Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
The NFL Draft is rapidly approaching and with a consensus for the top 5 still not established, this is my Top 5 for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Chicago Bears - Will Anderson Jr, EDGE, Alabama
The Bear's defense has gone downhill in recent years with the loss of stars like Khalil Mack, Robert Quinn, and Roquan Smith. Those losses have clearly affected their ability to get pressure on the quarterback, as they are dead last in the NFL in sacks this season. Will Anderson is undersized, but incredibly quick and shifty, and has had no problem getting into the backfield against SEC-caliber offensive lineman. He broke records with 34.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks in 2021, both first in the country. He is an extremely talented pass rusher and one of, if not the best players in this draft.
2. Houston Texans - Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Texans have a good young running back in Dameon Pierce, and their offensive line has certainly improved, but they lack a long-term quarterback for the future. Davis Mills is not the guy who can lead the Texans back to AFC South supremacy. Sure, he did a nice job filling in during the Deshaun Watson scandal, but he is not the long-term guy. Bryce Young can elevate this franchise. The former Heisman Trophy winner is one of the most generational quarterback talents in the past couple of years. With the performance he put on in the Sugar Bowl, this pick should be a lock.
3. Arizona Cardinals - Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
The Arizona Cardinals also are a team that has issues when it comes to getting to the quarterback, ranking bottom 5 in the NFL in sacks. With J.J. Watt retiring, the Cardinals need to go with a young bull rusher who can really pressure the quarterback. Myles Murphy is arguably a top 5 talent in the draft, with a variety of pass-rushing moves and a ridiculous athletic frame at 6-5, 275 pounds. He has 17.5 career sacks and 35 tackles for loss and is one of the most underrated prospects in this year's draft.
4. Indianapolis Colts - CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Colts have gone through a plethora of quarterbacks this season, whether it be Matt Ryan, Nick Foles, or even Sam Ehlinger at the end of the year. The problem is none of these quarterbacks have proven themselves capable of fulfilling a starting quarterback role. The Colts have thrown the most interceptions in the league by far, and Stroud is incredibly efficient and rarely turns the ball over, with a career touchdown to interception ratio of over 7 to 1. He is a two-time Heisman finalist with an incredible arm and underrated scrambling ability.
5. Seattle Seahawks - Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Last year, you would’ve expected Seattle to target a quarterback in this draft. But after the performance by Geno Smith to lead this team to playoff contention, quarterback is out of the question. Now, the number one need for Seattle lies in the trenches. Seattle had the third-worst rushing defense in the NFL this season and allowed nearly 5 yards per carry. Jalen Carter is an anchor inside with his 6’3, 300-pound frame, and he will solidify the front of this Seahawk's defensive line.