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The San Francisco 49ers have become the hunted in the NFC West.

Having already take aim at their 2011 turnover differential, let us consider another reason for a potential 2012 regression from 13-3.

"Repeating the 2011 relative lack of injuries on the 49ers may be as hard as replicating the turnover ratio," Michael Rally contended via Twitter.

Injuries did slow and/or sideline some of the 49ers' most important players, including running back Frank Gore and linebacker Patrick Willis. Starting receiver Josh Morgan missed most of the season. A freak jaw injury sidelined tight end Delanie Walker late in the season. A hamstring injury slowed defensive end Ray McDonald.

But in looking at injured-reserve lists, the 49ers definitely fared better than their division rivals. They finished the regular season with five players on IR. The other three NFC West teams had a combined 39.

I've broken out the IR lists by team and position, based on where teams stood after Week 17. In some cases, teams released and/or reached injury settlements with players placed on IR previously. Teams usually keep on IR the players they value the most, however. The players listed below are the most relevant ones.

St. Louis Rams (16)

Fullback: Brit Miller

Receiver: Danny Amendola, Mark Clayton, Greg Salas

Tight end: Mike Hoomanawanui

Offensive line: guard Jacob Bell, Rodger Saffold, Jason Smith

Defensive line: Jermelle Cudjo

Linebacker: Josh Hull

Cornerback: Ron Bartell, Bradley Fletcher, Al Harris, Brian Jackson, Marquis Johnson, Jerome Murphy

Comment: Quarterback Sam Bradford was injured much of the year without landing on IR. The Rams ran through several unlisted cornerbacks as well. That position was hit hard. Losing both starting offensive tackles is never good, but Smith wasn't a huge positive factor on the right side. The team was arguably better off without him in the lineup.

Seattle Seahawks (15)

Receiver: Kris Durham, Mike Williams, Sidney Rice

Tight end: John Carlson

Offensive line: John Moffitt, James Carpenter, Russell Okung

Defensive line: Jimmy Wilkerson

Linebacker: Jameson Konz, Matt McCoy, David Vobora, Dexter Davis

Cornerback: Marcus Trufant, Walter Thurmond, Ron Parker

Comment: The Seahawks remained strong against the run largely because their line was healthier this season. Losing three-fifths of the starting offensive line could not stop Marshawn Lynch from producing at a high level. Rookie Richard Sherman capitalized on injuries at cornerback. Good, young depth helped Seattle weather injuries well.

Arizona Cardinals (8)

Quarterback: Max Hall

Running back: Ryan Williams

Offensive line: Brandon Keith, Floyd Womack

Defensive line: Dan Williams

Linebacker: Joey Porter

Cornerback: Crezdon Butler, Greg Toler

Comment: Ryan Williams' knee injury affected the team significantly. The injury situation was worse overall than the list would indicate. Quarterback Kevin Kolb missed seven starts with foot and concussion problems. Running back Beanie Wells played hurt much of the year and had a hard time producing late in the season. Adrian Wilson played through a torn biceps and got better as the season progressed.

San Francisco 49ers (5)

Receiver: Dontavia Bogan, Josh Morgan

Tight end: Nate Byham

Defensive line: Will Tukuafu

Cornerback: Curtis Holcomb

Comment: Byham was a solid blocking tight end. The team missed Morgan, especially late in the year. Gore's production diminished after he suffered an apparent knee injury in Week 10. Overall, though, the 49ers were healthy. They inflicted more injuries than they suffered, knocking out several opposing runners, including Felix Jones, LeGarrette Blount, Jahvid Best, Steven Jackson and Pierre Thomas.

Aaron Curry, apparently headed for Oakland, has plenty of company among 2009 NFL draft choices failing to meet expectations with their original teams.

The player Seattle's previous leadership drafted fourth overall was part of a draft featuring quite a few underwhelming players near the top.

Thirteen NFC West choices from the 2009 draft remain with their teams: Max Unger, Deon Butler and Cameron Morrah in Seattle; Beanie Wells, Rashad Johnson, Greg Toler and LaRod Stephens-Howling in Arizona; Jason Smith, James Laurinaitis, Bradley Fletcher and Darell Scott in St. Louis; and two players in San Francisco, Michael Crabtree and Ricky-Jean Francois.

