2023 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys replace struggling defender
By Randy Gurzi
Pick Analysis. Alabama. Will Anderson. 2. player. 57. Scouting Report. EDGE
2. Chicago Bears: Will Anderson, Jr., EDGE, Alabama
Back-to-back Alabama players come off the board as Will Anderson, Jr. is taken by the Chicago Bears at No. 2 overall. Chicago traded away both Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn this year, which seriously depleted their pass rush. They also sent Roquan Smith to the Ravens which means they’re really going to have to find some new defensive stars to build around.
Anderson gives them that as he’s arguably the No. 1 player on the board this year. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 235-pounds, he’s best suited for a stand-up pass-rush position which is something the Bears can accommodate.
Chicago still needs to build around Justin Fields but they’re going to bank on Chase Claypool being a difference-maker with a full offseason to work with his new quarterback.
Pick Analysis. C.J. Stroud. 3. 36. Scouting Report. QB. Ohio State. player
3. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Geno Smith has been a pleasant surprise this season, completing 71.4 percent of his attempts for 3,671 yards with 26 touchdowns and just eight picks. The problem is, he’s 32 years old and this year has been the anomaly for his career.
With that being said, the Seattle Seahawks can’t pass on C.J. Stroud at No. 3 overall just to stick with Smith. Stroud could easily be the No. 1 overall pick — and likely would have been in nearly any other draft.
As it stands, Bryce Young lands in the top spot and Seattle is the winner because of it.