The National Football Conference – Western Division, or NFC West, is one of the most competitive divisions in the National Football League. It features four powerhouse teams – the Arizona Cardinals, the Los Angeles Rams, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Seattle Seahawks – all of which have had considerable success in recent years.
With each team having a rich history and boasting their own unique style of play, the NFC West is sure to provide exciting matchups for football fans each season.
1. Budda Baker
Safety
Career
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2017, 2020)
- Second-team All-Pro (2021)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2017, 2019–2022)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2017)
- Consensus All-American (2016)
- 2× First-team All-Pac-12 (2015, 2016)
Budda Baker was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2017. The safety has played for the Cardinals since 2017 and is currently on injured reserve. Budda Baker attended Washington University where he played football and basketball before being drafted into the NFL.
As a safety, Budda Baker primarily tackles players but can also play defense as an outside linebacker or cornerback if needed.
In his rookie season with the Cardinals, Budda Baker recorded five interceptions including one against Aaron Rodgers which helped secure a victory over Green Bay in Week 15 of the regular season.
In 2018, Budda Baker started all 16 games for Arizona and tallied 74 total tackles (43 solos), two sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries while tying for second on the team with six pass deflections.
Budda Baker was a consensus All-American and two-time first-team all-Pac-12 player in 2016 and 2017.
He played for the Arizona Cardinals from 2018 to 2020, where he recorded 650 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 34 pass deflections. In 2019, Budda signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an unrestricted free agent and led the team with 101 tackles despite playing only eight games due to injury.
Budda joined Patrick Peterson, a former teammate from the Arizona Cardinals, on the roster of the New England Patriots in November 2020 after being released by the Rams at the conclusion of the season.
However, after one game, Budda was once again cut due to injury concerns resulting from offseason surgery on his ankle/foot joint area, which required screws to be inserted.
Also Played For: arizona cardinals
2. James Conner
Running back
Career
- 2× Pro Bowl (2018, 2021)
- AFCA First-team All-American (2014)
- ACC Player of the Year (2014)
- ACC Offensive Player of the Year (2014)
- ACC Brian Piccolo Award (2016)
- 2× First-team All-ACC (2014, 2016)
James Conner is a running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the team in 2017 and has since played for them through 2020. In 2018, he was named to his first Pro Bowl and led the league with 1,239 rushing yards that season.
He also scored 11 touchdowns on the ground. In 2021, he again led the NFL in rushing yards (1,291) while also amassing 12 touchdowns on offense.
This performance helped him earn Second Team All-Pro honors from The Associated Press and First Team All-AFC selections from several media outlets.
James Conner is married to Alecia Thomas. They have two children together - daughter Kailee Marie and son Kameron Johnathan. They both attend a Catholic school in Erie, Pennsylvania where their father grew up playing football as well as basketball.
He also tracks & field before going to college at Pittsburg State University where he lettered twice in football before being drafted into the NFL by Pittsburgh Steelers James Conner is a two-time first-team All-ACC selection and ACC Offensive Player of the Year.
He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. James Conner has rushed for over 3,000 yards and 43 touchdowns in his career thus far with the Steelers.
In Week 15 of the 2022 season, he recorded 97 rushing yards on 22 carries and scored a touchdown against Indianapolis Colts to help lead Pittsburgh to victory.
Also Played For: pittsburgh panthers football, university of pittsburgh football
3. Zaven Collins
Career
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2020)
- Chuck Bednarik Award (2020)
- Lombardi Award (2020)
- AAC Defensive Player of the Year (2020)
- Unanimous All-American (2020)
- First-team All-AAC (2020)
- Second-team All-AAC (2019)
Zaven Collins is a linebacker from Tulsa, Oklahoma who was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2021 NFL Draft. In 2020, Collins won both the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award as college football's best defender.
Collins has appeared in 21 games for the Cardinals over two seasons and has recorded 73 tackles (41 solo), 4 sacks and 1 interception.
Zaven Collins was a unanimous All-American and first team all-AAC selection in 2020. He led the AAC with 100 tackles, 2 sacks and 3 interceptions in 2020.
