The NFC West went from a division that had four potential Super Bowl contenders in it, to a mixed bag in just under one season, and even if a few teams have fallen off the pace, they've still got plenty of talent that can help themselves individually, as well as their teams now and going forward. Each of the teams in the division are stacked at one position, and in some cases, two or more, and even if only two of these squads reach the playoffs, the games within the division will be enthralling.
The Pro Bowl at the end of the year should feature plenty of names from this division, especially LA, coming off their incredible 2021 Super Bowl run, but if we only had to pick one candidate from each team in the NFC West, these would be the four names.
Los Angeles Rams - Aaron Donald
There's a lot of dominant athletes in sports today, but few have been as consistently brilliant since their arrival to the professional stage as No. 99 on the Rams, Aaron Donald. In just eight seasons at the NFL level, Donald has been an All-Pro in all but one of them (his rookie campaign where he still won Defensive Rookie of the Year and made the Pro Bowl), and after leading LA to the Super Bowl in 2022, he is well on his way to solidifying his place among the greatest defenders of all-time.
Cooper Kupp is also a shoe-in after arguably the greatest ever NFL season by a wide receiver, and with back-to-back Super Bowl's in mind, they likely won't be the only two. It's Donald however who has the best chance, because when he's on the field, no one in the crowd can take their eyes off No. 99, and no one on the opposing team can afford too.
Arizona Cardinals - Kyler Murray
The Arizona Cardinals have been building a strong foundation over the past few seasons, and their hopes of a maiden Super Bowl victory all hinge on the performance and success of their Quarterback, Kyler Murray. He's been great statistically over the past few years, and even with a cast around him that includes JJ Watt, DeAndre Hopkins and Zach Ertz, he's still the leader of the team, and the best Pro Bowl candidate on the squad.
There are some talented QB's in the NFC for sure, and while Murray hasn't achieved what the likes of Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers have, he can be just as good as them in the present day for the 2022 NFL season. A deep playoff run would mean much more to Murray and Arizona, but if they can't make that happen, No. 1 will make the Pro Bowl while giving his all to this team.
Seattle Seahawks - DK Metcalf
The Seattle Seahawks have had Russell Wilson as their starting Quarterback every year since 2012, and now with him gone, this team is likely going to take a major step back in 2022. Thankfully for Seattle, this team still has some pieces on offence, including two elite level wide receivers on the roster, and if anyone is going to represent them at the Pro Bowl, it will be one of those electric pass catchers.
The best candidate in the group is without a doubt DK Metcalf, who has been a huge name in the NFL since the draft combine, where he drew plenty of attention for all of his physical tools. Since that time, he's been a star for the Seahawks, and even with a major downgrade at the QB position, he has the physical tools and skills on the field to still remain one of the best receivers in the NFC.
San Francisco 49ers - George Kittle
The tight end position isn't usually one that produces plenty of stars at the same time, but in the NFL right now, you have three names that may one day be considered the best to ever play the position. Two of these three (Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce) patrol the AFC, and this leaves San Francisco's George Kittle as the clear cut best in the NFC, and if healthy, will be one of, it not the first name picked for the NFC Pro Bowl squad.
Trey Lance has been looking fantastic thus far in the off-season, and if he can become the dual-threat that many expect, this takes even more eyes off Kittle when the offence is on the field, and this works to his advantage. Kittle has consistently been one of the best tight end's in the league for years, and with no sign of slowing down anytime soon, he's practically a guarantee for his fourth Pro Bowl appearance.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Photo Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
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