It is very difficult to find generational pass rushers in the NFL draft, especially given how valuable they have become in the modern game. Fortunately for the Houston Texans, found their guy as they traded up from the No. 12 selection in the 2023 draft to No. 3 to land former Alabama superstar [autotag]Will Anderson[/autotag]. Anderson is a two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year as well as a two-time Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner which is handed out annually to the top defensive player in college football.
Anderson has all of the talent and tools in the world and could be the defensive piece that the Texans begin to build around for the next decade. Head coach, and former Alabama player, DeMeco Ryans is reportedly incredibly impressed with Anderson and was a big driving force behind their decision to move up.
NFL draft insider, Chad Reuter, is also incredibly high on Anderson and thinks he has a chance to be the best player on the Texans’ defense as a rookie. Reuter projected the 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie Team and the team is headlined by Anderson on the edge.
Reuter says of Anderson, “The highly regarded edge rusher faces a tall task to meet expectations. Though he won’t be the biggest defensive end in the league, the 6-foot-4, 243-pound Anderson can convert speed to power and use his length effectively from a three-point stance. He’ll be a true force as a rookie under head coach DeMeco Ryans if he’s able to mix up his pass-rush moves and consistently turn the corner.”
Anderson is the only Alabama player to make the list, however, former Alabama player, Drew Sanders, makes the list after transferring and spending his final season of college ball with Arkansas.
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