2022 Pre-Season All-NFC West Team

[AvengerRam]

This is an exercise I do every year. While there still may be some moves in FA, I'd say that rosters (not including rookies, who are ineligible for this list) are fairly set. To account for different formations, my lineups include three WRs and four players each on the DL and at LB. Players are included primarily based upon their 2021 performance.

With that, here are my selections:

QB: Matthew Stafford, Rams
RB: Eli Mitchell, 49ers
RB: James Conner, Cardinals
WR: Cooper Kupp, Rams
WR: Deebo Samuel, 49ers
WR: D.K. Metcalf, Seahawks
TE: George Kittle, 49ers
OT: Trent Williams, 49ers
OT: Rob Havenstein, Rams
OG: David Edwards, Rams
OG: Gabe Jackson, Seahawks
C: Rodney Hudson, Cardinals

Russell Wilson was on this list for years, but his departure and Stafford's rise puts him at the QB spot. I have no qualms placing him above overrated Kyler Murray. The RB spot was somewhat of a default choice. I would not be surprised if it changes as the year progresses. Metcalf could be traded. If he is, his spot would likely go to Tyler Lockett, unless he is traded, or DeAndre Hopkins, who was shelved most of last year.

DL: Aaron Donald, Rams
DL: Nick Bosa, 49ers
DL: Arik Armstead, 49ers
DL: A’Shaun Robinson, Rams
EDGE: Leonard Floyd, Rams
EDGE: Marcus Golden, Cardinals
ILB: Bobby Wagner, Rams
ILB: Fred Warner, 49ers
CB: Jalen Ramsey, Rams
CB: Charvarious Ward, 49ers
S: Budda Baker, Cardinals
S: Jamal Adams, Seahawks

The Rams and 49ers definitely dominate the defensive lineup. Not a ton of depth at the CB spot in this division, and Adams was more of a career body of work choice than a nod to his 2021 season.

Total
Rams 9
49ers 8
Cardinals 4
Seahawks 3

Pretty fitting results, given how the teams' finished the year in 2021. The battle between the Rams and 49ers could turn, to a large degree, on two players not listed who will have big roles in 2022: Cam Akers for the Rams and, of course, Trey Lance for the 49ers. If Lance, in particular, falters, the 49ers could struggle despite a generally strong roster.

Agree with my choices?

 

[FrantikRam]

Given that this is a projection of 2022, I'd rather have Akers than Mitchell, but understand the choice either way

 

[Mojo Ram]

QB: Matthew Stafford, Rams

 

[Merlin]

Good list. I don't think Edwards deserves to be on it at LG, just given him having a bit of a down season, but that's kind of nitpicking.

By the way Jimmie Ward is the best safety in this division by a good margin to my eye, just based on watching how these defenses play the Rams. He'd replace Adams on your list.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Next season Robinson will have a bigger year than DK

 

[sloramfan]

avenger great post.

and spot on with what you think... i'm totally in line with that...
go rams

slo

 

[AvengerRam]

Good list. I don't think Edwards deserves to be on it at LG, just given him having a bit of a down season, but that's kind of nitpicking.

By the way Jimmie Ward is the best safety in this division by a good margin to my eye, just based on watching how these defenses play the Rams. He'd replace Adams on your list.

Edwards made it due to the departure of Laken Tomlinson, who left the division. Ward has played well against us but, overall, he’s pretty average.

 

[Steve808]

Matt Gay, Kicker?

 

[CGI_Ram]

Good list. I don't think Edwards deserves to be on it at LG, just given him having a bit of a down season, but that's kind of nitpicking.

That one caught my eye as worth thinking about. But, he’s in the conversation either way.

Good topic.

 

[nighttrain]

Good list. I don't think Edwards deserves to be on it at LG, just given him having a bit of a down season, but that's kind of nitpicking.

By the way Jimmie Ward is the best safety in this division by a good margin to my eye, just based on watching how these defenses play the Rams. He'd replace Adams on your list.

Ward over Adams good call, not so sure about Edwards, I like him
train

 

[AvengerRam]

Matt Gay, Kicker?

If I included kickers, he’d definitely get the nod there.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Next season Robinson will have a bigger year than DK

To clarify:

DK will have a drop off at QB, Robinson will have an improved QB.

 

[Merlin]

Ward over Adams good call, not so sure about Edwards, I like him
train

I like Edwards too, always have. I figure he will step it up this year. But I figured that prior to the 2021 season. He's got some shit to work on this offseason for sure.