Collins is considered one of the top linebackers in the country and could be drafted early in the NFL Draft next year.
4. Noah Fant
Tight end
Career
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2019)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2018)
- Third-team All-Big Ten (2017)
Fant is a tight end for the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by them in 2019 and played with them during their Super Bowl run that year.
Fant has good size at 6'4" and weighs 249 pounds, which is quite impressive for a tight end. His skills as a receiver are also well-known, as he caught 54 passes in his rookie season with Denver Broncos.
Fant had an injury-plagued sophomore campaign with the Iowa Hawkeyes but bounced back to have another productive year in 2018, catching 47 balls for 511 yards and four touchdowns on offense while adding eight receptions for 131 yards and two scores on special teams play during his college career at Iowa.
Fant, a first-round pick of the Seahawks in 2020, had an impressive rookie season with 214 receptions for 2,331 yards and 14 touchdowns. Fant was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team after his breakout campaign.
The 21-year-old has already shown signs of being one of the best receivers in the league and looks set to continue making big plays at Seattle for years to come.
Also Played For: denver broncos, the university of iowa
5. Cam Akers
Running back
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LVI)
- Second team All-ACC (2019)
- Third team All-ACC (2017)
Cam Akers is a running back for the Los Angeles Rams. He was born on June 22, 1999, in Jackson, Mississippi and attended Clinton High School. After playing college football at Florida State, he was drafted by the Rams in 2020.
In his rookie season, he had over 1,000 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 196 carries (5th in the NFL). As of 2019, Cam is one of only six players ever to rush for 2,000 or more yards as a rookie (along with LaDainian Tomlinson, Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk, Adrian Peterson, and Marshawn Lynch).
In addition to his professional career as a rusher, he has also competed in track & field and basketball at Florida State University Cam Akers was one of the top running backs in college football and is expected to be a high-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
Akers has elite speed and can take it all the way to the end zone, making him a dangerous player on both the ground and the air.
He also has excellent hands, which makes him difficult to bring down even when he's caught off balance. Akers had some struggles with fumbles in college but should be able to overcome that issue in the pros.
He will need to work on his pass blocking if he wants to make an impact as a starter in the NFL, but overall Cam Akers is an exciting prospect who could have a long career ahead of him."
Cam Acker’s combination of size (6'1", 230 pounds) and athleticism led many analysts projecting him as one of this year’s top running back prospects at this time last year.
Akers capped his collegiate career by leading Notre Dame over USC for their second consecutive national championship game victory; they would go on to win Super Bowl LVI against New England Patriots 34-28.
Akerson burst onto the scene during his sophomore season starting 10 games while averaging 8 yards per carry behind Heisman Trophy finalist Derrius Guice. In 2018 after Guice left for professional baseball following.
National Signing Day due to LSU losing out on Derrius Guice there was no clear number two option behind Caelan Clayborn. Cameron ran wild finishing 3rd nationally with 1,187 rushing yards & 9 touchdowns averaging 4 ypc.
Also Played For: los aggeles rams
6. Raheem Mostert
Running back
Career
- Philadelphia Eagles (2015)*
- Miami Dolphins (2015)
- Baltimore Ravens (2015)
- Cleveland Browns (2015)
- New York Jets (2016)*
- Chicago Bears (2016)
- San Francisco 49ers (2016–2021)
- Miami Dolphins (2022–present)
Mostert was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015 but did not play a single down for them before being released in August of that year. He then signed with the Miami Dolphins, where he played three seasons before being traded to the Baltimore Ravens at the end of 2017.
Mostert finished his career with the Ravens and retired after the 2018 season. Raheem Mostert was drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers.
He played college football at Notre Dame, where he rushed for 2,027 yards and 20 touchdowns on 210 carries over three seasons.
Mostert is a very versatile running back who can run between the tackles or take it to the outside with his speed and quickness. In his rookie season with the 49ers, Mostert averaged 5 yards per carry and caught 24 passes for 234 yards while also returning eight kicks for 158 yards and one touchdown.
