ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Thanks to those who contributed to the most recent NFC West chat. Full transcript here. Highlights below:

Chris (Norman, OK): Mike, I realize most teams only think about one season/off-season at a time. However, the 49ers have already traded a pick this year for one next and completely avoided a QB. Would Jason Campbell fit Singeltary's system? I like them as Super Bowl contenders if they make that signing and trade the Carolina pick for Merriman (who will be franchised). What are the odds this happens?

Mike Sando: Is Jason Campbell better than Shaun Hill? You might think so, but I doubt Mike Singletary thinks so. He flat-out said Jeff Garcia might not be any better. I don't see the 49ers parting with a draft choice for Jason Campbell when it's unclear how good Campbell might become. That is my feel based on what we've seen the 49ers do so far.

William (Tallahassee): I honestly think that if people put their personal, non-football related feelings aside, most logically thinking people would agree that Vick could be a very good asset to the Rams. Think about it, he would inherit: a rebuilt line, promising receivers, Steven Jackson, he could sit behind an aging Bulger to learn how to be a more pocket passer, and a defense that could be a force to be reckoned with. Also, considering the fact that the Dome has had issues filling all the seats, I KNOW Vick would put thousands of fans in the seats every Sunday, as he did with the Falcons. Sure it would take a little soothing over of the fans, but this is Saint Louis that we are talking about. I doubt that it would happen, but I think it would be worth a shot. Thoughts?

Mike Sando: The Rams took a very conservative approach to the draft. I don't see them suddenly taking chances. Adding Vick's baggage would put a first-year head coach in jeopardy, I think. This team has first-year coordinators as well.

jlee1998dtj (Sequim WA): Hey Mike. First, I have to question why you have the 49ers ahead of the Hawks in your rankings? We have had arguably the best off season and we have dominated this division the past several years(minus last years fluke). I understand your questioning of Matt's health, but who do the Niners have? Most teams fate in the NFL is in fact that their QB is healthy. Second, how do you rate the off season we have had. You pick us to be 7-9. That is not much better than last year? Did Ruskell do enough to get us over the hump? Also, any news on the possible trade of Branch for Thomas Jones? Do you think that would help us knowing the fact that the Jones brothers are prima donnas and they would have to share the load which neither one likes to do? Love your stuff,Sando!! Keep up the good work!!!

Mike Sando: I'm being conservative until I have a better feel for how Matt Hasselbeck, Walter Jones and Patrick Kerney will hold up. It's all positive talk right now, but I'll wait before making the judgment. The 7-9 projection I made was based on the schedule. It did not take into account what happened in the draft. My projection for the Seahawks stands to improve as the season draws nearer, assuming early trends hold.

Nathan (A Cardinals fan lost in Iowa): Mike, do you think that the Cardinals have done enough to address pass rush? I believe that their lack of a pass rush is what hurt their secondary last year. I love what they have done with DB position in the off season and would go out on a line and say they have one of the best secondaries in the league, but you still need a pass rush or any starting QB given time will find a receiver. Are my concerns legitimate?

Mike Sando: I do think the Cardinals' pass rush needs help. I also realize the team needed to find a starting running back in the draft and the value seemed pretty good for Beanie Wells. The 49ers were in a similar situation. They needed pass-rush help but didn't see the value.

Just realized I didn't answer Chris' question about Shawne Merriman and the 49ers. I'd like that move for San Francisco as long as Merriman checked out OK medically.