Relatively speaking, I think everyone in the West drafted very well, St Louis on paper sure seems to have, as did the Cards and no doubt the 49ers really helped themselves as well.
The thing is, while the Niners drafted for need and I think were somewhat forced to because of CAP space, the Hawks drafted for the future, either Rice's or Tates replacement WR, Lynch's starting position when he becomes a FA etc. The Hawks did a nice job of filling in their NEEDS via FA where they could be selective in what they wanted.
Here's the thing, what really sucked for teams like the 9ers and the Rams is that this is a draft that many are calling the worst draft class that they can remember and thats including that gawd awful class of AAron Curry. Granted, this class is full of decent players available in the 2nd and 3rd even the 4th to 5 th rounds, but it's all relative to this class. We won't know really until some time passes but I can't imagine that there will be a lot of starters or elite players making their way on opening lineups.
My point Is I guess is that while the 49ers and Rams drafted for immediate needs, while we realized early just how weak this draft class really is. We were smart enough to draft Athletes that have yet peaked in their potential and have a big tangible upside, so that in a couple of years they may become the players that we need. We drafted a RB for gawd's sakes, that alone should give a hint too JS/PC's thoughts on what was available. Tells me that their was no players, tackles or linebackers they deemed worthy enough to fill a position that many of us consider something that should somewhat be addressed. That what we have right now is so much better than whats out there that were going to go ahead and draft a RB that has little or no chance to start for at least a couple of years.
So 49er fans.. Ram fans.. Good luck on your elite players taken out of this mediocre class of recruits, they surely are the stars of mediocrity and will be the mother of your disappointments when all is said and done.