Let's sift through the rubble ...

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With the San Francisco 49ers in the market for cornerback help and our offseason power rankings focusing on the position later Tuesday, I'll look back at the corners current NFC West teams have drafted over the last decade.

This is the second part in a series that began with a look at 15 classes of NFC West quarterbacks. Then as now, I'll break up the charts with narration from teams' perspectives.

These guys had better start early and challenge for Pro Bowls ...

Some prospects aren't ideal in one area or another, but they could shine in the right scheme ...

Still not too late to find decent starters ...

Last chance to find a likely contributor ...

Time to fill out the 80-man roster ...

Matt Leinart apparently has no idea where he stands with the Arizona Cardinals. That makes it tough for the rest of us to predict exactly what might happen.

Will Leinart start at quarterback for the Cardinals in Week 1? Will he serve as the backup? Will the Cardinals release him? Might they trade him?

The next week to 10 days should provide answers. NFL teams have until Saturday to reduce their rosters to 53-man limits, with the 75-man deadline passing Tuesday.

After looking at the Seahawks' roster earlier Monday, here's a quick run through the Cardinals:

Quarterbacks (4)

Average number kept since 2003: 3.0

Keepers: Derek Anderson

Looking safe: Max Hall

On the bubble: Leinart, John Skelton

Comment: Coach Ken Whisenhunt's handling of Leinart suggests there's more than tough love at work here. It's fair to question whether Leinart fits into the team's plans at all this season. The smart move, it seems, would be to keep Anderson, Leinart and the winner of the Hall-Skelton competition. But it's clear Whisenhunt isn't convinced Leinart has what it takes to be a starting quarterback.

Running backs (8)

Average number kept since 2003: 5.3

Keepers: Tim Hightower, Beanie Wells, LaRod Stephens-Howling, Jason Wright

On the bubble: Reagan Maui'a, Charles Scott

Also: Alfonso Smith, Nehemiah Broughton

Comment: Scott arrived via trade this week after Broughton suffered a season-ending knee injury. Maui'a could be the choice heading into the regular season. Scott provides depth for the final exhibition game, but it's unlikely he would be refined enough as a blocker to factor into the offense in a meaningful way. Smith's speed caught my attention early in camp.

Wide receivers (11)

Average number kept since 2003: 6.1

Keepers: Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, Early Doucet

Looking safe: Andre Roberts, Stephen Williams

On the bubble: Onrea Jones, Max Komar

Also: Isaiah Williams, Darren Mougey, Mike Jones, Ed Gant

Comment: Gant serves a suspension to open the season. Roberts will make the team as a third-round pick. Williams pretty much wrapped up a spot with his latest strong performance (at Chicago). Jones and Komar could be competing for a sixth and final spot at the position.

Tight ends (4)

Average number kept since 2003: 3.1

Keepers: Ben Patrick, Anthony Becht, Stephen Spach

Also: Jim Dray

Comment: The team released Dominique Byrd on Monday. The top three appear set. Not much drama here. Dray looks like practice-squad material.

Offensive linemen (12)

Average number kept since 2003: 8.9

Keepers: Lyle Sendlein, Alan Faneca, Brandon Keith, Reggie Wells, Levi Brown, Deuce Lutui, Rex Hadnot, Jeremy Bridges

Looking safe: Herman Johnson

Also: Ben Claxton, Tom Pestock, Jonathan Palmer

Comment: Lutui could be trending toward a spot back in the starting lineup despite reporting to camp overweight. Johnson also reported overweight. He isn't a starter, and that's why I listed him separately from the keepers (even though it's an upset, most likely, if Johnson does not stick).

Defensive line (9)

Average number kept since 2003: 7.4

Keepers: Darnell Dockett, Calais Campbell, Dan Williams, Bryan Robinson

Looking safe: Alan Branch, Gabe Watson, Kenny Iwebema

Also: John Fletcher, Jeremy Clark

Comment: This position appears pretty much set. I would expect seven to earn roster spots.

