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2023 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys stock up offense, Panthers reach at QB

By Randy Gurzi

ATHENS, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 05: Jalin Hyatt #11 of the Tennessee Volunteers carries the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the third quarter at Sanford Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 05: Jalin Hyatt #11 of the Tennessee Volunteers carries the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the third quarter at Sanford Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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2023 NFL Mock Draft
2023 NFL mock draft: Will Anderson Jr. #31 of the Alabama Crimson Tide stands on the field during the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alabama Crimson Tide won the game 45 – 20. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. Will Anderson. 3. Pick Analysis. EDGE. Alabama. player. 32

3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, Jr., EDGE, Alabama

Several scouts have Will Anderson, Jr. No. 1 overall on their draft boards heading into the offseason. The Alabama linebacker had a breakout campaign in 2021 with 17.5 sacks and 101 tackles. He continued to stand out this year with another 10 sacks and finished his collegiate career with 34.5.

He’s well-decorated as well heading into the draft with two Bronko Nagurski trophies, a Chuck Bednarik Award, and is a two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year. That’s in addition to winning the National Championship as a freshman in 2020.

In this mock, he lasts until pick No. 3 which is where the Arizona Cardinals gladly call his name. Arizona lost Chandler Jones in 2022 and now J.J. Watt announced his retirement — although he made sure to let social media know well before the coaching staff.

Anderson can come in and give them a pass rusher to build around. The only question will be how he fits in their defense. Right now, he would be a great stand-up pass rusher but with Kliff Kingsbury on thin ice, there could be a lot of changes.

Even so, Anderson is talented enough to play with his hand in the dirt if that’s what he needs to do. So even a coaching change shouldn’t deter them from this move should he be on the clock.

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