The Niners decided to trade Mostert during this season's offseason, sending him along with a 2019 fourth-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for wide receiver Josh Gordon.
With both Gordon and Carlos Hyde healthy most of 2018, Mostert appeared in just six games - rushing for 54 yards on 11 carries (3 average) - before being waived by Cleveland earlier this month after failing a physical due to an ankle injury sustained last November while playing against Buffalo.
After clearing waivers Tuesday evening, Raheem Mostert will report to New York's practice squad pending a determination on his status as an eligible player who has not been suspended pursuant to Article 46 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Also Played For: miami dolphins, purdue boilermakers football
7. Frank Gore
Running back
Career
- Second-team All-Pro (2006)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2006, 2009, 2011–2013)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- Art Rooney Award (2016)
- BCS national champion (2001)
- ACC Brian Piccolo Award (2004)
One of the most decorated running backs in NFL history, Gore has led the league in rushing yards nine times and is third all-time with 12,071 yards. Gore played college football at Miami (FL) before being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2005.
He spent seven seasons with the 49ers before joining Indianapolis Colts and then Miami Dolphins for two seasons each. In 2018, Gore signed a one-year contract with Buffalo Bills ahead of their season opener against New England Patriots on September 9th.
A five-time Pro Bowler and three-time First Team All-Pro selection, Frank Gore will retire as one of the most successful running backs to ever play professional football Frank Gore is a veteran running back who has played in the NFL for over 15 years.
He is best known for his accomplishments with the San Francisco 49ers, where he was an All-Pro and led them to a championship in 2013.
Gore also had success with the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, and Indianapolis Colts during his career. He will be playing his final season in 2020 with the New York Jets after spending time with several other teams throughout his career including the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins.
Also Played For: san francisco 49ers, madden nfl 13
8. Nick Bosa
Defensive lineman
Career
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2019)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2019, 2021, 2022)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2019)
- First-team All-American (2017)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2017)
- Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year (2017)
Nick Bosa is a young and talented defensive end who was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Nick Bosa has all of the tools to be an elite player in the NFL and could be a cornerstone for the 49er's defense for years to come.
Nick Bosa is known for his explosiveness, speed, and strength on the defensive line, making him a difficult player to block.
Nick Bosa will need time to adjust to life in the NFL but he has all of the potential needed to become one of its best players Nick Bosa is a talented young defensive lineman who has quickly established himself as one of the best in the NFL.
He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and has already made an impact on the field, recording 153 tackles and 42 sacks while also forcing eight fumbles and recovering two.
Nick Bosa is a versatile player who can play both end positions or linebacker, making him even more dangerous for opposing offenses.
Also Played For: defensive end, madden nfl 21
9. Deebo Samuel
Wide receiver
Career
- First-team All-Pro (2021)
- Pro Bowl (2021)
- First-team All-American (2018)
- First-team All-SEC (2018)
Deebo Samuel was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2019. He played college football at South Carolina and has since been a regular member of the team.
Deebo is known for his speed and ability to make plays downfield, making him a key part of the Niners' offense. In 2018 he set a school record with 1,450 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 114 receptions.
As an undrafted rookie in 2019, Deebo made an impact playing both as receiver and returner for San Francisco early in the season before suffering an injury that ended his season prematurely Deebo Samuel is an exciting and versatile player with the ability to make big plays in any game.
He has been one of the best receivers in the NFL for a few years now, and his skills will only continue to improve as he gets older. Samuel was selected first-team All-Pro by the National Football League (NFL) in 2021, making him one of the most accomplished players in his position in recent memory.
He is also a three-time First-team All-American, having won this award back-to-back in 2018 and 2019. His success on the field has led him to numerous other awards, including being named SEC Player of the Year twice (2018, 2019).
With 12 receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons alone, Samuel clearly knows how to find pay dirt when it matters most - something that can be very dangerous for opposing defenses.
Also Played For: fantasy playoff, nfl playoff
10. Vernon Davis
Tight end
Career
- Super Bowl champion (50)
- Second-team All-Pro (2013)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2009, 2013)
- NFL receiving touchdowns co-leader (2009)
- Consensus All-American (2005)
Vernon Davis is a former tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, and Washington Redskins. He was drafted in 2006 by the 49ers and played there until 2015.
