With the 2023 NFL regular season right around the corner, it’s time to take a look at some of the newcomers to the league that could make a big impact on their new teams. Multiple former Alabama stars are expected to be immediate starters, including defensive back Brian Branch and EDGE Will Anderson.
The two defensive players were standouts with the Crimson Tide and were both drafted early. Anderson was selected by the Houston Texans at No. 3 overall and Branch was selected by the Detroit Lions at No. 45 overall.
Nick Saban and the Alabama program benefitted greatly from having the two of them on the field at the same time. While they no longer share a team, they will both continue to do what they do best: dominate.
Recently, Jeff Risdon of the Draft Wire shared a handful of players that could contend for the coveted Defensive Rookie of the Year recognition.
The last time a former Alabama player won Defensive Rookie of the Year? DeMeco Ryans in 2006 with Houston. Where is Ryans now, you might be asking. Well, he’s the head coach of the Texans and will be working directly with Anderson.
Expectations are high for both players, as they were not only strong performers at the collegiate level, but they are on teams looking to return to the playoffs and finish off their respective rebuilds.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Anderson and Branch as the 2023 NFL regular season approaches.
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