Last year, the Arizona Cardinals made waves during the NFL draft with a series of bold trades. They initially moved back from the third overall pick to No. 12, then jumped back up to No. 6 to snag tackle Paris Johnson, while also racking up multiple draft picks along the way.
Looking back at the first round of the 2023 draft, Draft Wire's Curt Popejoy reimagines what might have been different. Rather than trading back and forth, he envisions the Cardinals staying put at No. 3 and selecting pass rusher Will Anderson, who went on to become the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year with the Houston Texans.
Here are some key points from this scenario:
- Staying at No. 3: The Cardinals would have picked Will Anderson, a defensive powerhouse.
- Anderson's Impact: Anderson took the league by storm and is set to be one of the top pass rushers, which the Cardinals have desperately needed for the last two seasons.
- Paris Johnson's Role: Despite this, Johnson had an impressive rookie year at right tackle, playing every snap, and is now set to take over at left tackle.
- Additional Picks: The trades helped the Cardinals land cornerback Garrett Williams, defensive lineman Darius Robinson, and cornerback Elijah Jones.
But should the Cardinals have gone this route?
If Anderson continues to shine as a top-tier pass rusher, it could leave fans pondering a significant "what if." However, drafting Johnson not only fortified the offensive line but also fulfilled a need to protect quarterback Kyler Murray. This move was symbolic, as Johnson was the player Murray wanted the Cardinals to draft, which helped strengthen his relationship with the new leadership.
In the end, while Johnson could become a great left tackle and the additional players could contribute well, the decision to pick him over Anderson will always be up for debate. It’s a fascinating reflection on how different choices could have shaped the team's future.
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