In his five seasons with the 49ers, he recorded over 1,000 receiving yards three times and scored 12 touchdowns. After leaving San Francisco, Vernon signed with the Denver Broncos where he started to fall out of favor after several injury-plagued years.
He was then traded to Washington in 2018 but only managed to play in four games before retiring at the age of 38 due to an ankle injury sustained during training camp Vernon Davis was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft.
Vernon Davis has played for six different teams during his ten-year career, including five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. In 2013, Vernon Davis led all NFC receivers in receptions and receiving yards while also tying for second in touchdowns receptions.
After being traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2015, Vernon Davis helped lead Indy to a playoff berth and an appearance in Super Bowl 50 as a member of their team.
In 2019, after playing three seasons with the Oakland Raiders, Vernon Davis signed a one-year deal with the Redskins on March 14th that will keep him with Washington through the 2020 season.
Also Played For: maryland terrapins football
11. DK Metcalf
Wide receiver
Career
- Second-team All-Pro (2020)
- Pro Bowl (2020)
DK Metcalf was a wide receiver for the Ole Miss Rebels from 2016-2018. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2019 and played with them in 2020.
DK is known for his speed and athleticism, which helped him win awards such as SEC Special Teams Player of the Year and Second Team All-SEC honors in 2018.
In addition to football, Metcalf also competes in track & field events at Ole Miss. His personal bests include a 100 meters time of 10.64 seconds (tied for fifth fastest ever recorded by an SEC player) and a 200 meters time of 22.38 seconds (seventh fastest).
After leaving college, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent but did not make any appearances during their season.
On October 2nd, 2021 he announced his retirement from professional football after suffering a torn ACL while playing against the Los Angeles Rams DK Metcalf had a breakout rookie season in the NFL, leading all receivers with 1,519 yards and nine touchdowns despite playing just 10 games.
He followed that up with another strong year in 2020, catching 298 passes for 2,782 yards and 14 touchdowns while also making his first Pro Bowl appearance.
DK Metcalf is still young (25 years old as of 2019), so there's potential for even more success in his career if he continues to produce at this level.
Also Played For: seattle seahawks, ole miss rebels football
12. Quandre Diggs
Free safety
Career
- 3× Pro Bowl (2020–2022)
- 2× Second-team All-Big 12 (2011, 2014)
- Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2011)
Diggs was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2015 but never played a down for them. He was traded to Seattle Seahawks the following year and has been a staple on their defense ever since.
Diggs is known as one of the best free safeties in the league and his play often dictates how successful Seattle's defense is. His ability to read offensive plays quickly and make tackles makes him an important player on both sides of the ball.
Diggs has two interceptions and six sacks in his career so far, proving he can be an impactful player even when not making big plays himself.
Diggs is set to become a free agent at the end of this season, meaning there's no telling where he'll end up next if he doesn't re-sign with Seattle soon Quandre Diggs was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Second-team All-Big 12 player at Oklahoma State.
He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and started in his rookie season. In 2019, he helped lead the Vikings to their first NFC Championship game since 2009 and their first appearance in Super Bowl LIII since 1976.
13. Jordyn Brooks
Linebacker
Career
- Second team All-American (2019)
- First team All-Big 12 (2019)
Jordyn Brooks was born on October 21, 1997, in Dallas, Texas. She attended Stratford High School before enrolling at Texas Tech University where she played linebacker for the Red Raiders.
In 2020, Jordyn was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks with their first-round pick (27th overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft and has since been a regular starter for them.
Jordyn is married to her college sweetheart and they have one child together who was born in 2019.
Jordyn Brooks is a 2019 second-team All-American linebacker for the Kansas Jayhawks. Jordyn was drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
Jordyn has played in 41 games with 36 starts, totaling 398 tackles, 2 sacks, 12 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble.
In addition to her play on the field, Jordyn is also known for her work as an ambassador for the charity and her contribution to her community through events like “Big Brothers Big Sisters”.
