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4 Intriguing edge-rushers the Arizona Cardinals can pursue in 2023

By Jim Koch

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 28: Yannick Ngakoue #91 of the Indianapolis Colts on the field in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 28: Yannick Ngakoue #91 of the Indianapolis Colts on the field in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Cardinals are in dire need of an edge-rusher who can pose a threat to the opposition’s signal-callers in 2023. 

Everyone but the Arizona Cardinals front office seemed to know that the team’s edge-rushers would be a weakness in 2022. Former general manager Steve Keim relied way too heavily on aging veteran Markus Golden to get the job done. The Cards were also gambling on the notion that outside linebackers like Dennis Gardeck and Devon Kennard would also overachieve.

Kennard is now gone, and there’s a possibility that Golden and Gardeck could also be playing elsewhere next fall. Second-year youngsters Cameron Thomas and Myjai Sanders showed potential at times this past season, but Arizona needs more of a sure thing in their lineup.

Acquiring someone who can record double-digit sacks from the edge should be a priority for new Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort. The following are four capable pass-rushers who the organization can pursue in 2023.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 31: Will Anderson Jr. #31 of the Alabama Crimson Tide stands on the field during the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alabama Crimson Tide won the game 45 – 20. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 31: Will Anderson Jr. #31 of the Alabama Crimson Tide stands on the field during the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alabama Crimson Tide won the game 45 – 20. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Pass rushers for Arizona Cardinals to pursue: Will Anderson Jr. – Alabama

One positive about the Arizona Cardinals finishing with an ugly 4-13 record last year is the impact-making draft choice that comes out of the disaster. That being said, Ossenfort better take advantage of the third overall pick that the franchise will get to utilize in this coming April’s draft.

University of Alabama outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr. could very be the selection when Arizona turns in the card. The 21-year-old has won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (awarded to the nation’s best defensive player) not once, but twice in his three campaigns with the Crimson Tide.

Anderson Jr. has racked up an eye-popping 34.5 sacks in the 41 matchups he competed in for Alabama. Unless Ossenfort receives an offer he can’t refuse to trade back, the 6 foot 4, 235 pound Anderson Jr. could very well be the Cards’ opening-round prize.

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