While he was a constant standout in training camp, the Cardinals were extremely careful with him in the preseason and only gave him a few snaps.

Even without seeing him in preseason action the anticipation for him is off the charts as the Cardinals hope he can be a difference-maker in the passing game for quarterback Kyle Murray.

Two other rookies that figure to play a major role early on are cornerback Max Melton (second round) and running back Trey Benson (third round). Melton was running with the first-team defense in the preseason and will be a major part of a revamped Cardinals secondary on the corners. | Complete class from ESPN

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams were in uncharted territory in the 2024 NFL Draft by actually picking in the first-round for the first time since the 2016 NFL Draft. They used that pick to select EDGE rusher Jared Verse to help re-tool their defensive line and pass rush.

The Rams did not play Verse in the preseason, but he consistently received rave reviews from head coach Sean McVay along with second-round pick Braden Fiske. Verse and Fiske, along with second-year player Kobie Turner, are going to be relied on to re-shape the defensive line following the retirement of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald.

On offense the most intriguing rookie might be running back Blake Corum. McVay has consistently talked about how Corum will have a role in the offense, even with returning starter Kyren Williams, but he did not play him in the preseason. Perhaps that is a testament to how much McVay values the role Corum can play and his desire to keep him fresh and healthy.

Two of the more intriguing players in the class are sixth-round picks defensive lineman Tyler Davis and wide receiver Jordan Whittington. Both players made the 53-man roster with strong preseason showings, and Whittington seems to have a chance to play a serious role in the offense. | Complete class from ESPN

San Francisco 49ers

Given the overall depth of their roster the 49ers went into the 2024 draft without having many glaring needs outside of rebuilding some depth at some positions. One of the priorities was wide receiver given the uncertain long-term futures of Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. They used their first-round pick on Ricky Pearsall and a fourth-round pick on Jacob Cowing.

Pearsall was limited for much of training camp and the preseason due to an injury, but Cowing was a consistent standout with seven catches for 90 yards and a touchdown.

Pearsall and Cowing figure to be two of the more prominent rookies used in this year's class, especially if Aiyuk ends up getting traded before the season. | Complete class from ESPN

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks only had two picks among the top-115 in the 2024 class, and both could end up playing significant roles this season.

First-round pick Byron Murphy III has already worked his way into a key role and got a start in the team's second preseason game, looking like a disruptive force in the middle of the line. The Seahawks needed to dramatically improve a defense that has been one of the league's worst the past two years and Murphy, along with veteran Leonard Williams for a full season, should help provide more of a pass rush and be better against the run.

Third-round pick Christian Haynes is also intriguing because the Seahawks have had a major need in the interior of their offensive line. He did not earn a starting spot in the preseason, but he could work his way in before the end of the season. | Complete class from ESPN