Also Played For: texas tech red raiders football, seahawks fantasy
14. Chris Carson
Running back
Career
- Butler CC (2013–2014)
- Oklahoma State (2015–2016)
Chris Carson was born on September 16, 1994, in Biloxi, Mississippi. He played running back for Parkview High School before attending Butler CC where he starred as a receiver and rusher.
In 2015 and 2016, Chris Carson led Oklahoma State to back-to-back Big 12 titles as the Cowboys' primary rushing option behind record-setting quarterback Mason Rudolph.
The 28-year-old runner signed with Seattle following his senior season at Oklahoma State and is currently competing for a roster spot during preseason training camp.
Chris Carson has experience playing both wide receiver and running back in college which gives him versatility if injuries occur or games are decided by fourth-quarter comebacks like they did last season.
Houston in the Red River Rivalry game where an 11-yard run by Carson secured the win on 4th down with 1:54 remaining giving Okst States their ninth straight victory over Texas A&M dating all the way back to 1899.
Chris Carson is a dynamic running back who was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma State University and finished with 3,502 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns over his four seasons there.
Carson has excellent speed and quickness, which makes him extremely dangerous as a runner on the ground. He will need to work on his pass-blocking skills if he wants to make it in the NFL, but overall he is an exciting young player with a lot of potentials.
Also Played For: madden nfl 20
15. Michael Dickson
Punter
Career
- First-team All-Pro (2018)
- Pro Bowl (2018)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2018)
- Texas Bowl MVP (2017)
- 2017 Ray Guy Award
- 2017 All-American
- 2017 GPR Punt Rating national leader, 99.13
- Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year (2016, 2017)
Michael Dickson is a punter for the Seattle Seahawks. He was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and attended Kirrawee High School before going to college in Texas.
Dickson signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and has since played in all 16 regular season games on the team's roster. In his rookie year, he averaged 44 yards per punt while helping lead the Seahawks to their first playoff berth in franchise history.
Michael Dickson is currently active on the Seahawks' roster and looks likely to continue playing for them into 2019 Dickson is a standout punter in the NFL who has been named to multiple All-Pro teams and was awarded the Ray Guy Award as the nation's top collegiate punter in 2017.
He holds several career punt rating records and was also Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017.
Dickson began his professional football career with the Houston Texans before being traded to Seattle Seahawks prior to the 2018 season. His stellar play at both positions will likely see him inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day, making him one of the elite athletes in American sports history.
16. Jimmy Garoppolo
Quarterback
Career
- High school: Rolling Meadows (Rolling Meadows, Illinois)
- College: Eastern Illinois (2010–2013)
- NFL Draft: 2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 62
- New England Patriots (2014–2017), San Francisco 49ers (2017–present)
- Roster status: Active
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XLIX, LI), Walter Payton Award (2013), OVC Offensive Player of the Year (2013), First-team All-OVC (2013), Second-team All-OVC (2012)
- Passing attempts: 1,755, Passing completions: 1,187, Completion percentage: 67.6%, Passing yards: 14,517, TD–INT: 91–42, Passer rating: 99.0, Rushing yards: 228, Rushing touchdowns: 7
- Passing attempts: 1,755
- Passing completions: 1,187
- Completion percentage: 67.6%
- Passing yards: 14,517
- TD–INT: 91–42
- Passer rating: 99.0
- Rushing yards: 228
- Rushing touchdowns: 7
Garoppolo is a talented quarterback who has played for the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers in his career. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2014, but moved on to play for the San Francisco 49ers from 2017-present.
Garoppolo has been praised for his passing ability, and he has led both teams to playoff appearances during his time with them.
He will be playing his final season with the San Francisco 49ers in 2019 before potentially moving onto another team later on down the line Jimmy Garoppolo was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers.
He made his NFL debut in Week 6 of that season, starting against the Chicago Bears and completing 12 of 22 passes for 196 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
In 2015, Garoppolo started all 16 games for San Francisco, passing for 3,087 yards with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions while also rushing for 294 yards on 38 carries (4 TD).
