The Houston Texans may be considering top defensive prospect Will Anderson Jr. with the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, according to ESPN’s Matt Miller.
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Who is Will Anderson?
As the 2023 NFL draft approaches, the Houston Texans are generating buzz for potentially passing on a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in favor of a top defensive prospect. One name frequently linked to the franchise is Will Anderson Jr., an edge rusher out of Alabama who is considered by many to be the top prospect in the 2023 class.
Will Anderson to the Texans is reportedly becoming “more and more” of a possibility.
Texans HC DeMeco Ryans reportedly “loves” Anderson and is heavily leaning towards him.
The Texans are also reportedly “not sold” on either Anthony Richardson, CJ Stroud, or Will Levis.
The… pic.twitter.com/bUlBmMPcaS
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) April 13, 2023
Anderson spent three seasons with the Crimson Tide, emerging as a star during his sophomore and junior years. In 2022, he posted 10 sacks, one interception, one pass breakup, 51 tackles, and 17 tackles for a loss in 13 games. His dynamic play helped lead Alabama to the national championship game, where they ultimately fell to Georgia.
Several NFL scouts and coaches reportedly believe Tyree Wilson will be a “better overall” pro than Will Anderson.
Multiple scouts reportedly “wouldn’t be surprised” if Wilson went ahead of Anderson at the Draft.
Wilson racked up 17 total sacks across 4 seasons in college.… pic.twitter.com/NJqRaBVJTE
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) April 18, 2023
Despite his impressive collegiate career, Anderson faces a steep learning curve as he transitions to the NFL. While he has the athleticism and versatility to succeed at the next level, he will need to refine his technique and improve his consistency to become a truly dominant edge rusher.
According to Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department, Anderson has the potential to be a “plug-and-play” player who can fit into a variety of defensive schemes. He is best suited as a stand-up outside linebacker in a system that uses odd fronts, though he can also play with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end in even fronts.
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Anderson’s ability to drop into coverage is a valuable asset, as it allows him to be used in a variety of ways by creative defensive coordinators. While he may not have the same physical tools as some other edge rushers in the draft, his instincts and football IQ make him a reliable and disruptive force on the field.
Whether or not the Texans ultimately choose to draft Anderson remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that he is one of the most talented players available in the 2023 class. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Houston to see if they go against the conventional wisdom and select a defensive star instead of a franchise quarterback.
