The Arizona Cardinals hold the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft and many are calling for the team to make a trade back to acquire more picks and future picks.
That’s nice, but there is also a special pass-rushing prospect in Alabama’s Will Anderson who fills a huge need, is a great talent and plays a premium position.
He solves a lot of problems.
However, in a mock draft from Pro Football Focus, trading down makes perfect sense.
Here is the scenario — the Chicago Bears, who hold the first overall pick, trade back but only to the second pick. The Houston Texans make their selection first overall at quarterback and then the Bears take Anderson.
That prompts the Cardinals to trade back. They move back to the ninth overall pick, trading with the Carolina Panthers in exchange for the ninth pick and probably a mix of Day 2 picks in this draft and their first-rounder in 2024.
With the ninth pick, the Cardinals land Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez, one of the stars of the NFL combine.
Gonzalez is the total package physically. He’s got all-pro tools but just needs a little refinement to get there.
He is 6-foot-1, 197 pounds and ran the 40 in 4.38 seconds.
He had four interceptions and broke up seven passes in 2022 for the Ducks.
This trade back makes perfect sense. If they can’t get Anderson, trade back, get another top pick and more picks.
If Anderson is there, don’t overthink it.
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