Linebackers (14)

Average number kept since 2003: 7.1

Keepers: Gerald Hayes, Paris Lenon, Clark Haggans, Joey Porter, Daryl Washington

Looking safe: Will Davis, Cody Brown

Bubble: Monty Beisel, Reggie Walker

Also: O'Brien Schofield, Steve Baggs, Mark Washington, Chris Johnson, Pago Togafau

Comment: Hayes and Schofield could open the season on reserve/physically unable to perform, opening two roster spots. Beisel and Walker could be competing for the final spot at this position.

Defensive backs (13)

Average number kept since 2003: 8.9

Keepers: Adrian Wilson, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Kerry Rhodes, Greg Toler, Trumaine McBride, Matt Ware

Looking safe: Michael Adams, Hamza Abdullah, Rashad Johnson

On the bubble: Marshay Green

Also: A.J. Jefferson, Trevor Ford, Justin Miller

Comment: Toler could be passing McBride on the depth chart as the starting right cornerback, fulfilling expectations. Johnson appeared more physical early in camp. Haven't heard much about him lately, though.

Specialists (3)

Average number kept since 2003: 2.9

Keepers: Jay Feely, Ben Graham, Mike Leach

Comment: Arizona has three on the roster and that's how many the team will keep. Simple enough.

Ten NFC West draft choices combined for 76 starts as rookies last season. Five of the 10 played for the rebuilding St. Louis Rams. An eleventh, Beanie Wells, made significant contributions despite never cracking the lineup.

The 2010 draft class will command more immediate attention when teams open training camps, but the 2009 class figures to contribute more after a year of seasoning.

Here's my look at the NFC West's 2009 choices heading into their second season:

Best choice

Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers. The Cardinals' Wells and the Rams' James Laurinaitis made more immediate impacts. They reported to camp on time. But Crabtree commanded a starting job right away once he finally signed, and he immediately justified his starting status. Crabtree was surprisingly consistent and polished. Given a chance to select any other 2009 NFC West draft choices, I think the 49ers would stick with Crabtree.

Best immediate contributor

Laurinaitis, MLB, Rams. Laurinaitis became an immediate starter and didn't seem to fall off the way No. 4 overall choice Aaron Curry did in Seattle. Laurinaitis wasn't a star, but he stepped into a position requiring knowledge of the defense. Laurinaitis finished the season with 2.0 sacks, five passes defensed, two interceptions and a forced fumble. He and Seahawks second-rounder Max Unger were the only 2009 NFC West draft choices to start 16 games last season.

Best value

LaRod Stephens-Howling, RB, Cardinals. The Cardinals found one of the best special-teams players in the division with the 240th overall choice. Stephens-Howling was outstanding on coverage teams. He provided a threat in the return game, too, scoring a critical touchdown at Tennessee. The Cardinals also found ways to work Stephens-Howling into the offense. He caught 10 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown, though he didn't provide much as a rushing threat.

Most to prove

Jason Smith, LT, Rams. Curry finished a close second in this category. Smith started only five games and did not stand out when he was on the field (not that offensive linemen always have to stand out). A serious concussion and subsequent toe injury have raised questions about Smith's durability. The Rams will be investing heavily in No. 1 overall choice Sam Bradford and they'll need Smith to protect him. Smith works hard and the Rams have surrounded him with veteran mentors.

A team-by-team look at the 2009 class:

Arizona Cardinals

2009 picks: 8

Total 2009 starts: 2

Projected 2010 starters (2): first-rounder Beanie Wells, RB, Ohio State; fourth-rounder Greg Toler, CB, St. Paul's.

Other potential starters (1): Wells could have wound up here, but I'll stick with my projection that he'll start this season.

On the hot seat: Cody Brown, OLB, Connecticut. The Cardinals could use one of their young pass-rushers to emerge. A serious wrist injury prevented Brown from contributing last season. He was a second-round choice, though, so expectations are relatively high. Arizona needs him.

No longer with team (1): seventh-rounder Trevor Canfield, Cincinnati (Detroit Lions)

Keep an eye out for: sixth-rounder Will Davis. He showed promise last season and was improving until a knee injury sidelined him.

Forgotten man: We've seen little evidence suggesting third-round choice Rashad Johnson will become a factor anytime soon, if at all.

