When it comes to highlighting top NFL talent, league-wide evaluations are the norm -- meaning some of the better players in each division are often overlooked. With his divisional all-star series, Dave Dameshek will be taking a deeper dive into the NFL's elite, putting together the best squad possible from each division -- continuing with the All-NFC West Team below.
For additional analysis on this topic -- and a whole lot more -- listen to The Dave Dameshek Football Program.
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
That one infamous goal-line pass doesn't negate the fact he's been nails in big spots over his first three years in the league. And he's the NFL's best functional scrambler since Steve Young.
Running back: Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
High-pedigree youngsters Todd Gurley and Carlos Hyde can battle it out to back up pro football's most devastating (and petulant) RB, a guy who not only bounces off contact, but actually seeks it out.
Wide receiver: Michael Floyd, Arizona Cardinals
He might not rank among the game's best, but -- believe it or not -- he's the best at his position in this division.
Wide receiver: Anquan Boldin, San Francisco 49ers
How shallow is the WR depth in the NFC West? Shallow enough that we're including a guy I might be able to beat in a footrace. Fortunately for Boldin (and Colin Kaepernick), the West puts more of a premium on toughness than foot speed.
Wide receiver: Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks
If we were more sentimental, Larry Fitzgerald would get the nod here -- but Baldwin's future oughta feature even more single coverage with Jimmy Graham out there to distract defenses.
Tight end: Jimmy Graham, Seattle Seahawks
Vernon Davis, Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks and now Graham dwarf the division's talent at WR. One minor caveat here: The former NFC South star quickly will find that the going is much more rugged in the West.
Tackle: Joe Staley, San Francisco 49ers
Miracle of miracles: The NFL's gold standard at left tackle hasn't retired this year. Assuming Staley maintains his active status, Carlos Hyde could be in store for a breakout season.
Guard: Mike Iupati, Arizona Cardinals
He was a key member of the league's best line during the too-brief glory years of Harbaugh's Niners. Now a Card, he could help further swing the pendulum south in the West (or at least help Arizona find a running game).
Center: Daniel Kilgore, San Francisco 49ers
Assuming he's fully recovered from a broken leg, this brawny utility lineman goes under center for our team (... and can slide over to guard, if need be).
Guard: Alex Boone, San Francisco 49ers
Boone came back from his preseason holdout to deliver another steady season in 2014. Amidst all of '15's departures, he's among the noteworthy holdovers who'll need to step up further if the Niners are to be relevant.
Tackle: Jared Veldheer, Arizona Cardinals
The statue-like Carson Palmer requires solid protection to thrive, so it's a good thing he's got Veldheer. Here's hoping Jared doesn't mind getting pushed over to the right side on our team to accommodate the more tenured Staley. (I'm sure he's just happy to be out of Oakland.)
DEFENSE
Defensive end: Michael Bennett, Seattle Seahawks
Opposing offensive lines stand little chance against the stunning jump Bennett and lightning-fast teammate Cliff Avril get off every snap.
Defensive tackle: Aaron Donald, St. Louis Rams
Donald's ascent to pro football hit full speed at the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine -- and following his transcendent rookie season, you can expect him to stay among the stars for the next decade, at least.
Defensive tackle: Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals
In spite of injury, suspension and trade, the Cards' D was a force in 2014. Campbell was perhaps the key piece in making this so.
Defensive end: Robert Quinn, St. Louis Rams
He didn't record his first 2014 sack 'til mid-October, but this top-tier pass rusher still reached double digits for the third straight year.
Outside linebacker: Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks
The Legion of Boom and mighty rotation up front notwithstanding, the Seahawks' defense didn't really start dominating last year 'til Wagner returned in late November after missing the middle third of the season. Now, I know Wagner plays on the inside in Seattle. Well, that spot is not open here. He's too good to leave on the bench, though, so we'll just have to hope he doesn't mind moving to the outside for this all-star team.
Inside linebacker: NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers
Depending on who you talked to two years ago, Bowman was the best inside 'backer on the Niners (and perhaps among all the NFL). With his (not-so-)old pal Patrick Willis now retired, he's the only answer.
Outside linebacker: Aldon Smith, San Francisco 49ers
Smith's self-assessment: "When I'm playing consistently and I'm on my game, I can't be stopped." I agree. My advice: Play consistently and be on your game, Aldon.
Cornerback: Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks
For all the time and effort his foes and analysts devote to trying to undermine his success -- He doesn't have to cover the other team's best receiver, he's a 'system guy', etc. -- Sherman just keeps on dominating. And talking. And dominating.
Cornerback: Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals
Bruce Arians is probably concerned about who'll be replacing the NFL's best No. 2 corner, Antonio Cromartie, but at least the Cards will still feature one of the top five CBs in the game.
Safety: Earl Thomas, Seattle Seahawks
It's not hyperbole to say he's a more diminutive Ronnie Lott. (And if it is, too bad ... 'cause I just typed it.)
Safety: Kam Chancellor, Seattle Seahawks
At 6-foot-3, 232 pounds, he's the personification of the 21st-century NFL's ethos of bigger, faster, stronger. (By comparison, legendary Steelers LB Jack Lambert played at 6-4, 220.)
SPECIAL TEAMS
Returner: Benny Cunningham, St. Louis Rams
If it weren't Cunningham, it'd be his occasionally electric teammate, Tavon Austin.
Kicker: Chandler Catanzaro, Arizona Cardinals
The undrafted free agent out of Clemson validated the Cards' choice to keep him over Jay Feely by tying a rookie record for consecutive makes to start a career (17).
Punter: Johnny Hekker, St. Louis Rams
His 42.3 net punting average was easily the best in the division.
Follow Dave Dameshek on Twitter @Dameshek.
