ESPN's NFC West reporters weigh in on which player picked in Rounds 4-7 of the NFL draft will have the biggest impact in the division. Each team’s draft class is below the reporter’s analysis.
Josh Weinfuss, Arizona Cardinals reporter: This rookie will be a little under the radar, but the Cardinals’ fifth-round pick, T.J. Logan out of North Carolina, can have the biggest impact on the NFC West because of his speed. He’s an established kick returner and will learn how to return punts. His speed could be a game-changer and help shift the division in favor of the Cardinals with just a few plays throughout the season.
Alden Gonzalez, Los Angeles Rams: Dorian Johnson, a guard out of Pittsburgh, who was taken 115th overall by the Cardinals. He might only add depth now, but Johnson was one of the best at his position in this draft and could be a key cog on Arizona’s offensive line for a long time. Johnson, who started all 39 games in his last three college seasons at right guard, is a converted tackle with an athletic body type for the interior. The Cardinals lost Earl Watford in free agency and Evan Mathis retired, so they needed to address this position. In Johnson, they get someone ESPN’s Todd McShay considers an elite run-blocker with the arm length to eventually become a standout pass-blocker.
Nick Wagoner, San Francisco 49ers reporter: The 49ers might have found their future starting running back in Joe Williams from Utah in the fourth round. Coach Kyle Shanahan (and his father before him) has a history of making these types of picks and turning them into major contributors at the NFL level. Williams has the speed and cutting ability to fit perfectly in Shanahan's outside zone running scheme and should get opportunities right away considering starter Carlos Hyde's injury history.
Sheil Kapadia, Seattle Seahawks reporter: Tight end George Kittle. The Rams used the 44th pick (second round) on TE Gerald Everett. The 49ers got Kittle in the fifth (No. 146). And it would be no surprise if Kittle ended up having a bigger impact in 2017. The 6-foot-4, 247-pound tight end from Iowa tested better athletically than anyone at the position in this year’s class. Kittle is a well-rounded player who can block in the run game and stretch the field in the passing game for new 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan.