In a perfect world, the Arizona Cardinals would be able to trade back in the first round of the NFL draft and still land a top prospect in the 2023 NFL draft.
In a new mock draft from The Athletic’s Ben Standig, this is what happens.
The Cardinals find a trade partner in the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks, who have the fifth pick in the draft, give up that pick, their second-round pick (No. 52), their fourth-round pick (No. 123) and a 2024 third-round pick to move up to third overall.
In this scenario, quarterbacks go with the first four selections. The Carolina Panthers select C.J. Stroud, the Houston Texans draft Bryce Young, Seattle takes Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts, with the fourth pick, select Will Levis.
The Cardinals take the first non-quarterback, selecting Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson, a player often mocked to the Cardinals with the third pick.
This QB-QB-QB-QB start allows the Cardinals to add picks and select arguably this year’s top prospect at 5, something that wouldn’t be in the cards if swapping 3 for 7 with Las Vegas. Anderson, an explosive pass rusher, finished with 34.5 sacks and 62 tackles for loss during his three seasons with the Crimson Tide.
The Cardinals get Anderson and end up with an extra second-round pick, another fourth-round and add a Day 2 pick next year.
Is there a better scenario than this?
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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