2023 NFL Mock Draft: C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young Number One?
By Evan Bachman
2. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama
If the Raiders end up with a top two pick in this draft it will make for a very interesting debate. That debate is whether it’s time to move on Derek Carr?
Carr has had some very good seasons for the Raiders and has been very important to that franchise. However, chances to have this high of a draft pick that allows you to secure a high caliber quarterback prospect are rare. Thus, making a compelling case for them to take a quarterback.
However, the other element to consider is Davante Adams. The biggest reason Adams came to Las Vegas is to team up with Derek Carr, so will they also put themselves in a spot where they have to also move on from Adams if they select a quarterback?
This question ultimately lead me to the conclusion that in this spot they would simply secure the best player available as opposed to blowing everything up. So, in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft they select Will Anderson Jr. number two overall.
Anderson Jr. is a good bet to be the first non-quarterback off the board in April and could even be the top overall pick. This would also fill a need for the Raiders as their pass rush has been far too reliant on Maxx Crosby. Anderson Jr. is up there with the star edge rusher prospects we’ve seen in the past half decade or so like Myles Garrett, Chase Young, and the Bosa brothers.
He has simply been unblockable over his career at Alabama. His quickness, burst, and get off the line are all elite. He can also win pass rushes with his technical ability as he uses his hands very well and he can just overpower offensive tackles at times. Not only can he consistently get to the quarterback, but he’s dominant as a run defender as well. He consistently wins leverage battles at the line of scrimmage blowing up run plays.