The 2023 NFL Draft class is headlined by four quarterbacks and two defensive prospects who have dominated headlines over the last year. The most impactful defender in the class over the last three seasons in college football was Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. The Crimson Tide product will be a fantastic reward for whichever team he lands with.
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Will Anderson Jr. Landing Spots in the 2023 NFL Draft
After producing 58.5 tackles for loss and 34.5 sacks over the last three seasons, Anderson is in line to be the next elite pass rusher to join the NFL. He’s an explosive, flexible, and physically impressive prospect who can be the face of whichever defense he anchors. It wouldn’t be surprising for him to be as productive as recent pass-rush stars like Nick Bosa, Myles Garrett, and T.J. Watt.
We’re breaking down where Anderson could land in the 2023 NFL Draft. Considering his résumé as a top producer and physical traits, don’t be surprised if Nick Saban’s former star goes in the top two. But that doesn’t mean he’s a guarantee. Let’s dive into the possibilities.
Chicago Bears Land Anderson Regardless of Trade
The Bears are “leaning toward” trading out of the No. 1 spot as QB-needy teams have shown interest in moving assets in a deal. With Chicago sticking with quarterback Justin Fields instead of adding a top rookie, they have the luxury of keeping the top pick or moving down. Depending on how far they trade down, Chicago could not only net future assets but still get Anderson.
This would be the best case for Chicago as they’d land a blue-chip talent and additional assets after finishing 3-14. The Bears desperately need a pass rusher to overhaul their defense, and for as tempting as Tyree Wilson is as a physical specimen, he’s nowhere near the player Anderson is right now. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus shouldn’t prioritize Wilson’s size over Anderson’s ability to produce if given the choice.
MORE: Who Is the Best Defensive Player in the 2023 NFL Draft?
Chicago could theoretically trade down with Houston to No. 2, or as far down as the bottom of the top 10 to Carolina or Atlanta. If I were Bears general manager Ryan Poles, I’d try to stay in the top four, so I’d still have a chance at Anderson. Dropping below No. 2 might even seal the deal they’d miss out on Anderson.
Anderson told reporters at the NFL Combine that he believes the Bears are “onto something special” with the way they’re rebuilding their roster. For as nice as future assets are, it doesn’t get better than getting enthusiastic about your direction.
Arizona Cardinals Build Defense Around Anderson
New Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has his work cut out for him. Arizona has an older roster with few foundational pieces on either side of the ball. New general manager Monti Ossenfort has already said their phone lines are “open for any team that desires to move up” as they want to start building depth.
But passing on Anderson would be difficult. Anderson made it clear he can play in any defensive scheme after learning under Saban, saying he’ll “adapt” and “learn how to operate throughout it,” even if it’s a new situation. Gannon has to love that mindset after maximizing a deep pass rush in Philadelphia.
We know Anderson can be an effective 3-4 outside linebacker, and he played well when given the chance to put his hand in the dirt as a 4-3 end, but Gannon may have him on the ground more than standing if his Eagles looks were predictive. Anderson best profiles as a player like Haason Reddick from that group, who finished 2022 with 16 sacks.
Seattle Seahawks Get Lucky at No. 5 Overall With Anderson
The Seahawks would be in a fascinating position if they have the chance to land Anderson. It’s possible Chicago and Arizona trade down, and quarterbacks go in the first four picks. That’s likely what it would take for Anderson to slide to No. 5, as Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter’s stock seems to be dipping after recent developments.
Seattle, in theory, may prefer Wilson’s long 84″ reach and lankier build to Anderson’s more traditional 6’4″, 243-pound frame based on their past drafting habits of prioritizing athletic measurements. I think that would be a mistake in this instance since Anderson checks all of the boxes as an athlete and performer.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll could certainly use a dynamic pass rusher on their woeful defense. The unit ranked 25th in scoring allowed and 26th in points allowed last year.
Will Anderson Jr. Mock Draft Rankings
The consensus PFN Big Board has Anderson as the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft, just behind Carter. As expected, recent PFN mock drafts have results scattered. Anderson has been the first defensive player in the slight majority of recent mocks, but Carter is still a viable threat to be taken ahead of him.
MORE: PFN Mock Draft Simulator
In those recent mocks, Anderson has gone as high as No. 2 and as low as No. 5. I think that range is accurate to what’s most likely to happen. In one mock, it was Chicago who took Anderson second after trading picks with the Texans.
These mocks accurately reflect what I had described earlier. The Bears won’t be able to drop far if they want to still land Anderson. Arizona would be gambling on Carter more than they would Anderson, and I think third is his most likely destination if the Bears move below that pick and Arizona doesn’t also trade down.