San Francisco 49ers

2009 picks: 7

Total 2009 starts: 13

Projected 2010 starters (1): Crabtree

Other potential starters (0): None.

On the hot seat: Scott McKillop, LB, Pitt. The 49ers hoped McKillop might develop into a successor to inside linebacker Takeo Spikes. It could still happen, but coaches quickly replaced McKillop with veteran Matt Wilhelm when Spikes was out.

No longer with team (1): sixth-rounder Bear Pascoe, TE, Fresno State (New York Giants)

Keep an eye out for: seventh-rounder Ricky Jean-Francois, NT, LSU. Jean-Francois worked at nose tackle during minicamps and organized team activities while franchise player Aubrayo Franklin remained unsigned. Franklin will likely sign and he'll become the starter again when he does.

Forgotten man: Glen Coffee, RB, Alabama. Frank Gore's return to health means Coffee will not be needed much, if at all. The 49ers used a sixth-round choice for Anthony Dixon, a running back from Mississippi State. The buzz on Coffee went away when he struggled to gain yardage running behind a struggling line early last season.

Seattle Seahawks

2009 picks: 7

Total 2009 starts: 28

Projected 2010 starters (2): first-rounder Curry, LB, Wake Forest; second-rounder Unger, G, Oregon.

Other potential starters (0): None.

On the hot seat: Curry. His rookie season went from promising to disappointing after the Seahawks lost their defensive quarterback, middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, to season-ending injury. Curry said he tried to do too much from that point forward. The Seahawks hope Curry can become an effective pass-rusher in nickel situations. To fulfill his potential, though, Curry must become a good strongside linebacker, too.

No longer with team (2): sixth-rounder Mike Teel, QB, Rutgers (Chicago Bears); seventh-rounder Courtney Greene, S, Rutgers (Jacksonville Jaguars).

Keep an eye out for: third-rounder Deon Butler, WR, Penn St. Butler has good straight-line speed, but he lacks the size Seattle wants in its receivers. Coach Pete Carroll called Butler one of the team's most improved players this offseason, but it's unclear whether the team will find a role for him.

St. Louis Rams

2009 picks: 7

Total 2009 starts: 33

Projected 2010 starters (2): first-rounder Smith, LT, Baylor; second-rounder Laurinaitis, MLB, Ohio St.

Other potential starters (2): third-rounder Bradley Fletcher, CB, Iowa; fourth-rounder Darell Scott, DT, Clemson.

On the hot seat: fifth-rounder Brooks Foster, WR, North Carolina. The Rams like other young receivers, including rookie free agents Dominique Curry and Brandon McRae. They also used a fourth-round choice for Mardy Gilyard. Brandon Gibson should play a role. There's pressure on Foster to make a strong comeback from the ankle injury that ended his rookie season.

No longer with team (0): All seven choices remain on the roster.

Keep an eye out for: Fletcher, the third-round corner from Iowa. Torn knee ligaments ended Fletcher's rookie season in October after the promising rookie started three games. The Rams hope Fletcher can come back to win the starting job.

Earlier: Winners, losers from 2008 class.

Cardinals eligible for practice squad Pos. Perceived Status Michael Adams DB Bubble Jameel Dowling DB Likely cut Wilrey Fontenot DB Likely cut Rashad Johnson DB Keeper Greg Toler DB Keeper Alex Field DL Likely cut Keilen Dykes DL Bubble Cody Brown LB Keeper Chase Bullock LB Likely cut Will Davis LB Bubble Ali Highsmith LB Bubble Pago Togafau LB Bubble Reggie Walker LB Likely cut Trevor Canfield OL Likely cut Ben Claxton OL Likely cut Herman Johnson OL Keeper Carlton Medder OL Likely cut Brandon Keith OL Keeper Brandon Pearce OL Likely cut Elliot Vallejo OL Bubble Tyler Palko QB Likely cut Brian St. Pierre QB Keeper LaRod Stephens-Howling RB Bubble Chris Vincent RB Likely cut Beanie Wells RB Keeper Early Doucet WR Keeper Ed Gant WR Likely cut Michael Ray Garvin WR Bubble Onrea Jones WR Likely cut Lance Long WR Bubble Steve Sanders WR Likely cut

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt's recent comments about LaRod Stephens-Howling highlight a subject likely to shape the team's plans for its practice squad.

