While the Arizona Cardinals have a pair of serviceable defensive ends, they could still use some help on the edge in a talent-rich class.
The Arizona Cardinals could take a pass rusher in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. That said, unlike previous articles, where I’d rank players projected to go between the middle to late rounds, the players listed below could all be first round picks when the draft rolls around on April 27th.
So, you may have a general idea of who is ranked Number One in the five edge rushers/defensive ends listed below. But if Arizona trades down, there are more than a few consolations.
5 possible edge rushers for the Arizona Cardinals
1 - Will Anderson Jr, Alabama
There may not be anyone else in this draft class more coveted on the defensive side of the ball in Will Anderson Jr. And the Arizona Cardinals are in prime position to take the defensive end.
In his three seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Anderson was a force, logging 17.5 sacks and 31.0 tackles behind the line in his sophomore season. He didn’t attain the same numbers as a junior, but they were elite nonetheless, with 17.0 stops for a loss and 10.0 sacks.
2 - Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
If the Arizona Cardinals swap picks and end up missing on Anderson, Tyree Wilson is often regarded as the top consolation. Unlike Anderson’s 17.5 sacks in 2021, Wilson amassed that number as a career total, recording 7.0 sacks in his junior and senior seasons, and three in the seasons beforehand.
He also has 32.0 career tackles behind the line. So once again, you have a player who, while his career numbers are nowhere near Anderson’s, they are more than solid, nonetheless. Overall, Anderson should be the pick here, but if the Cards trade down to select Wilson, don’t be too disappointed, he’s still going to be a good one.
3 - Myles Murphy, Clemson
Myles Murphy’s numbers are closer to Tyree Wilson’s than they are Will Anderson Jr’s. But then again, how many prospects can claim their numbers came anywhere close to Anderson’s? Very few.
Anyway, Murphy, like Wilson, has Anderson beaten in the size department by a good 30-40 pounds. That, in and of itself, is the one downside regarding Anderson.
And Murphy’s numbers are still more than respectable, with 36.0 tackles for loss, and 18.5 career sacks. Once again, don’t be too put out if Murphy ends up in cardinal and white.
4 - Dylan Horton, TCU
Dylan Horton would be a great addition to the Arizona Cardinals if the Redbirds rolled with another position in the first round of the 2023 Draft. With 17 career sacks, 10 of which came during his final season at TCU, Horton would fit best as a rotational piece with Cam Thomas and Myjai Sanders.
Overall, Horton could develop into a long-term fixture on the Cardinals defensive line, so he would be a worthy selection in the second round. He is about 15-20 pounds lighter than Tyree Wilson and Myles Murphy, so he still boasts decent size for a defensive end.
5 - Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
Chances are, someone will scoop up Lukas Van Ness in the top half of the 2023 NFL Draft. But given his marginal production, with just 13.0 sacks in two seasons as a starter at Iowa, and 19.0 tackles for loss, he could slip to the second round, and the Arizona Cardinals should only consider him if he happens to freefall.
Van Ness, like Horton, would fare best in a rotational role with Thomas and Sanders should the Cardinals draft him, and this could be the case for over a year. Also like Horton, he could develop into a full-time starter that the Cards would be glad they took a chance on early.
Overall, the Cards need to roll with a defensive end/edge rusher. While they have better-than-advertised talent in Cam Thomas and Myjai Sanders, they either need someone to add to the rotation, or ideally, they need a game-changer. Anderson would be preferred, but there are still viable options if they can’t snag him.
(Statistics provided by Sports-Reference/CFB and ESPN.com)
Source: Arizona Cardinals: Ranking the 2023 NFL Draft's top 3 prospects behind Carter, Anderson by Sion Fawkes, RaisingZona.com.