NFL power rankings for 49ers, NFC West ahead of 2019 free agency

As much as it probably pains 49ers fans to hear it, the Seahawks seem to have the best situation heading into the 2019 offseason, therefore they rank No. 1 in our NFC West NFL power rankings right now.

One might have to give some credit to general manager John Schneider for letting veterans, like cornerback Richard Sherman, go a year ago. The same could happen with Earl Thomas this offseason, too, after he and Seattle didn’t come to an agreement on a long-term extension.

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Scheider’s approach seemed to be a similar formula to what made the previous Seahawks dynasty earlier this decade — draft smart, find players who are young and hungry, then build a chemistry from the ground up. All the while, despite plenty of offensive hiccups early in the season, the Seahawks still found a way to be a run-first, smashmouth team in 2018 en route to leading the entire league in rushing.

An up-and-coming defense, combined with power football, used to be Seattle’s recipe for success. It appears to be that way going forward.

Unlike the Rams, the Seahawks’ pressing decisions in free agency aren’t based too much on their own players. EDGE Frank Clark needs to be re-signed, while Thomas appears destined to hit the open market. Seattle hopes to have found his replacement in 24-year-old Tedric Thompson.

Like the 49ers, however, the Seahawks do have a lot of cap space — just shy of $52 million, to be more accurate.

And while they’re not in top drafting position this April and have only four picks at their disposal, including No. 21 overall, a class deep on both defense and along the offensive line bodes well for their offseason needs.