What to do with a talented player who doesn't fit neatly into a general position, in this case, running back?

Stephens-Howling would be a prime candidate for the practice squad if the Cardinals did not initially make room for him on their 53-man roster. Specialist Michael Ray Garvin also could be a factor depending on how he recovers from knee surgery.

Quarterback Tyler Palko made an impression during the Cardinals' exhibition opener, but the team generally does not keep a quarterback on its practice squad. The need for an additional arm seems diminished with new quarterbacks coach Chris Miller sometimes throwing during practice.

Defensive end Keilen Dykes was making a strong push for a roster spot before suffering an injury. His status seems a bit less settled.

Receivers Onrea Jones and Lance Long could also be strong candidates for the practice squad if they do not land spots on the 53-man roster.

The chart shows all 31 current Cardinals players with eligibility, arranged by position.

NFL teams must reduce rosters from 80 to 75 players Sept. 1. They must reduce to 53 players Sept. 5. They can begin forming eight-man practice squads Sept. 6 at noon ET.

As the NFL puts it:

After 12 noon, New York ti
me, clubs may establish a practice squad of eight players by signing free agents who do not have an accrued season of free-agency credit or who were on the 45-player active list for less than nine regular-season games during their only accrued season(s). A player cannot participate on the practice squad for more than three seasons.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says Lofa Tatupu was the Seahawks' player of the day Sunday. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley: "He's really stepped up the last couple of days in training camp, and today he had quite a few plays he was making. I'll bet that he'll make a big jump now from here on out. Just because you see he has such a good understanding." 

Also from O'Neil: Can the Seahawks fix what has been ailing their offensive line over the past three seasons?

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says newly signed Seahawks cornerback Travis Fisher was a little rusty in his first practice, as one might expect. Also, T.J. Houshmandzadeh did something he almost never does: drop a pass.

John Morgan of Field Gulls isn't expecting much from Fisher in Seahawks camp, giving him only an outside shot at competing for the dime role.

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com says retired Seahawks center Robbie Tobeck positioned his boat near the team's waterfront practice facility and heckled Walter Jones for missing practice to rest back spasms. Jones and Tobeck were very close as teammates. They used to smoke cigars and watch the Sopranos together on Sunday nights.

Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.com says Matt Hasselbeck completed 10 of 12 passes to six receivers during the final two team periods Sunday.

Also from Farnsworth: Seattle got bigger in the middle of its defensive line.

Jim Trotter of SI.com predicts a 10-win season for the Seahawks after visiting their training camp. Seeing Jones without a knee brace following surgery could be a good sign.

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams linebacker Chris Draft is fighting hard for a starting spot. Draft wants to stay in the middle, where he can make defensive calls, but rookie James Laurinaitis is expected to play there sooner than later.

Also from Coats: Ron Bartell, Leonard Little and Tye Hill are among those feeling the effects of training camp.

Jeff Gordon of stltoday.com offers a few observations from Rams camp. Gordon: "Fans attending the open session saw Jason Smith block through the whistle with great enthusiasm. He and Richie Incognito were one-upping each other on the right side of the offensive line, at the expense of their teammates on the other side of the ball. Although new nose tackle Hollis Thomas is in terrible physical shape, he proved stout on the other side of the line. He claims to be in the 'ballpark' of 340 pounds, but that is a huge ballpark."

Steve Korte of the Belleville News Democrat says Steven Jackson appears ready for training camp, as Steve Spagnuolo can vouch.

Also from Korte: The Rams set a physical tone as the new coaching staff watched closely.

More from Korte: Hilarious comments from center Jason Brown on his exchanges with quarterback Marc Bulger. A sampling: "Mainly it's him getting to know my rear end, and him being comfortable with his hands underneath my rear end. He's checking my oil every day."

Dan Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis is a defensive leader at age 24. He isn't always a vocal one, however. Teammate Jeff Ulbrich thinks Willis can become the type of leader Bryant Young was for so many years.

John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle says receiver Brandon Jones has gotten off to a good start in 49ers training camp, catching a couple of deep balls.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says 49ers offensive lineman Alex Boone exceeded his expectations during pass-rush drills.

