How the NFL Draft impacts the Rams chances in the NFC West

Even though the LA Rams did not own a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, they were still affected by the occasion. Along with continuing to scout and interview for their pick at 57, I am sure they were keeping their eyes on the first round, and paid special attention when the divisional rivals went on the clock.

The Rams saw the San Francisco 49ers give up two future first-rounders to trade up to the third pick to eventually select Trey Lance, a quarterback from North Dakota State. At pick 16 The Arizona Cardinals selected Zaven Collins, an outside linebacker from Tulsa. Due to the trade for New York Jets safety Jamal Adams, the Seattle Seahawks did not have a first-round pick.

With the Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers all believing they can compete for a Super Bowl, and the Cardinals getting so close to a playoff berth, this division will be brutal. Last year, the NFC West accumulated 36 wins as a division, with the only other division with more combined wins being the AFC North with 38. For reference, the lowest number of wins as a division was the NFC East with 23 wins.

This year, NFL win totals over/under odds have the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams at 10.5 games, the Seattle Seahawks at 9.5 games, and the Arizona Cardinals at 8 games. These projected win totals for the 2021 season are higher than any other division in the league. Also, it’s fair to insert here that the 49ers have a last-place team’s schedule, which is far easier.

The 49ers were decimated by injuries and Covid complications last year, so it could be an even tougher division battle than last year. If they stay healthy, the 49ers could be a major hurdle for the Rams.

New quarterback Trey Lance has been called a ‘project’ by many scouts, which might mean that Jimmy Garoppolo begins the season and even stays there as the starting quarterback. As Lance waits, perhaps until next year, the Rams could have a major advantage at quarterback when the rivals face off. On top of that, even if Lance turns out to be the best quarterback taken in the draft, it would take several years for him to even think about being on Stafford’s level.

The Cardinals desperately needed secondary and offensive line help and the organization decided to forgo many prospects that seemed to be a good fit for them. I guess they didn’t like those prospects which filled a need because they reportedly tried to trade down before eventually settling on Collins. Don’t get me wrong, he’s an exciting prospect, but being taken this high to a team that doesn’t have a need at linebacker is confusing.

The draft will play an important part in deciding who wins the division and is able to host a playoff game (or two). After the 49ers’ long-term play, and the Cardinals headscratcher, the Rams should be celebrating both of these picks, especially for the upcoming season. Even though they didn’t have their first-round pick, they didn’t lose too much ground in the divisional race.