Who is the rising star in the NFC West? We asked the four NFL Nation reporters who cover the division for ESPN.

Josh Weinfuss, Arizona Cardinals reporter: Cardinals running back David Johnson. To some degree, he's already a star after turning in one of the best all-around seasons by a running back in recent memory last year. But Johnson's stock and stardom will continue to rise if he puts together a season similar to what he accomplished in 2016, when he finished with 1,239 rushing and 879 receiving yards. He might have become the third running back in history to have 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in a season if he hadn't gotten hurt in the season finale. The expectations for Johnson in 2017 will certainly be lofty after he reached 100 all-purpose yards in his first 15 games last year. But that will also make him the primary target of every defensive coordinator who faces the Cardinals. If he can repeat his performance, Johnson won't just be a rising star anymore. He'll have his stardom in the West cemented.

Alden Gonzalez, Los Angeles Rams reporter: We should hear a lot more about DeForest Buckner this season. The 49ers' interior pass-rusher is 6-foot-7 and 300 pounds, with the speed and power to win consistently on the inside. The 49ers made the Oregon alum the seventh overall pick in last year's draft and watched him compile six sacks while making the NFL's All-Rookie team.

Now Buckner will play on the same defensive line as Solomon Thomas, the No. 3 overall pick in this year's draft who should open up more room along the interior. Buckner will be a year older and part of an improved defense, and he should benefit from a diminished workload. Buckner ranked second in snaps among defensive linemen last season, with 963, even though he missed a game. Under new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the 49ers will rotate Buckner in and out of games more frequently this season to maximize his ability.

Although Buckner began his NFL career as a defensive end responsible for two gaps, he will transition to a 3-technique defensive tackle in a one-gap penetrating system, just like Aaron Donald. Buckner might not be at Donald's level -- nobody is -- but he will start to make a name for himself soon enough.

Nick Wagoner, San Francisco 49ers reporter: Arizona linebacker Markus Golden. Although his 2016 season might qualify him for the title of established star, Golden still isn't a household name. That will change soon. Golden had 12.5 sacks to lead the Cardinals last season, even after the team landed Chandler Jones. Golden combines solid athleticism with a relentless motor that has served him well in his first two NFL seasons. And he's solid enough against the run to stay on the field for all three downs, providing additional pass-rushing opportunities. With Jones re-signing in the offseason, teams won't be able to focus their whole attention on Golden, giving him a chance to continue to pile up the sacks and incite havoc for Arizona's defense.

Sheil Kapadia, Seattle Seahawks reporter: DeForest Buckner. He'll feel like a new man going from last season's scheme to the 49ers' new one-gap, 4-3 approach. Instead of being asked to read and react, per San Francisco's 3-4, Buckner will be asked to make plays behind the line of scrimmage and will have more opportunities to get after opposing quarterbacks. As a rookie last year, he played on a defense with very little talent, but he still had six sacks. Look for Buckner to make the second-year leap and thrive in the 49ers' new scheme.