2023 NFL Mock Draft: Aaron Rodgers part of blockbuster trade in Round 1
By Randy Gurzi
Scouting Report. QB. C.J. Stroud. 2. player. 46. Pick Analysis. Ohio State
2. Indianapolis Colts (via Chicago Bears): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Trading down can be so nice, that the Bears do it twice.
After taking the Texans’ spot at No. 2, they again make a deal with a quarterback-needy team as the Indianapolis Colts move up from No. 4 to No. 2. Here, the Bears add an early third-round pick in this draft as well as a second and third in 2024. It’s another massive haul for them but that’s what happens when they get teams bidding against one another, which is bound to happen.
For the Colts, they bring in C.J. Stroud from Ohio State — and adding some youth is a must. They have tried veteran re-treads for the past three seasons and while Philip Rivers did a good job, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan were both a disaster.
Stroud should be the answer as they hope to finally have this position figured out.
Scouting Report. EDGE. 3. 32. Pick Analysis. Alabama. Will Anderson, Jr.. player
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, Jr., EDGE, Alabama
At No. 3, we have our first selection that doesn’t involve a trade as the Arizona Cardinals stay put and bring in Will Anderson, Jr. from Alabama. One of the top overall players in this class, Anderson gives Arizona exactly what they need — some pass-rush off the edge.
With Chandler Jones leaving in 2022, they didn’t have much in this department and Anderson gives them someone to build their defense around.