The best defensive player, and maybe the best overall player in this 2023 NFL Draft, may fall to the Detroit Lions. I mean, it would not be anything new for the Lions.
Aidan Hutchinson falling to second overall in 2022.
Penei Sewell, best offensive lineman, falling to the Lions at seven overall in 2021.
Why not Will Anderson Jr. to the Lions at six overall in this coming draft?
Sure, a few things would have to go their way, as you would expect. The pieces may just be falling into place.
The first two picks of the draft are going to be quarterbacks; that is all but guaranteed. Now here is where things get interesting. Reports are saying the Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans may be looking to trade up with the Arizona Cardinals for the third overall pick. This would likely be for a quarterback, which the Cardinals were not going to take. This shifts Will Anderson Jr. back one spot.
Report: #Titans, #Raiders are looking into trading for the #Cardinals 3rd overall pick in the 2023 Draft.https://t.co/vqCkWfZBp3
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 3, 2023
At four overall, the Indianapolis Colts will also be in the market for a quarterback, whether it be Kentucky’s Will Levis or Florida’s Anthony Richardson. The Colts may just select the one the Raiders do not. I am not going to speculate on the specifics of that, but we may just see four consecutive quarterbacks go off the board to start the draft.
Then, the Seattle Seahawks. They are the biggest obstacle in the way of getting Will Anderson Jr. in the Honolulu blue and silver. Seattle would be in the market for a player like him. They would also be in the market for DT Jalen Carter, but the character concerns are very risky. Some teams have already taken Carter off their boards, and Seattle may be one of them.
How much would it cost the Lions to trade up to No. 5 overall and take Anderson Jr.? I am sure that is a move Lions fans would be comfortable making, regardless of the price. It is more likely the Lions trade up and draft Anderson than Anderson falling to No. 6 in general. So it may take a move for the Lions to make this happen, but this is not an impossible ask.
Either way, the Detroit Lions have set themselves up with plenty of options heading into draft night. Brad Holmes and Co. will be sure to find the best talent and haul in another stellar rookie class. I am pretty excited, and Lions fans should be ready for what could be a special season in Detroit.
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