For the 27 teams who are scheduled to pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft there's a perfect version of the board that allows them to select their dream prospect.
Of course, teams only have so much control when it comes to the draft. Every team is trying to get better and there's a reason it can be costly to move up the board.
Here, we'll take a look at the ideal pick for each team in the first round. To keep things realistic we'll limit a prospect to no more than two teams. Also, teams that have multiple first-round picks will have multiple players in their respective sections.
There's some subjectivity here but picks are based on mock drafts and trends to determine whether it's in the realm of possibility that a team could draft a player.
For instance, the Chiefs would love to add Will Anderson Jr. to their defense, but there's no scenario in which he falls all the way to pick No. 31.
With those ground rules in mind, here's a look at the ideal pick for each team based on need, value and talent.
Arizona Cardinals: Edge Will Anderson, Alabama
Scouting Report
The Arizona Cardinals are essentially a blank slate as Jonathan Gannon takes the reins as head coach, especially on defense.
Despite spending first-round picks on Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons the last two times they had first-round picks, they don't have a superstar defender to build around right now.
That would change if they come away from this draft with Will Anderson Jr.
Anderson has been one of the most productive game-wrecking defensive talents in college football over the last two seasons. By PFF's numbers, he had 29 sacks and 98 hurries.
His blend of burst, bend and motor is sure to translate to the NFL. He's a versatile edge prospect who can immediately play the same role that Haason Reddick played in Gannon's defense last season.
The Cardinals might be tempted to trade out of the No. 3 pick if the board falls the right way, but losing out on Anderson is a serious cost that should be considered.
Atlanta Falcons: DL Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
Scouting Report
Pass-rush has been a chronic problem for the Falcons. You have to go back to 2017 to find the last time they finished higher than 22nd in the league in sacks.
The last two years have been especially bad. They have combined for 39 sacks. Nick Bosa has 34 himself in the same time span.
The Falcons need to land a premier pass-rusher in this draft class and Tyree Wilson is one of the best pass-rush prospects in the draft. The 6'6", 271-pounder was voted as the "most versatile" defensive lineman by B/R's Scouting Department.
New defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen has an extensive history working with defensive linemen, including Cam Jordan in his time with the Saints.
Wilson would give him a nice mentee to work with and transform the Falcons defense. The Texas Tech end is projected to have the second-highest sack total in his first three years in the league based on Seth Walder of ESPN's model.
That would be a huge win for Atlanta.
