ARIZONA CARDINALS

NFL.com’s Jeremiah mocks Alabama’s Will Anderson to Cardinals

Jan 21, 2023, 7:10 AM

Even if the first NFL Draft picks in 2023 remain with the teams that currently own them, the Arizona Cardinals could be staring at a franchise-altering option remaining on the board at No. 3.

The Chicago Bears with quarterback Justin Fields already on the roster sit in an enviable position atop the draft with a chance to trade down, while the Houston Texans would seemingly have a good shot at being first to nab a quarterback.

Then comes the Cardinals, who might see one of the top defensive players left on the board. In NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s first mock draft for 2023, that lands them Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.

The Cardinals are desperate for edge-rush talent, and Anderson is clearly the best in this class. He can win with speed and power.

As a junior, Anderson posted 51 tackles with 10 sacks and an interception.

It came a season after piling up 101 tackles with 17.5 sacks in 2021. The 6-foot-4, 243-pound linebacker remains in an elite tier of draft prospects along with the top quarterbacks and Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter.

Carter, by the way, is the No. 1 pick on Jeremiah’s first mock, heading to Chicago as the Bears stand pat.

I’m sure the Bears would love to trade out of this pick. If that option isn’t available — or the offers fail to meet their asking price — Carter would be an immediate difference-maker on all three downs.

Jeremiah has the Texans selecting Alabama quarterback Bryce Young second overall, leaving Arizona a chance at drafting Anderson, who is a near-unanimous top-five draft pick, according to draft experts.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals against the Pittsburgh Steelers...

Arizona Sports

Cardinals RB James Conner wins FedEx Ground award, ‘Angry Runs’ scepter

James Conner got his hat-tip in a few different forms for his play that helped his Arizona Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Steelers.

18 hours ago

Cardinals celebrate in Pittsburgh...

Tyler Drake

Victory over Steelers a blueprint for Arizona Cardinals to follow

The Steelers have been a model of consistency for quite some time. On Sunday, though, it was the Cardinals looking like the complete team.

2 days ago

Naquan Jones...

Arizona Sports

Cardinals sign DL Naquan Jones to 53-man roster from practice squad

The Arizona Cardinals promoted defensive lineman Naquan Jones to the 53-man roster from the practice squad, the team announced on Tuesday. 

2 days ago

Arizona Cardinals DT Jonathan Ledbetter...

Tyler Drake

Jonathan Ledbetter named Cardinals’ 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year

The Arizona Cardinals named defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter as their Walter Payton Man of the Year for 2023 on Tuesday.

2 days ago

Presented By...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Jonathan Gannon talks Arizona Cardinals win over Steelers, team dancing through weather delays

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team’s Week 13 win over the Steelers in Pittsburgh and shared how the team stayed ready throughout the various weather delays. Video: Felisa Cárdenas and Jeremy Schnell/Arizona Sports Presented By

3 days ago

NFL.com’s Jeremiah mocks Alabama’s Will Anderson to Cardinals