NFL Draft Aftermath: IDP Winners and Losers from the NFC West

With the NFL Draft squarely in the rearview mirror and the off-season underway, we’re getting a feel for the rookies and what could lie ahead for them in the upcoming season. It’s also a time for us to evaluate the winners and losers from the draft as many veteran players could have their spots on the depth chart either threatened or solidified based on their team’s actions in the draft.  Today, I’ll take a look at some IDP winners and losers from the NFC West. This division is loaded with IDP talent, especially at linebacker. Today, I’ll let you know who’s moving up and moving down.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

WINNERS

Reuben Foster 

Despite all the ongoing allegations, Foster still came up a winner because San Francisco simply didn’t bring in anybody to threaten his job.  They did draft Fred Warner from BYU but he’s more of a WLB.  Foster is also a winner because the latest charges against him have been dropped. For those who were able to acquire him on the cheap during all this, kudos to you.  As long as he’s on the field, he’s a near lock as a LB1 play – just make sure you account for obvious character risk here.

Adrian Colbert

Colbert was a seventh round pick in last year’s draft and didn’t make an appearance until week seven against the Cowboys.  He started the last five games of the season, played full snaps and impressed.  Although the Niners drafted Tarvarious Moore, he’s making the move to CB and Jimmie Ward has moved back to CB as well, so the FS job is Colbert’s to lose. I don’t see Colbert losing it – he’s on the rise and he should be on your target radar. 

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LOSER

Brock Coyle

Coyle got a good amount of publicity last season but that’s gone away because he was realistically never going to be a featured LB for the Niners heading into the 2018 season.  Many have also forgotten about Malcolm Smith, who will be returning after missing all of last season to a torn pectoral muscle.  As stated above, the Niners also drafted OLB Fred Warner and he will compete for the WLB job as well.  Coyle looks like a drop candidate in dynasty leagues.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

WINNER

SHAQUEM GRIFFIN

If you take a quick glimpse of the Seahawks LB depth, you can easily see why Griffin is considered a winner here.  He should slide right into what was once “Bruce Irvin’s Role” where Griffin would be able to rush the quarterback but also wouldn’t have a problem dropping back into coverage – this would be key to keep him on the field. 

LOSER

DION JORDAN

It seemed like we were finally on the brink of seeing Jordan’s potential after he put up four sacks in five games last season. However, the Seahawks went ahead and drafted Rasheem Green from USC and that makes things a little more cloudy. Seattle also lost Michael Bennett. Many figured Jordan and Marcus Smith were going to slot right in and take Bennett’s spot. However, with Green now on the roster, he’s the favorite for that role because he’s much more versatile with the ability to play both inside and outside.  Jordan will still have a role but it could possibly be as a situational pass rusher only.

LOS ANGELES RAMS

WINNER

OGBONNIA OKORONKWO

Although he had to get surgery for his foot injury, Okoronkwo will be back in time for training camp to battle it out for a starting job at OLB.  The Rams have two vacated spots open with veterans Robert Quinn being traded to Miami and Connor Barwin let go to free agency.  I see Okoronkwo coming out from training camp as one of the edge starters, therefore, he could provide some solid value for those who got him towards the end of rookie drafts.  

LOSER

RAMIK WILSON

Wilson was brought in this off-season as a free agent with hopes to land the starting gig next to Mark Barron.  The Rams have drafted Micah Kiser and brought in Tegray Scales as an UDFA, who are both are talented enough to make the ILB battle interesting.  Either way, it’s a crowded position at the moment. The smoke will clear mid-way through training camp as all these players battle Cory Littleton, who looks like he has the lead.  Wilson is just 25 years old and has potential but with how the Rams approached the position, he’d have to outplay a handful of skilled ILBs battling for Alec Ogletree’s spot. This is a position battle to watch as whoever earns the job is a near lock for a Top 20 LB finish in IDP leagues.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

WINNER

DEONE BUCANNON

With the Cardinals transitioning to a new defensive scheme, the LBs seemed to be one of the weak spots. However, with the lack of aggressiveness in adding many quality players at the position, it’s clear all the Cardinals defensive players can be considered winners, including Bucannon. There is no immediate threat to his job and he should continue to provide LB2 value in IDP leagues.

LOSER

JOSH BYNES

He’s still the favorite to start at MLB but we cannot ignore the addition of UDFA Frank Ginda, who led the nation in tackles (173 total, 94 solo) last season.  Ginda just showed a knack to be around the all the time and will push Bynes for the starting job id the Cardinals don’t bring in a veteran free agent.  You can file Bynes under the “buyer beware tag” as he should only be a deep league target for depth purposes.  

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