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The first day of the 2018 NFL Draft is finally over. With the Los Angeles Rams not having a first round pick after using it to acquire wide receiver Brandin Cooks, there was nothing to expect for the Rams. However, the other three teams that attempt to play catch up with the division champion Rams yesterday was an important day.
A day where new franchise players were chosen, the NFC West entirely drafted offensive players to help their offenses take another step.
Seattle Seahawks - 28th overall, RB Rashaad Penny, San Diego State Aztecs
After trading down and acquiring a third round pick the Seahawks drafted Penny. This was a pretty big surprise based on the team needs. Personally I assumed they would choose a cornerback or a offensive lineman like Connor Williams (who fell to the second round). From a team building aspect I would want to protect my quarterback better than I have been doing the past couple of years.
I don’t hate picking a running back in the first round and the Seahawks have not been shy about drafting players that are considered reaches to general draft boards. The Seahawks might have found their replacement for Marshawn Lynch, but I am a little surprised that they did not want Georgia Bulldog Sony Michel or LSU Tiger Derrius Guice if they needed a running back. At least Penny can help with kick returns and give them a weapon on offense.
Unless there is a trade up the Seahawks don’t pick again until the third round.
San Francisco 49ers - 9th Overall, OT Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The 49ers draft an offensive tackle that was rated as the second best offensive linemen by many draft analysts. It makes perfect sense to protect Jimmy Garappolo, and pairing McGlinchey with Joe Staley - an elite left tackle - creates a favorable situation for the 49ers offensive line.
It would have also made sense for the 49ers to draft one of the top four linebackers or a pass rusher, but protecting their franchise quarterback makes more sense to the 49ers. It will be interesting to see where they will go with their next draft picks.
The 49ers possess a second round pick and two third round picks, totaling three picks in the top 100 barring any trades.
Arizona Cardinals - 10th Overall, QB Josh Rosen, UCLA Bruins
The Cardinals draft their quarterback of the future after trading up for a player that could be the most pro-ready quarterback out of the five QB’s that were drafted in the first round.
Rosen can spin the ball and is a really good QB prospect. One of the biggest negatives has been his attitude - he can come off as an asshole. Maybe being the fourth QB picked will help place a chip on his shoulder as he learns to become a NFL QB sitting behind Sam Bradford.
The Cardinals need to retool their team. I would not be surprised to see them select a weapon on offense and maybe an offensive lineman. The Cardinals have two more picks in the top-100.