Will Anderson Jr. would fit in with the Chicago Bears
Taking on Will Anderson Jr. in the 2023 NFL Draft would make sense for a lot of teams, especially the rebuilding Chicago Bears.
The talented edge rusher has had an incredible three-year career in Alabama, becoming the first player to ever win back-to-back SEC Defensive Player of the Year awards.
This year, Anderson recorded 51 tackles and 17 sacks for the Crimson Tide. Last season was the best of his career, though, as he accumulated 101 tackles and a mind-boggling 17.5 sacks. His 31 tackles for loss led the nation a season ago, and he ranks 10th this year with 17 TFLs.
Will Anderson Jr beats the LT with this quick inside swim move 😳
Gets the half sack with Byron Young 🐘
https://t.co/GXfUtuwMKb
Anderson also has the second-most career sacks in school history with 34.5. Only the late, great Derrick Thomas has more (52.0).
With the Houston Texans widely-expected to select Anderson’s Alabama teammate, Bryce Young as No.1 in the draft, Anderson will more than likely head to the Bears with the second overall pick.
Struggling Chicago defense
It appears that the Chicago Bears have finally found their franchise quarterback in Justin Fields. While the team’s future looks bright when it comes to offense, things on the other side aren't as lovely.
The Chicago Bears are arguably one of the NFL's worst defensive teams. With only 18 sacks this season, they are currently dead last in the league. That's far fewer than the league-leading 61 sacks recorded by the Philadelphia Eagles this season.
Given that the team has lost multiple key defenders in the last year, it's not unexpected that Chicago's defense has suffered. Last offseason, Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, and Danny Trevathan all left, and Roquan Smith and Robert Quinn were traded earlier this season.
Live reaction from Roquan Smith hearing about the Quinn trade:
Video via @ChicagoBears https://t.co/dyIdoZPPpm
But guys like Eddie Jackson, Jack Sanborn and Jaylon Johnson have been bitten by the injury bug.
Help is on the way for Chicago Bears
Drafting Anderson would be an extremely wise choice by the Chicago Bears, who obviously need a ton of help on the defensive end of the field.
Anderson has a powerful lower body, which helps him retain his ground in the running game. He also possesses the speed to get around the edge and put pressure on the quarterback. These are unquestionably attributes that would make him an asset to Chicago's defensive line next season.
Legendary defensive players in Bears history include Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, and Brian Urlacher. Will Anderson Jr. could be added to the list in the future.