BREAKING: Texans trade up to No. 3 draft Alabama DE/OLB Will Anderson Jr.

The Houston Texans followed up drafting a franchise quarterback at No. 2 overall by swinging a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for the third pick and drafting what many believe is the top prospect in the entire draft in Alabama DE/OLB Will Anderson Jr.

In the trade, Houston received Pick No. 3 overall and a fourth-round pick (No. 105 overall). The Cardinals get the 12th overall pick, the Texans’ second-round pick (No. 33 overall), a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2024 third-round pick. Here’s what you need to know about the newest Houston Texan:

Measurables: 6’3″/253 lbs

2022-23 Stats: 13 Games / 51 Tackles / 17.0 TFL / 10.0 Sacks

Reasons to Like:

• Superstar athlete with a great frame
• Dominates as a pass rusher
• Tremendous run defender as a defensive end
• Great locker room presence

Reasons to Dislike:

• Can improve his pass-rushing arsenal
• Does not provide much positional versatility

Considered by some as the best overall prospect in the draft, Anderson is a safe bet to become a future Pro-Bowler in the NFL. His combination athleticism and skill is rare for a pass rusher.

In 2021, Anderson burst onto the scene as the country’s best edge defender putting up 17.0 sacks and dominating against the run. He produced at a high level again in 2022.

He’s an easy player to fall in love with given his high character and multi-faceted game. He’s a dominant run defender from the edge, cutting corners and overpowering some of the country’s best tackles. His supreme athleticism bodes well early in his career as he should become an effective rusher immediately.

He can afford to improve his pass-rushing arsenal as he is primarily a power rusher. If he can add some finesse moves to his repertoire, he can become one of the most dominant edge players in the league.