In 2016 he played 14 games (11 starts), totaling 2,886 pass yards with 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions before being traded to New England Patriots in October 2017.
With New England he led them to their first Super Bowl victory since 2003 as well as their fourth AFC championship overall en route to earning MVP honors; during this time he set several single-season records including completion percentage (.670) passer rating (981) and most touchdown passes thrown (35).
On September 11th 2018 Jimmy Garoppolo tore his ACL while playing against Tennessee Titans which ended his season prematurely but not before leading New England to another title game where they were defeated by Philadelphia Eagles.
Also Played For: nfl preseason
17. Michael Crabtree
San Francisco 49ers
Career
- High school: Dallas Carter (Dallas, Texas)
- College: Texas Tech (2006–2008)
- NFL Draft: 2009 / Round
- San Francisco 49ers (2009–2014), Oakland Raiders (2015–2017), Baltimore Ravens (2018), Arizona Cardinals (2019)
- 2× Biletnikoff Award (2007, 2008), 2× Unanimous All-American (2007, 2008), 2× First-team All-Big 12 (2007, 2008), Big 12 Co-Offensive Freshman of the Year (2007)
- Receptions: 637, Receiving yards
- Receptions: 637
- Receiving yards: 7,499
- Receiving touchdowns: 54
- College Football Hall of Fame
Crabtree played football at Dallas Carter High School before transferring to Texas Tech. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2009 and made his NFL debut with them that year.
Crabtree spent four seasons with the 49ers, winning a Super Bowl title in 2013. After leaving San Francisco, Crabtree joined Oakland Raiders and then Baltimore Ravens before retiring in 2018.
Michael Crabtree is a three-time first-team All-American and two-time Biletnikoff Award winner.
He was also a unanimous selection to the Big 12 Conference’s first team as a freshman in 2007, and finished his college career ranked second all time with 154 receptions for 2,753 yards and 22 touchdowns.
A five-year starter at Texas Tech, Michael was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2009 where he had an impressive rookie campaign with 71 catches for 1,115 yards and six touchdowns before being released after one season due to salary cap reasons.
He then signed with San Francisco 49ers where he played until 2014 when he was traded to Baltimore Ravens who eventually let him go after just one season there too due to salary cap reasons again.
This year (2015) Michael has been back playing football professionally in Arizona Cardinals and so far has impressed scouts with 14 receptions for 283 yards and one touchdown.
Also Played For: 2009 nfl draft
18. Jerick McKinnon
Kansas City Chiefs
Career
- High school: Sprayberry (Marietta, Georgia)
- College: Georgia Southern (2010–2013)
- NFL Draft: 2014 / Round: 3 / Pick: 96
- Minnesota Vikings (2014–2017), San Francisco 49ers (2018–2020), Kansas City Chiefs (2021–present)
- Roster status: Active
- First-team All-SoCon (2013)
- Rushing yards: 2,590, Rushing average: 4.1, Rushing touchdowns: 13, Receptions: 244, Receiving yards: 1,856, Receiving touchdowns: 16
- Rushing yards: 2,590
- Rushing average: 4.1
- Rushing touchdowns: 13
- Receptions: 244
- Receiving yards: 1,856
- Receiving touchdowns: 16
Jerick McKinnon is a former Georgia Southern running back who was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2014 NFL Draft. He played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2018 to 2020 before joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021.
McKinnon has rushed for over 2,000 yards both in his two stints with the 49ers and Vikings, and he is considered one of the best running backs in the league today. Jerick McKinnon is a talented running back who has excelled in the NFL.
He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft and has since made an impact on their offense.
In his rookie season, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. He went on to have another very successful year with Minnesota in 2017, rushing for over 1,500 yards and adding 18 more scores.
The Chiefs acquired him this offseason as part of a deal that sent Alex Smith to Washington D.C.. McKinnon will be counted on heavily to help Kansas City contend for championships in 2021 and beyond.
