The NBA is currently in the midst of a super team era. This is where teams spend exorbitant amounts of money to build a star-studded roster in order to try and win a championship.
Due to the salary cap and the size of teams, the NFL will probably never experience a super team. Regardless of the reality, the possibility of a super team is fun to dream about. This is what an NFC West super team would look like…
Offense
Left Tackle: Joe Staley, 49ers
The six-time Pro Bowl player is entrenched as the leader of the 49ers offensive line. He has proven to be consistent among the many changes along the offensive line the past couple of seasons. During the 49ers resurgence late in the 2017 season, his talents were on full display as the team started playing well and winning games.
Left Guard: Mike Iupati, Cardinals
There was a four year span in his career when he was one of the best guards in the NFL. During that period, he was selected to four Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 2012. Those days are gone but he has proven to be a consistent presence on the offensive line.
Center: Weston Richburg, 49ers
He has not shown much in his brief professional career but his best years may be ahead of him. He was rated the second best center in the NFL by Pro Football Focus in 2015.
Right Guard: Rodger Saffold, Rams
Saffold is just coming into his own named a second-team All-Pro in 2017. He is 6 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 325 pounds and paves a wide road for star running back Todd Gurley. The Rams offense is one of the best in the NFL and Saffold is a key reason why their hopes are so high for a Super Bowl run.
Right Tackle: Andrew Whitworth, Rams
He has played most of his career on the left side but he has the intangibles to be great wherever he lines up. At 6-foot-7, 330 pounds, he is the perfect size for today’s right tackle. He was selected to his fourth Pro Bowl in 2017 and was a key reason why running back Todd Gurley was an MVP candidate late in the season.
Tight End: Jermaine Gresham, Cardinals
He had 33 receptions for 322 yards in 2017. He also scored two touchdowns. He is an excellent outlet receiver, a solid red zone target and a two-time Pro Bowler.
Wide Receiver: Brandin Cooks, Rams
He is electric in the open field and is dangerous against any defense. With the Patriots in 2017, he had 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns. While these numbers are relatively modest, the Patriots had a number of weapons and he did not always get the ball. He should fit in comfortably with the Rams offense.
Wide Receiver: Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
He is entering his 15th season and continues to produce. He made the Pro Bowl in 2017 and added some impressive statistics to a Hall of Fame career. He had 109 receptions and 1,156 yards, both stats are rare for a player of his age. He is proving to be an ageless wonder in the NFL and seems poised to end his career in Arizona.
Full Back: Kyle Juszcyk, 49ers
His statistics are not the most impressive but he has made big plays when they count the most. Overall, he had 33 receptions for 315 yards along with one touchdown. Fullbacks are a dying breed in today’s offenses but Juszcyk has proven his value with the 49ers.
Half Back: Todd Gurley, Rams
The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year put up quite a performance in 2017. He ran for 1,305 yards and received for an astounding 788 more through the air. He had 19 total touchdowns and ignited a once dormant offense. It’s no wonder the Rams locked him up to a hefty extension.
Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Seahawks
Despite a poor offensive line, Wilson had another Pro Bowl season in 2017. He threw for 3,983 yards to go along with 34 touchdowns. He has been asked to carry the team as the defense is losing the stars of the past and the offense is trying to find a rhythm in the running game. He has proven to be the leader the Seahawks need during a time of transition.
Defense:
Right Defensive End: Frank Clark, Seahawks
He has proven to be an excellent pass rusher in the NFL. He had nine sacks in 2017 and seems poised for a Pro Bowl-caliber 2018 season.
Nose Tackle: Aaron Donald, Rams
The 2017 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is a force to be reckoned with. He had 11 sacks and five forced fumbles. He is easily the best interior defensive lineman in the NFC West and perhaps the entire league at only 27 years old.
Left Defensive End: Michael Brockers, Rams
Opposing offenses fear him. He had 4.5 sacks in 2017 and wrecked havoc all along the offensive line. He added 39 tackles to his resume and seems poised for a breakout 2018 campaign.
Left Outside Linebacker: K.J. Wright, Seahawks
He is a tackling machine with 108 in 2017. While he did not have any sacks, his presence was felt throughout the offense.
Left Inside Linebacker: Bobby Wagner, Seahawks
He has been a leader on the Seahawks defense for years and seems to get better each season. He had a career-high 97 solo tackles in 2017 and made the Pro Bowl for the fourth time.
Right Inside Linebacker: Reuben Foster, 49ers
His various legal troubles are worrisome but he has the talent to be one of the game’s greats. As a rookie in 2017, he had 72 total tackles but has yet to record his first career sack. His impact on the field was highlighted by his selection to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie team.
Right Outside Linebacker: Chandler Jones, Cardinals
He is a force on the edge of the defensive line. He had 17 sacks in 2017 and was voted to the Pro Bowl. While he is expected to compete at defensive end in 2018, he has primarily played outside linebacker during his career.
Left Cornerback: Patrick Peterson, Cardinals
He is one of the fastest players in the NFL and is absolutely lethal with the football in his hands. 2017 was a down year for him with only one interception but he still made the Pro Bowl.
Right Cornerback: Marcus Peters, Rams
He missed the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career but he’s proved to be a true ball hawk. He had five interceptions and four forced fumbles in 2017.
Strong Safety: Jaquiski Tartt, 49ers
His 2017 season was cut short due to injury but he showed potential in the games he played. He had an impressive 55 tackles in just nine games along with half a sack and one interception.
Free Safety: Earl Thomas, Seahawks
He was voted to his sixth Pro Bowl last season and is the last remaining defensive back from the Super Bowl team… for now. He had 88 tackles and two interceptions in 2017. He brings fear to opponents who dare to cross his path.