Also from Barrows: The 49ers are taking things slowly with tackle Marvel Smith, who has been sharing second-team reps at right tackle behind Adam Snyder.

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News takes a closer look at the "nutcracker" drill Mike Singletary has implemented to foster toughness.

The 49ers' Web site provides video featuring Sunday practice MVPs Vernon Davis and Ahmad Brooks. Brooks is getting more prominent work while Parys Haralson recovers from injury.

Also from the 49ers: 30 photos from practice.

Taylor Price of 49ers.com says Josh Morgan's one-handed reception despite tight coverage from safety Dashon Goldson was easily the best play of training camp so far.

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Davis leads the team in receptions during 7-on-7 drills.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Ken Whisenhunt is excited about taking over play-calling duties on offense following Todd Haley's departure to the Chiefs. "I'll be a lot better than Todd," Whisenhunt joked.

Also from Urban: Larry Fitzgerald is leading by example.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic checks in with Cardinals rookie Greg Toler and Toler's older brother, who tried to provide guidance for his younger sibling.

Also from Somers: Beanie Wells says he is "definitely disappointed" about suffering an ankle injury during his first training camp practice. Wells: "I've been going through the injury thing quite awhile now, and [Saturday] was just a fluke. I don't think an ankle sprain is nothing too major. If I get on top of it, I think it will go away quickly."

More from Somers: a few notes, including one about how the secondary played well Sunday.

Round Signed Picks Unsigned Picks Total Picks 1 2 30 32 2 2 30 32 3 15 21 36 4 13 23 36 5 21 16 37 6 21 15 36 7 34 13 47 Totals 108 148 256

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Agent Nate Haber used Twitter to announce a contract agreement between the Rams and third-round choice Bradley Fletcher, noting that Fletcher can earn about $1.2 million in the first year.

The Rams have not announced anything. NFC West teams have signed or agreed to terms with 15 of 29 choices if we count the Fletcher agreement.

NFC North teams have signed or agreed to terms with 18 players, most in the league. The NFC East and AFC North are next with 17, followed by the NFC West (15), AFC South (13), NFC South (12), AFC East (10) and AFC West (5).

The chart shows signings by round throughout the league. I'll break out NFC West signing statuses below:

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com staff

Arizona Cardinals

• Revenge Of The Birds looks at Gregory Toler and his future with the Cardinals.

San Francisco 49ers

• Continuing his position-by-position analysis, Matt Barrows moves to the linebackers, with a focus on the inside backers.
  

Seattle Seahawks

• Fourteen Seahawks training camp practices will be open to the public. Here is the protocol for fans.
• Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.com on quarterback Matt Hasselbeck: "Hasselbeck is back, and his rehab and recovery are cornerstone reasons for the optimistic outlook as the Seahawks try to, well, bounce back from last year's 4-12 season."
  

St. Louis Rams

• Jeff Gordon of stltoday.com has the details of how former Rams quarterback Trent Green played sportswriter for a day.
• St. Louis Post-Dispatch Rams beat writer Bill Coats answered questions about the team Tuesday in a chat with readers.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Adam Caplan of Scout.com is reporting -- and the Cardinals have now announced -- an agreement with fourth-round cornerback Greg Toler.

Toler becomes the highest 2009 NFC West choice to sign a contract. The Cardinals also announced that they have released receiver Justin Brown.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Seventh-round choice Cameron Morah's signing in Seattle, announced by the Seahwaks, leaves the team with three unsigned picks.

A quick look at which NFC West draft choices have signed so far:

Arizona Cardinals

Signed (4): fifth-rounder Herman Johnson, sixth-rounder Davis, seventh-rounder LaRod Stephens-Howling, seventh-rounder Trevor Canfield.

Unsigned (4): first-rounder Chris Wells, second-rounder Cody Brown, third-rounder Rashad Johnson, fourth-rounder Gregory Toler.

San Francisco 49ers

Signed (4): fifth-rounder Scott McKillop, sixth-rounder Bear Pascoe, seventh-rounder Curtis Taylor, seventh-rounder Ricky Jean-Francois.

