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Texans BREAKING: Houston Trades Up, Picks Alabama EDGE Will Anderson Jr. at No. 3

The Houston Texans now have their quarterback, and edge rushers of the future, after drafting Alabama Crimson Tide defensive end Will Anderson at No. 2

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans have made a blockbuster deal in the NFL Draft, trading up with the Arizona Cardinals to the No. 3 pick to select Alabama edge rusher, Will Anderson. The selection comes just one pick after the Texans draft Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud No. 2 overall.

The Texans will receive No. 3 and No. 105 overall, and will send the Cardinals the No. 12, and No. 33 picks, as well as first round pick and a third round pick in 2024.

A source told TexansDaily that coach DeMeco Ryans was "leaning heavily" toward drafting Anderson following an impressive meeting at the NFL scouting combine and Top-30 visit. Now, they have both. 

Anderson came into the draft as arguably the top-rated prospect and pass rusher. In three seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Anderson recorded 205 tackles and 34.5 sacks in 114 career games.

SI Draft Bible says

"He is one of the most twitchy and fastest pass-rushers that we’ve seen come off the edge in quite some time. His ability to convert speed to power, along with his bend and athleticism, enables him to use an array of moves to get to the quarterback.

"A generational talent, Anderson would appear to be in line for another dominant season, as he continues to state his case to be the top overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft."

Anderson was the third pick of the night. The Carolina Panthers took Anderson's teammate, quarterback Bryce Young, at pick No. 1.


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