Will Anderson Honored As PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year

The Professional Football Writers of America announced its 2023 All Rookie team on Tuesday as the NFL heads into conference championship weekend.

The Crimson Tide is well represented as three former Alabama players were honored for their strong seasons. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, safety Jordan Battle and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.

Anderson Jr. had such a strong season that he was named 2023 PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft appeared in 15 games, starting in 13 of them. He made 29 tackles with 10 coming for a loss. Anderson Jr.'s main contribution came in passing situations as he was a menace to opposing quarterbacks. He tallied seven sacks, with 67 pressures and 22 quarterback hits, leading all rookies in pressures.

He's the second former Alabama player to earn the distinction, ironically following in his head coach's footsteps as DeMeco Ryans won the award in 2007. Anderson Jr.'s teammate C.J. Stroud was chosen as the PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Offense

QB – C.J. Stroud, Houston Texas

RB – Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

RB - Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

WR – Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings

WR - Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams

TE – Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions

C – Joe Tippmann, New York Jets

G – Steve Avila, Los Angeles Rams

G - O’Cyrus Torrence, Buffalo Bills

T – Dawand Jones, Cleveland Brown

T - Darnell Wright, Chicago Bears

Defense

DL – Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans

DL - Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles

DL - Tuli Tuipulotu, Los Angeles Chargers

DL - Kobie Turner, Los Angeles Rams

LB – Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions

LB - Ivan Pace Jr., Minnesota Vikings

LB - Byron Young, Los Angeles Rams

CB – Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers

CB - Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks

S – Jordan Battle, Cincinnati Bengals

S - Ji’Ayir Brown, San Francisco 49ers

Special Teams

PK – Jake Moody, San Francisco 49ers

P – Bryce Baringer, New England Patriots

KR – Marvin Mims Jr., Denver Broncos

PR – Derius Davis, Los Angeles Chargers

ST – Jerrick Reed II, Seattle Seahawks