Unsigned (3): first-rounder Michael Crabtree, third-rounder Glen Coffee, fifth-rounder Nate Davis.

Seattle Seahawks

Signed (4): sixth-rounder Mike Teel, seventh-rounder Courtney Greene, seventh-rounder Nick Reed, seventh-rounder Cameron Morrah.

Unsigned (3): first-rounder Aaron Curry, second-rounder Max Unger, third-rounder Deon Butler.

St. Louis Rams

Signed (0): none.

Unsigned (7): first-rounder Jason Smith, second-rounder James Laurinaitis, third-rounder Bradley Fletcher, fourth-rounder Darell Scott, fifth-rounder Brooks Foster, sixth-rounder Keith Null, seventh-rounder Chris Ogbonnaya.

Division 2009 Draft Choices Signed NFC West 11 NFC North 10 NFC East 10 AFC East 4 AFC North 4 NFC South 3 AFC South 3 AFC West 1

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Sixth-round choice Will Davis' signing in Arizona, announced by the Cardinals, leaves the NFC West with 18 unsigned picks, fewest in the league.

There's little urgency to sign picks this early, but some teams are ahead of others. The Rams have appeared content to wait.

Arizona Cardinals

Signed (4): fifth-rounder Herman Johnson, sixth-rounder Davis, seventh-rounder LaRod Stephens-Howling, seventh-rounder Trevor Canfield.

Unsigned (4): first-rounder Chris Wells, second-rounder Cody Brown, third-rounder Rashad Johnson, fourth-rounder Gregory Toler.

San Francisco 49ers

Signed (4): fifth-rounder Scott McKillop, sixth-rounder Bear Pascoe, seventh-rounder Curtis Taylor, seventh-rounder Ricky Jean-Francois.

Unsigned (3): first-rounder Michael Crabtree, third-rounder Glen Coffee, fifth-rounder Nate Davis.

Seattle Seahawks

Signed (3): sixth-rounder Mike Teel, seventh-rounder Courtney Greene, seventh-rounder Nick Reed.

Unsigned (4): first-rounder Aaron Curry, second-rounder Max Unger, third-rounder Deon Butler, seventh-rounder Cameron Morrah.

St. Louis Rams

Signed (0): none.

Unsigned (7): first-rounder Jason Smith, second-rounder James Laurinaitis, third-rounder Bradley Fletcher, fourth-rounder Darell Scott, fifth-rounder Brooks Foster, sixth-rounder Keith Null, seventh-rounder Chris Ogbonnaya.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

William from Vancouver, Wash., writes: Concerning Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Matt Hasselbeck said, during a Super Bowl pregame show this last season, that Cromartie was hands down the best CB in the Super Bowl and the best corner he played against that season. You can take a lot of things from that (both supporting my claim that he is one of the best and against it). I think he has to be in the discussion, though.

There is no clear cut way to know if someone is "the best" at their position. But Nnamdi Asomugha in Oakland has been widely regarded as the best for a couple years now and I would agree that he is one of the best, but you just can't say without a doubt he is the best. Rodgers-Cromartie, as a rookie, has already made himself known in the NFL, and should only get better. That's scary as a Seahawks fan.

Mike Sando: The thought might be scarier if comparisons between Rodgers-Cromartie and the Cardinals' fourth-round choice, Gregory Toler, prove accurate. Arizona has funneled significant resources to its secondary since last season by adding Toler, plus cornerback Bryant McFadden in free agency and Alabama safety Rashad Johnson from Alabama in the third round. Safeties Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle were also high draft choices. This group should be strong.

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Hb2P from Seattle writes: This past couple of weeks the rookie camps have been going on and a few of them have been injured. If some poor guy blows out his knee before he signs the multi-million dollar contract, how are they financially protected? Thanks, HB2P

Mike Sando: The NFLPA advises unsigned players to work out injury protection agreements with their teams. Some NFL prospects also take out insurance policies protecting for specific injuries. Teams can come under fire for allegedly putting players at undue risk, in some cases leading to lawsuits, but those situations are the exceptions.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Now that NFL post-draft camps have passed, league rules prevent most rookies from joining their teams until May 16 or until their colleges have held final examinations, whichever comes later. Those final three words will affect some rookies more than others.

