NFL Draft 2006: A Recap of the 2006 NFL Draft in the NFC West Division
Seattle Seahawks- Seattle, much like the Chicago Bears, used the 2006 NFL Draft to solidify an already strong defensive squad (Seattle’s is not quite as good as the Bears, but their youth makes them a formidable foe in the future). Kelly Jennings, cornerback from Miami University, is a solid defensive selection at the 31st pick in the 2006 NFL Draft and Darryl Tapp, defensive end from Virginia Tech, was a good pickup in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. The Seahawks were one of the few times that did not have a ton of needs in the 2006 NFL Draft and they did a solid job of creating depth in their burgeoning defensive squad. The Seahawks probably could have made a move for another receiver or running back to solidify their offensive skill players but backup positions can be filled with free agents.
2006 NFL Draft Grade: B
San Francisco 49ers- The 49ers, fresh off a horrific 2005 NFL campaign, were in dire need of skill players that could support second year quarterback/punching bag Alex Smith. The 2006 NFL Draft provided the opportunity for the Niners to begin to rebuild and Vernon Davis, tight end from Maryland, as well as Manny Lawson, defensive end of North Carolina State, provide a great start on a new dynasty. In the third round, receiver Brandon Williams will give Smith several weapons, including receiver Brandon Lloyd, Vernon Davis, and Pro Bowl tight end Eric Johnson. The Niners began building around a franchise quarterback in the 2005 NFL Draft and in the 2006 NFL Draft, they began to remake San Francisco into a football town again.
2006 NFL Draft Grade: B+
Arizona Cardinals- The Arizona Cardinals are on the verge of turning into a respectable franchise and they made some strong moves in the 2006 NFL Draft. The fact that quarterback Matt Leinart fell to the tenth spot in the 2006 NFL Draft and gave coach Dennis Green a polished arm to work with behind veteran Kurt Warner. Offensive lineman Taitusi Lutui and tight end Leonard Pope provide offensive core help in the 2006 NFL season, especially Pope who could have been taken earlier than the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. The Cardinals, with Leinart at quarterback, Fitzgerald and Boldin at receiver, and Edgerrin James at running back, will compete within two years for prominence in the NFC.
2006 NFL Draft grade: A-
St. Louis Rams- The St. Louis Rams had a solid 2006 NFL Draft, including giving them a legitimate number one cornerback amidst a crowd of underachieving corners in the Rams’ defensive backfield. Coach Scott Linehan gets two solid tight ends (Joe Klopfenstein of Colorado and Dominique Bird of USC) to ramp up the Rams offense and linebacker Jon Alston of Stanford is maybe one of the better picks in the 2006 NFL Draft because of his potential. The Rams will compete again in the NFC West in 2006 and the 2006 NFL Draft provides them the tools to return St. Louis to NFC playoff contention.
2006 NFL Draft Grade: B+
2006 NFL Draft Division Winner- The NFC West picks in the 2006 NFL Draft may be the best in the National Football League but the Arizona Cardinals clearly won out, with a polished quarterback, a solid lineman, and a strong target at tight end.
