Will Anderson Jr., Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Will Anderson Jr. is about to be some NFL franchise’s 21st century version of Derrick Thomas.
By declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft, Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. projects as the best defensive player to star in Tuscaloosa since the legendary Derrick Thomas.
In three years playing for Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide, what didn’t Anderson accomplish? He won a national title as a true freshman before becoming a two-time unanimous All-American and bringing back to Tuscaloosa so much impressive hardware. Anderson is essentially a fail-proof NFL Draft prospect. He will be coming off the board inside of the top five. Do not overthink this.
Here are three NFL teams that should look to bolster their pass rush by drafting Anderson high.
Will Anderson Jr. declares for 2023 NFL Draft: 3 teams for Alabama pass-rusher
3
Atlanta Falcons
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons would have to trade up to draft hometown hero Will Anderson Jr.
With the Atlanta Falcons probably picking in the latter part of the top 10, the Dirty Birds would presumably have to trade up to draft the former high school star from Henry Country. It would be a huge hit if the Falcons were to end up with either Anderson or Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter. However, they are going to have to get inside of the top five to potentially land either star.
The ideal trade partner for the Falcons would be the Seattle Seahawks, who possess the Denver Broncos’ first-round pick. Seattle massively overachieved this season. The Seahawks still need a few pieces to really contend, so they will need to amass more draft capital to do so. If they stayed in the top five with Denver’s pick, Carter is probably their guy over Anderson. Atlanta can move up.
The sooner the Falcons get a competent pass rush, the sooner they can end their playoff drought.