Instead of two trades and multiple picks for the No. 3 pick in 2023, this redraft has the Cardinals making the easy pick of Will Anderson.
The Arizona Cardinals had the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft and could have had pass rusher Will Anderson. Instead, they traded the pick to the Houston Texans, moving down to the 12th pick and then trading up to No. 6 overall to select tackle Paris Johnson.
With the trade, they landed Johnson and picks in 2024.
In a redraft of last year’s first round by Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy, the Cardinals do not make the trades. Instead, they go with Anderson.
The Cardinals originally got offensive tackle Paris Johnson but instead opted for edge defender Will Anderson Jr. who took the league by storm.
Anderson was the Defensive Rookie of the Year after logging seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 22 quarterback hits.
Taking Anderson wouldn’t have been a mistake by any means. He would have led the Cardinals in sacks. They desperately need edge rushing. He would have provided that.
However, is it better to have Anderson or to have Johnson protecting Kyler Murray and multiple other picks?
Johnson had a very solid rookie season, playing every snap at right tackle. He appears to be on track to be a cornerstone at tackle.
If the Cardinals turn that pick into Johnson and multiple impact players, going that route instead of Anderson will have made sense.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
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