19. Pete Carroll
Career
- High school: Larkspur (CA) Redwood
- College: Pacific
- Super Bowl champion (XLVIII), NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, 2× National champion (2003, 2004), 4× Rose Bowl champion (2003, 2006–2008), 2× Orange Bowl champion (2002, 2004), 7× Pac-10 champion (2002–2008), Home Depot Coach of the Year Award (2003), AFCA Coach of the Year Award (2003)
Carroll is a highly successful coach, having led the Seattle Seahawks to a record of 151-60 over the course of 18 seasons. Carroll has been a head coach for over 20 years, which is a record for the NFL.
Carroll is highly respected both by players and coaches throughout the league. Carroll was born in California and attended college at Pacific. Carroll began his coaching career at Pacific before moving on to Arkansas and Iowa State.
Carroll is widely considered one of the best coaches in the NFL, and his success has led to him being named head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Carroll is a highly motivational coach, and his teams are known for their strong defensive play.
Carroll has a strong track record of success, and his teams have won numerous championships throughout his career. Carroll is a highly respected figure in the NFL, and he is widely credited with helping to revive the Seattle Seahawks franchise.
20. D. J. Humphries
Tackle
Career
- High school: Mallard Creek, (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- College: Florida (2012–2014)
- NFL Draft: 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 24
- Arizona Cardinals (2015–present)
- Roster status: Active
- Pro Bowl (2021), Sporting News Freshman All-American (2012)
- Games played: 83, Games started: 83
- Games played: 83
- Games started: 83
D. J. Humphries was drafted 24th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2015 NFL Draft. Humphries played college football at Florida and was a two-year starter for the Gators.
Humphries was a member of the Cardinals' team that won the NFC Championship Game in 2016. Humphries has started all 43 games of his career up to this point and is a mainstay on the Cardinals' offensive line.
Humphries has been a major part of the Cardinals' offensive successes and is highly regarded by teammates and coaches. Humphries is a powerful tackle who can move defenders despite his large weight. Humphries is a hard worker who puts in long hours in the weight room to improve his game.
Humphries is a team player who is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. Humphries is a natural leader and has taken on a big role on the Cardinals' offensive line.
Also Played For: florida gators football
21. Kliff Kingsbury
Texas Tech Red Raiders football
Career
- High school: New Braunfels (TX)
- College: Texas Tech (1998–2002)
- NFL Draft: 2003 / Round: 6 / Pick: 201
- As player, Super Bowl champion (XXXVIII), First-team All-Big 12 (2002), 2× Second-team All-Big 12 (2000, 2001), Sammy Baugh Trophy (2002), AP National Offensive Player of the Year (2002)
- TD–INT: 0–0, Passing yards: 17, Passer rating: 79.2
- TD–INT: 0–0
- Passing yards: 17
- Passer rating: 79.2
Kliff Kingsbury is a former quarterback in the NFL who has had a successful coaching career. He played for the New England Patriots and the New Orleans Saints in the early 2000s.
He then had a short stint with the Denver Broncos before spending time as the backup quarterback for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. In 2017, he was hired as the head coach of the UCLA Bruins football team.
Kingsbury is credited with helping to turn around the fortunes of the New England Patriots during his time as a player. He is also known for his creative play-calling and ability to adapt to different situations.
As a coach, Kingsbury has led his teams to a number of victories, including a berth in the College Football Playoff. In his first season at UCLA, he led the team to an 8-5 record. Kingsbury is a highly-rated coach and is considered to be one of the best in the business.
22. Javon Kinlaw
San Francisco 49ers
Career
- High school: Goose Creek (Goose Creek, South Carolina)
- College: , Jones County Junior College (2016), South Carolina (2017–2019)
- NFL Draft: 2020 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14
- San Francisco 49ers (2020–present)
- Roster status: Active
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2020), First-Team All-SEC (2019)
- Total tackles: 43, Sacks: 1.5, Pass deflections: 4, Interceptions: 1, Touchdowns: 1
- Total tackles: 43
- Sacks: 1.5
- Pass deflections: 4
- Interceptions: 1
- Touchdowns: 1
Kinlaw was a highly-rated defensive tackle out of Goose Creek, South Carolina. He was invited to play in the 2017 Shrine Game and had a solid performance.
