Los Angeles Rams

5 players for NFC West fans to watch in 'New Year's Six' bowl games

Published Dec. 31, 2015 12:22 p.m. ET

foxsports

There has been a major shift in the power structure of the NFC West. The Arizona Cardinals have continued their ascent under coach Bruce Arians to move into the penthouse while the San Francisco 49ers, a perennial division power over the past few years, have plummeted to the basement.

The Seattle Seahawks experienced a mild drop-off but are back in the postseason and in pursuit of a third consecutive trip to the Super Bowl. Little has changed for the St. Louis Rams, who may wind up back in Los Angeles before they can find a way to climb above .500. The four squads do share one thing in common - starting the process of assessing their needs for next season.

Here are the top priorities in the 2016 draft for each NFC West team as they stand now.

Cardinals: DT, OT, TE, QB

Seahawks: RB, WR, OG, CB

Rams: QB, WR, LB, S

49ers: WR, QB, OG, CB, DE

Some of the most coveted draft prospects will be in action during the "New Year's Six" college bowl games on Thursday and Friday. These five players are among those to watch for fans of NFC West teams.

Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State: Peach Bowl

Arguably the best athlete in the ACC, the 6-foot-1, 202-pound Ramsey figures to be an early first-round draft pick. Possessing track-star speed, Ramsey was named a consensus All-American and ranked third in the ACC Defensive Player of the Year voting. From corner to safety, Ramsey can do it all and is a star on special teams.

Teams interested: 49ers, Rams

Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson: Orange Bowl

The ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Lawson is sure to be one of the first DEs taken off the board in the 2016 draft. The 6-foot-3, 270-pound Lawson racked up 79 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks and commands attention on every snap. He was a finalist for both the Lombardi Award and Nagurski Award.

Teams interested: 49ers, Rams, Cardinals

A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama: Cotton Bowl

Another consensus All-American, the 6-foot-3, 312-pound Robinson may be the nation's premier run-stuffer playing on the Crimson Tide's dominant defense. Also expected to be among the top picks in the draft, Robinson register 129 tackles, nine sacks and 22 tackles for loss.

Teams interested: 49ers, Seahawks, Cardinals

Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State: Cotton Bowl

Not rated as highly as some of the elite prospects, but the Big Ten Quarterback of the Year plays a position of need and will have a great showcase against Alabama's defense. Possessing good size and mobility, Cook developed into the winningest quarterback in Michigan State history. His career completion percentage (57.8) is a concern, as is the occasional head-scratching decision.

Teams interested: 49ers, Rams

Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss: Sugar Bowl

Likely the top WR on many draft boards, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Treadwell boasts the size and productivity coveted at the next level. The SEC’s active leader in career receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches, he came back from a broken leg in 2014 to have 76 catches for 1,082 yards and eight TDs this season. Treadwell ranks second in school history with 196 career receptions.

Teams interested: 49ers, Rams, Seahawks