Houston Texans select Will Anderson in first round of 2023 NFL Draft
At different points, Will Anderson has been evaluated as the best player in this year’s draft class. Now, that expectation has come true as the Houston Texans selected the Alabama star edge with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
After selecting CJ Stroud No. 2 overall, Houston surprised people by jumping up to the third overall pick. Two of the best players in the draft are now heading to the Texans.
Anderson projected as another stud for the Crimson Tide coming out of high school. On3’s Industry Rankings rated him as the No. 17 player in the 2020 class. He also finished as the No. 3 linebacker in his recruiting class.
That projection came true the second he stepped on campus. Over his three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Anderson posted 204 tackles, 34.5 sacks, four pass deflections, a forced fumble, and one pick-six.
Of the three years, his Heisman-worthy sophomore campaign highlighted them all. In 2021, Anderson finished with 101 tackles, nearly double what he had as a freshman or junior. He also produced 17.5 of his sacks, more than his other two years combined.
Analysts have tabbed Anderson as a defensive prospect who could be a star at the next level for some time now. With him now headed to Houston, their fanbase will fully expect him to be exactly that as he plans to take over the league starting with his rookie season.
What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Anderson
Lance Zierlein agrees with most about what Anderson he can be during his NFL career. To him, his player comparison is Hall of Fame linebacker Demarcus Ware. That’s fair too considering what he sees out of Anderson from every standpoint, including production and physical tools, who he thinks can easily be in line for Pro Bowl selections down the line.
“Three-year starter for vaunted Alabama program with eye-popping production that encapsulates his potential impact,” wrote Zierlein. “Anderson is well-built with long arms. He has the rush get-off and skill level to consistently shave edges or pry open rush paths with inside moves. Even when he’s blocked around the arc or on the diagonal? Anderson’s footwork, cornering, and closing speed help him dive into the pocket.”
“There is room for more growth with hand usage. And he will need to prove he can keep racking up sack totals outside of Nick Saban’s scheme,” Zierlein wrote. “Anderson is suited to a 3-4 front, where he can play wider to better allow his length to overcome size deficiencies at the point of attack. His traits, athleticism and production against high-level competition are indicators of a Pro Bowl future.”