Texans trade up and draft best defender in 2023 NFL Draft
The Houston Texans just shook the entire NFL. One pick after drafting quarterback C.J. Stroud at No. 2 overall, they traded up from No. 12 to select a game-changing force on defense. The Texans selected EDGE rusher Will Anderson Jr. out of Alabama with the third overall pick. Anderson was a three-year starter with the […]
The Houston Texans just shook the entire NFL. One pick after drafting quarterback C.J. Stroud at No. 2 overall, they traded up from No. 12 to select a game-changing force on defense.
The Texans selected EDGE rusher Will Anderson Jr. out of Alabama with the third overall pick. Anderson was a three-year starter with the Crimson Tide, playing for defensive mastermind HC Nick Saban.
Anderson's best year came in 2021 when he sacked the quarterback 17.5 times in 15 games played. He also had 34.5 tackles for loss that year (!!!). In 2022, he followed that up with another outstanding year with 10.5 sacks.
With two Unanimous All-American honors to his name, Anderson is set to change the way the Houston Texans play defense. And it's clear that HC DeMeco Ryans is about to have his team set the tone defensively as his unit did with the San Francisco 49ers.
This way, the front office gets the QB that can keep the team relevant in 2023 and the coach gets the player that can bring his vision to life on the playing field,
A to Z Sports draft analyst Tyler Browning's scouting report:
Very explosive, can be in the backfield in the blink of an eye. Puts a lot of pressure to get up in their pass protection arch. His burst allows for him to be effective on inside moves as well. Bend might be his worst trait, never really saw any instances of him truly bending the edge. His athleticism leads me to believe he is capable and he has flashed some ankle flexion. Willing to be the man to eat up blocks to free up other rushers.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler's scouting report:
Overall, Anderson doesn't have ideal body mass and must improve his on-field discipline but he is equally dynamic as a pass rusher and run defender because of his twitchy movements, skilled hands, and overall play speed.
