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Will Anderson: Grading the Houston Texans’ No. 3 overall pick

By Dante Pryor

Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) celebrates after a defensive stop on fourth down in the second half the NCAA Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Alabama Crimson Tide defeated Cincinnati Bearcats 27-6.Cotton Bowl Cincinnati Bearcats Alabama Crimson Tide Ac 428
Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) celebrates after a defensive stop on fourth down in the second half the NCAA Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Alabama Crimson Tide defeated Cincinnati Bearcats 27-6.Cotton Bowl Cincinnati Bearcats Alabama Crimson Tide Ac 428 /
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In the first shocker of the night, the Houston Texans select Alabama outside linebacker Will Anderson, Jr. with the first overall pick. First-year head coach DeMeco Ryans got his franchise quarterback, and he and the Texans got a defensive player who could be the cornerstone for the next decade.

The Texans sent their 12th and 33rd picks this season and their first and third-rounders next season to get Anderson. If he pans out, Anderson could be an absolute steal. Ryans’s defense is a perfect scheme fit for Anderson, who can play standing, or in a three-point stance.

Anderson is no stranger to being an impact player early. The Hampton, Georgia native came in as a freshman, starting 13 games, totaling 52 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. He followed that up by leading FBS with 34.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks in an All-American season. A two-time SEC defensive player of the year, Anderson had 10.5 sacks last season.

Grading the Texans’ pick of Will Anderson

What makes Anderson so enticing as a prospect is his rare combination of production, measurables, and ridiculous work ethic. Anderson had 58.5 tackles for loss and 34.5 sacks during his Crimson Tide career. He has length and understands how to use it. The Alabama coaching staff and his teammates rave about how hard he studies and works.

Ryans and the Texans are trying to rebuild a franchise with a specific personality type. Anderson fits perfectly with what they want to do.

Grade: A

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