Predicting the best NFL player on each NFC team in 5 years
By Zach Cohen
NFL Future Predictions: Best NFC West in 5 years
San Francisco 49ers: Nick Bosa
Could Trey Lance take this crown? Possibly. San Francisco has some promising talent, yet none seem to be on par with Bosa. It just seems foolish to not bet on one of the best young edge rushers in the NFL. His first season in 2019 was impressive enough to almost confirm his second-overall selection in that draft.
Unfortunately for Bosa, an ACL tear limited him to two games. Still, he’s had an undeniable impact on the field as a 49er. Unless he fails to fully recover from his injury, it’s reasonable to assume Bosa continues his ascension. Mike McGlinchey and George Kittle should be good for at least another two to three years, barring their health complies.
Arizona Cardinals: Budda Baker
I flip-flopped between Baker and Kyler Murray for the longest time. Murray was drafted to be Arizona’s franchise quarterback, and he’s certainly looked the part at times. But Murray wasn’t the Cardinals’ best player last season, and if we’re being honest, he was pretty average in most major quarterback stats. We’ll see if he takes the next step in 2021.
On the other hand, Baker was a First-Team All-Pro selection and a Pro Bowler. His versatility has been key to his rise as one of the best safeties in football. Baker has all the makings of a long-time stud at the position. Maybe Murray does become the Cardinals’ franchise quarterback. Regardless, I’d be shocked if Baker isn’t commanding the other side of the ball, either.
Los Angeles Rams: Jalen Ramsey
Aaron Donald could be the guy here, though it’s tough to bet on a 35-year-old to be the best player on his team. Albeit, Donald is no ordinary player. He’s already viewed as a future Hall of Famer; I can only imagine how people view him in half a decade. Then again, it may also be tough to bet on Ramsey in five years.
The first five years of his career went well enough to suggest he’ll be among the best in the position in another five years. It won’t be easy for Ramsey as he’ll be in his early 30s, but there’s no other player who’s looked better for the Rams on their roster. As with every player on this list, I guess we’ll have to check back in five years.
Seattle Seahawks: Russell Wilson
This is by far the riskiest choice on this list as Wilson will be 37 in five seasons. But hey, Aaron Rodgers won an MVP at 37. Peyton Manning set a single-season passing touchdown record at 37. Tom Brady helped win a Super Bowl at 37, and he hasn’t looked back since. There are no signs of Wilson slowing down anytime soon.
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As long as he stays in Seattle, this will be his team for the next five seasons. Having DK Metcalf should help, too. I’m sure Wilson appreciates Jamal Adams on defense as well. Both are good players, but none have made a Hall of Fame case like Wilson has so far. He’s the choice here. Make sure you don’t miss my AFC predictions for this exercise!