The NFL is highly offensive-friendly as they highlight some of the best layers and moments on the offensive side of the ball. The NFC West Division has playmakers on offense at the skill positions that define the league in 2022. Several key offensive linemen are among the best in the entire NFL. This NFC West offense looks to be even better this 2022 NFL Season than it was last season.
2022 NFC West All-Division Team: The Offense
Quarterback: Matthew Stafford, Rams
Before coming into the 2021 NFL off-season, Matthew Stafford was believed to have been either a quarterback that could not lead the Detroit Lions to success or a great quarterback that was held back by the Lions. This 2021 postseason has shown that Stafford is, in fact, a great quarterback as he led the Los Angeles Rams to their second Super Bowl title. He threw for 4,886 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. Stafford enters his full off-season with the Rams as they project to be another serious contender for a Super Bowl title.
He remains one of the best quarterbacks in the NFC with his strong arm, leadership skills, and positive mentality. While the Rams have changed a little bit, especially with losing Odell Beckham and Robert Woods, Stafford appears to be one of the top quarterbacks in the league, especially in the NFC West division.
Running Back: Elijah Mitchell, 49ers
Elijah Mitchell had one of the quietest years as a running back this past NFL season. As a rookie, he rushed for 963 yards and five touchdowns on 207 carries. Mitchell was originally part of a multi-man running back group for Kyle Shanahan’s offense, but he exceeded expectations so well that he became the number one back for the San Francisco 49ers.
He returns with a much more aggressive mentality and goals as he looks to help carry the 49ers’ offense and help a young inexperienced quarterback in Trey Lance III to a potential NFC West divisional title. With so many changes going on in the NFC West at the running back position, Mitchell is easily one of the division’s most experienced and efficient backs.
Wide Receiver: Cooper Kupp, Rams
The NFC West is absolutely loaded with high-caliber wide receivers on offense in 2022, but one of the most elite and high-voltage receivers is Cooper Kupp. Last season, he had a huge season by catching 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns.
He was one of the key offensive playmakers for the Rams to win their Super Bowl title this season. His explosive speed, great hands, and distinguished route-running made him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league this past season. This past June, Kupp received a three-year; $80.1 million extension with the Rams. Without Beckham and Woods for the Rams in 2022, Cupp may look to have an even more workload and production.
Wide Receiver: DK Metcalf, Seahawks
With Russell Wilson gone, the Seattle Seahawks need a Pro-Bowl caliber player to lead their offense into a new generation. The Seahawks knew that player would D.K. Metcalf, they just needed him to become that leader. Metcalf and the Seahawks agreed on a three-year, $72 million contract extension.
Now, Metcalf is secured as one of the best deep-threat wide receivers in the NFC West. In his three seasons with the Seahawks, Metcalf has caught 216 receptions for 3,170 yards and 29 touchdowns. Metcalf and wide receiver Tyler Lockett are the leaders of a Seahawks’ offense that looks to experience significant changes in the future.
Wide Receiver: Deebo Samuel, 49ers
Another receiver from the 2019 NFL draft class, Deebo Samuel is one of the most dynamic players in the entire NFL. His high-caliber play-making skills were too much for San Francisco to move on considering, despite the high-asking price for his new contract. After months of negotiation and trade talk, the two sides decided on a three-year extension. Samuel will receive $71.55 million with $41 million fully guaranteed.
Ultimately, it is worth every penny as San Francisco has a dynamic weapon for Trey Lance. Last season, Samuel caught 77 receptions for 1,405 yards, six touchdowns, and 51 first downs. He was used as a jet-sweep back as he rushed for 365 yards and eight touchdowns on 59 carries.
San Francisco 49ers: Deebo Samuel Receives Incentives For Run Game Production https://t.co/ScEB3ytlFW pic.twitter.com/zvpA9Gu1By
— Forbes SportsMoney (@ForbesSports) August 2, 2022
Tight End: George Kittle, 49ers
It takes a special tight end to match the same intact as a high-caliber receiver on an NFL team. George Kittle is definitely one of those players as he has accounted for 71 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns. He is one of the most visibly gifted tight ends as he is a dynamic route-running, and he’s a match-up nightmare to opposing defenses. Kittle constantly challenges the title of best tight ends in the league against Kansas City’s Travis Kelce. He could also become one of the top tight ends in the history of the NFL.
Left Tackle: Trent Williams, 49ers
The 49ers chose a great time to put in their young quarterback in Trey Lance III. Not only do the 49ers have dynamic playmakers in Mitchell, Samuel, and Kittle, but they also have the best left tackle in the NFL in Trent Williams. Last season, Williams was given an overall grade by Pro Football Focus of 97.8, the best overall grade of any player in the league. He only allowed one sack and committed seven penalties as the starting left tackle for the 49ers. He was voted as a first-team All-Pro for his overall consistency in pass-protection and run-blocking.
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Left Guard: Justin Pugh, Cardinals
The offensive line in the NFC West encountered a significant reshuffle at the offensive line this off-season. Laken Tomlinson of the 49ers was the efficient left guard in the NFC West this past season, but he left via free agency to join the New York Giants. David Edwards of the Rams was a player that deserves some credit, but Justin Pugh was more consistent in 2021. Pugh did not allow a single sack throughout the 2022 season. He also committed only two penalties during the season. Pugh will be one of the most experienced offensive linemen for the Arizona Cardinals this season.
Center: Brian Allen, Rams
This past season was a big year for Brian Allen as he was set to be a full-time starter for the Rams. Allen played and started in 16 games last season as a key young leader for the Super Bowl-winning Rams. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the highest graded center in the NFC West at 80.1 overall. Allen and the Rams agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract extension on March 14th. With Andrew Whitworth retired, Allen is a player that will take partial command of the Rams’ offensive line in 2022.
Right Guard: Gabe Jackson, Seahawks
The offensive line for the Seahawks is young and inexperienced, but they have potential, with two rookie tackles projected to start. This position group needed serious rejuvenation before Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos. One player, outside of the rookies, the Seahawks feel confident at the right position with Gabe Jackson. Last season, Jackson graded out at 63.6. overall by Pro Football Focus, second in the NFC West. With the Rams’ Austin Corbett gone via free agency to the Carolina Panthers, Jackson is the division’s most experienced and efficient right guard.
Right Tackle: Rob Havenstein, Rams
Along with Allen having one of his best seasons in his professional career, Rob Havenstein was another player who had a big-time performance the entire season. Havenstein graded out with an overall grade of 81.5 by Pro Football Focus. He has at least an overall grade of 80 in three of the last four seasons. Havenstein is going into the 2022 NFL Season as one of the most experienced offensive linemen for the reigning Super Bowl champs.