Players who have already graduated or will graduate before May 16 can join their teams May 16.

I'll start by looking at how the NFL's rookie rule affects the Cardinals' draft choices, listed below by round. The Cardinals hold their next camp beginning May 19. Their final camp ends June 11. Training camps generally begin in late July.

Ohio State holds its graduation June 14, preventing Cardinals first-round choice Chris "Beanie" Wells from participating in organized team activities (OTAs). The result: Wells won't participate in a Cardinals practice before training camp. He can report to the team after final exams.

1. Beanie Wells, RB, Ohio State. Graduation June 14. Finals June 8-11.

2. Cody Brown, OLB, Connecticut. Graduation May 9. Finals May 4-9.

3. Rashad Johnson, S. Alabama. Graduation May 9. Finals May 4-8.

4. Gregory Toler, CB, St. Paul's. Graduation May 10. Finals April 27-May 1.

5. Herman Johnson, G, LSU. Graduation May 15. Finals May 4-9.

6. Will Davis, DE, Illinois. Graduation May 16. Finals May 8-15.

7. LaRod Stephens-Howling, RB, Pittsburgh. Graduation April 26.

7. Trevor Canfield, G, Cincinnati. Graduation June 13. Canfield graduated in December. He can join the team May 16.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams' decision to draft James Laurinaitis over Rey Maualuga in the second round could be a defining one for general manager Billy Devaney. Thomas: "These are the types of decisions that can shape franchises and put their stamp on coaching and general manager tenures. For those reasons and more, no Rams draft pick, not even No. 2 overall pick Jason Smith at offensive tackle, will be under as much scrutiny during his rookie season as Laurinaitis."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch provides several notes from the Rams' minicamp. I liked Marc Bulger's quote about getting to know center Jason Brown. Bulger:  "We're getting there. It's just a feel thing ... you know, literally." Any levity from Bulger is a good thing for the Rams because it suggests he's having fun after a couple of tough seasons.

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams' perceived emphasis on helping Bulger persists even though the team has probably done more to help Steven Jackson. Of course, anything that helps Jackson also helps Bulger.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals' 2008 draft class -- notably defensive end Calais Campbell -- needs to step forward. Good quote from the 6-foot-8 Campbell, who is working on technique: "I've got to be consistent and show them I'm an every-down player. Being 6-8 definitely can be a problem if you don't play with great technique. If you get high and an offensive lineman gets under you, you're going for a train ride."

Also from Somers: Speed isn't a problem for rookie cornerback Gregory Toler.

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic says former Rams backup Anthony Becht hopes to become the Cardinals' starting tight end. Coach Ken Whisenhunt: "There's going to be a lot of competition with that group this year, I'm sure of it. We like what we have. I liked what we had last year, too, but we were dealing with a lot of injuries there. It'll be interesting to see how things develop moving forward." Becht's ties to Whisenhunt from their days together with the Jets should help him, to a point. Jerame Tuman also had ties to Whisenhunt.

Ed Thompson of Scout.com caught up with Seahawks rookie Deon Butler before the former Penn State receiver participated in the team's post-draft camp. Butler hadn't made a pre-draft visit to the Seahawks. He had no idea the team was interested in him. Former Penn State teammate Aaron Maybin, who did visit the Seahawks, put in a good word for Butler. The Seahawks liked Maybin, but in drafting Aaron Curry with the fourth overall choice, Seattle selected another player who did not visit team headquarters before the draft.

Rob Staton of Seahawks Draft Blog thinks Aaron Curry has a good chance at becoming defensive rookie of the year in 2009. Staton: "The last six defensive rookies of the year were all linebackers."

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says Matt Hasselbeck is moving well at Seahawks practices. Hasselbeck surprised and then outran defensive end Darryl Tapp on a bootleg.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says Hasselbeck and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are working well together. Receiver Courtney Taylor also stood out.

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says 49ers rookie linebacker Scott McKillop reminds him of Derek Smith. Brown also touches on the quarterback situation and other rookies. Brown: "Based on his strong play from last season, I think Shaun Hill has the upper hand in the quarterback competition. And he looked crisp on Saturday, betraying his reputation as a shaky practice player."