The San Francisco 49ers are showcasing a potential resurgence in backup quarterback performance with Sam Darnold and Mac Jones. Darnold, who joined the team after a solid preseason, is viewed as a candidate for a starting role, having previously shown promise with the 49ers and parlaying his good form into a lucrative contract with the Seattle Seahawks.

Mac Jones, a former first-round pick, is also in the mix, as 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak has expressed confidence in his ability to be a starting-caliber QB. Jones's previous struggles in Jacksonville haven’t dampened the 49ers' enthusiasm, as they hope to see a turnaround similar to Darnold's transformation.

With Brock Purdy increasingly solidifying his position as the starter, the 49ers are focusing on ensuring they have capable backups ready to step in, especially considering the importance of each game in a potentially competitive season. If Jones can capitalize on this opportunity, he could become another successful reclamation project for the 49ers.

The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for the 2025 NFL Draft, currently holding the 16th pick. While the team has bolstered its defensive line and edge positions through free agency, it seems unlikely they will prioritize safety early in the draft. With Budda Baker signed through 2027 and promising prospects like Taylor-Demerson, the Cardinals may focus on other areas.

Draft Wire's latest rankings highlight the top five safety prospects: Malaki Starks from Georgia and Nick Emmanwori from South Carolina are projected to be first-round picks, although Starks' recent combine performance has raised concerns about a potential drop. Xavier Watts is also a name to watch as a solid second-round option, while Kevin Winston Jr. might land on Day 2. Lathan Ransom is seen as a box safety, likely to be drafted early on Day 3.

The Arizona Cardinals' rookie safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson emerged as a promising talent during the 2024 season, showcasing his skills despite limited snaps. Drafted in the fourth round, Taylor-Demerson played in all 17 games, stepping up significantly when fellow safety Jalen Thompson was injured. His performance in two consecutive starts against the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks was particularly noteworthy, where he recorded three passes defensed and 15 total tackles.

Despite being overshadowed by established players like Budda Baker and Thompson, Taylor-Demerson's high motor, quick reaction times, and impressive open-field tackling made him a standout. Finishing with a solid 75.5 PFF grade, he demonstrated raw coverage skills, which could translate to an expanded role in the upcoming season. With Baker recently signing a lucrative extension, the Cardinals' coaching staff is expected to continue utilizing a rotational approach, offering Taylor-Demerson ample opportunities to develop further. His potential to boost the Cardinals' defensive secondary in 2025 is promising, marking him as a player to watch.

The Arizona Cardinals secured a commanding 47-24 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in their season finale at State Farm Stadium, showcasing a dominant performance led by quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray threw for 242 yards and four touchdowns, effectively outpacing the 49ers’ Joshua Dobbs, as the Cardinals capitalized on their scoring opportunities.

PFF's analysts were on-site, evaluating players in real-time, with notable performance highlighted by Kyler Murray earning the highest grade among players at 88.0, followed by teammate Dadrion Taylor-Demerson at 87.2. The Cardinals finished with a strong offensive showing, with a 6.5 average yards per play.

The Seattle Seahawks aim to maintain their winning momentum as they face the Arizona Cardinals in a crucial NFC West matchup. With playoff implications at stake, both teams are set for a fierce battle at Lumen Field.

Key positional matchups will be pivotal, including the Seahawks' edge rushers against the Cardinals' formidable offensive line and the battle between Seattle's talented receivers and Arizona's revamped secondary.

Additionally, the performance of both teams' linebackers and running backs will be critical, especially with Kyler Murray's dual-threat capabilities and the Seahawks' need to establish a ground game.