Mock drafts are fun, but what teams are thinking is almost impossible to predict. This latest mock draft from Ralph Vacchiano and Ben Arthur is one of the more absurd ones I’ve seen this year. Not only do they have the Falcons passing on star defensive tackle Jalen Carter, but they also don’t think a quarterback is going #1 overall.
The top 10 in @RalphVacchiano and @benyarthur's Mock Draft ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/bDMt5BEmU8
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) March 8, 2023
I’m not afraid to say it. If the Bears don’t sell the #1 overall pick and select Will Anderson, their general manager should be fired. That would be a gross misuse of the position they are in. At the very least, they should take what the Texans offer, and they can still select their pick of the litter. I don’t see any situation where they stand pat and draft Will Anderson first overall.
However, this is a nightmare situation for the Falcons as well. They have Atlanta passing up on arguably the best overall prospect in the draft, who then lands in the lap of their division rival, who already have some stellar pieces on defense. If the Panthers were able to get Carter, that unit would be a problem for the entire NFC South.
Luke Van Ness is a defensive end that’s generated a lot of hype leading up to the draft. Here’s what they had to say about him over at Fox Sports:
As long as the Falcons stay committed to giving Desmond Ridder the chance to be their long-term quarterback, there’s no greater need for this team than pass-rush help. Atlanta has just 39 sacks combined the last two seasons. Luka Van Ness was productive at Iowa, registering 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss over the last two years for the Hawkeyes.
Van Ness could end up being a building block along the defensive line, which is probably the team’s greatest need heading into the offseason. I wouldn’t mind the pick at all, but passing on Carter in favor of him would be shocking, and it could be something that haunts this regime forever if he turns out to be a star in Carolina.
—
Photo: Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.