NFC Notes: 49ers, Rams, Seahawks

49ers

• Matt Maiocco reports that the 49ers are a “virtual certainty” to receive a 2021 fifth-round pick from the Saints as compensation for LB Kwon Alexander trade. 

Rams

The Rams draft strategy for the past several years has been unique. The last time Los Angeles used a first-round pick it was in a trade up for QB Jared Goff. Since then, the Rams have traded away their first-round picks, most for established veteran players. Rams college scouting director Brad Holmes, who’s generating a lot of interest for other general manager vacancies around the league, explained the team’s strategy for deals such as trading two firsts for CB Jalen Ramsey last year. 

“My whole thing was like look I think with our current state of our team, we’ll be picking in the 20s,” Holmes said via CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. “Look at our defense and look at the defenses across the league. How many game-wreckers can you acquire on defense? We already have a game-wrecker [in Donald], but I’m looking across the league and thinking golly… how many people have two? How many have two where they’re the best at their position? And they are true game-wreckers. 

“And I said Les I’m having a hard time finding one. So if you have to sacrifice two first-round picks and we’ve had this much success without first-round picks from a draft standpoint, I said yes, please, do that as quickly as possible to make that trade so we can acquire Jalen Ramsey.”

• Rams’ HC Sean McVay confirmed that aside from RB Cam Akers, who has a high ankle sprain, everyone on the active roster is healthy for their upcoming game against the Seahawks, including rookie LB Terrell Lewis. (Jourdan Rodrigue)

Seahawks

• Regarding Seahawks WR Josh Gordon‘s situation on the commissioner’s exempt list, HC Pete Carroll said nothing has changed and the receiver is still ineligible to play or practice. (Brady Henderson)
• Henderson notes that Gordon can still attend team meetings and workout with trainers, but can’t attend team meetings and work out with trainers.
• Carroll said he is looking forward to Seahawks OT Brandon Shell (knee) returning to their starting lineup and has “a chance” to play in Week 16: “Yeah, he’s got a chance to help us. We’re looking forward to him dressing and being with us.” (Curtis Crabtree)

• Seahawks’ RT Brandon Shell is questionable for the team’s game against the Rams, while DT Jarran Reed is expected to play despite having a chest injury. (Curtis Crabtree)