Kinlaw was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent in 2020. He made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2020 season and has since played in all 16 games.
Kinlaw is a versatile player who can play either defensive tackle or defensive end. He has shown flashes of brilliance in his limited time in the NFL. Kinlaw is a crucial part of the San Francisco 49ers' defense, and he is expected to become an important player in the future.
Kinlaw is a hardworking player who is always hustling to make a play. He is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line. Kinlaw is a young player who has a lot of potential and is still developing as a player. He has a bright future ahead of him and is poised to become a household name in the NFL.
Also Played For: south carolina gamecocks football
23. Jason Myers
Seattle Seahawks
Career
- High school: Mater Dei Catholic, (Chula Vista, California)
- College: Marist
- Undrafted: 2013
- San Jose SaberCats (2014), Arizona Rattlers (2015)*, Jacksonville Jaguars (2015–2017), Seattle Seahawks (2018)*, New York Jets (2018), Seattle Seahawks (2019–present)
- * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
- Roster status: Active
- 2× Pro Bowl (2018, 2022), NFL scoring leader (2022)
- Field goals: 195, Field goal attempts: 227, Field goal %: 85.9, Long field goal: 61, Touchbacks: 397
- Field goals: 195
- Field goal attempts: 227
- Field goal %: 85.9
- Long field goal: 61
- Touchbacks: 397
Myers was undrafted in 2013 but was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars. After being cut by the Jaguars in 2017, Myers signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Myers has over 100 career field goals, the most of any kicker in NFL history.
Myers has been named a Pro Bowler twice, in 2016 and 2021. Myers is currently the kicker for the Seattle Seahawks. Myers is a former Pro Bowl kicker for the Seattle Seahawks. He was the NFL scoring leader in 2022. Myers is currently a kicker for the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad.
24. Kyle Shanahan
Career
- High school: Cherry Creek, (Greenwood Village, Colorado)
- College: , Duke (1998), Texas (1999–2002)
- AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year (2016)
Kyle Shanahan is the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. He was a graduate assistant at UCLA under Rick Neuheisel. He was the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons from 2013 to 2018.
He led the Falcons to the NFC Championship Game in 2016 and the Super Bowl in 2017. He was fired from the Atlanta Falcons after a disappointing season in 2018. He was hired as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
He played college football at Duke and Texas. He has a degree in business from Duke. He is married and has two children. Kyle Shanahan has been the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers since 2017.
Kyle Shanahan has previously been the offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns (2014), Atlanta Falcons (2015-2016), and Washington Redskins (2010-2013).
Kyle Shanahan was the head coach for the Washington Redskins from 2013-2017. Kyle Shanahan is a well-known offensive coordinator in the NFL. Kyle Shanahan was born in 1970.
25. Mike McGlinchey
San Francisco 49ers
Career
- High school: William Penn Charter School, (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- College: Notre Dame (2013–2017)
- NFL Draft: 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9
- San Francisco 49ers (2018–present)
- Roster status: Active
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2018), Consensus All-American (2017)
- Games played: 64, Games started: 64
- Games played: 64
- Games started: 64
Mike McGlinchey was a highly touted offensive tackle prospect coming out of high school. He attended Notre Dame, where he played from 2013-2017. McGlinchey was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
He has since started all 16 games for the team and appeared in 46 overall. McGlinchey is versatile and has the potential to be a long-time starter in the NFL.
He is a powerful blocker who can move defenders off the ball. McGlinchey is a hard worker who is always looking to improve his game.
He is a team player who is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. McGlinchey is married and has one child. He is a devout Christian who enjoys spending time with his family.
McGlinchey is a native of Warrington, Pennsylvania. He is passionate about football and enjoys spending time outside of the locker room visiting with fans.
Final Words
The NFC West has had some of the best players in the NFL over the years, and there is no doubt that some of the league’s biggest stars have come from this division.
From Larry Fitzgerald to Patrick Willis, the NFC West has been home to some of the best talent in the game.
