'I'm Confident In My Abilities!' Alabama LB Will Anderson Jr. Sends Texans NFL Draft Message
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On Oct. 22, 2005, an Alabama outside linebacker named DeMeco Ryans had himself a day against the No. 17 ranked Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.
Ryans, who was a senior at the time, recorded his lone interception of the season in the Crimson Tide's winning effort and finished the season with 70 total tackles — enough to earn him the SEC's Defensive Player of the Year ahead of the NFL Draft.
Ryans would go on to be selected first in the second round by the Houston Texans, which became the start of his 10-year career.
Seventeen years later, an Alabama outside linebacker was also awarded the SEC's Defensive Player of the Year, tallying 51 total tackles, 10 sacks and a lone interception in 2022 for the Crimson Tide.
His name is Will Anderson Jr. — and he could very well become the newest member of the Texans.
Anderson Jr. showed out at the NFL Combine, recording an overall score of 94 — the highest among edge rushers in the draft.
His talent is obvious and a lot of it comes from his size.
The 21-year-old is 6-3, 253 pounds, but his arm size is what stands out to NFL scouts. One league analyst even compared him to former Super Bowl champion Demarcus Ware.
"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. ... His traits, athleticism and production against high-level competition are indicators of a Pro Bowl future."
And while Anderson Jr.'s stats are impressive — almost speaking for themselves — as he led the Crimson Tide in both sacks and quarterback hits by a large margin, he will have to prove himself at the next level.
"I'm very confident in my abilities," Anderson Jr. said. "I'm confident that I did what I needed to do."
Last season, the Texans' defense struggled to stop the run. As a team, they gave up the most rushing yards in the league and the second-most rushing touchdowns, making clear that additional help would be welcomed.
Anderson Jr. could certainly provide that, but whether or not Houston will prioritize adding a strong defensive presence over fixing its issue at quarterback could be a long shot.
Either way, the junior made a statement during Alabama's pro day, where he gave an update on the teams he had visited and been in contact with.
"I've only had one visit," Anderson Jr. said. "[It was] with the Texans, but after that, I have zero [planned] now."
"It went really good," he added. "DeMeco Ryans is a great guy, the coaching staff is great and the players are all great."
So with the ball now in the Texans' court, and the second overall pick in their hand, whether or not Anderson Jr.'s name is read by Roger Goodell will be up to them.
But Anderson Jr. is ready and could bring a lot to the Texans' defense under Ryans and new defensive coordinator Matt Burke, so only time will tell if the pairing of him and Houston is in the cards.
"We went over some plays," Anderson Jr. said. "But [as a] hand-in-the-dirt defensive end, no matter where I go, or what position they put me in, I'm going to go out there, do my best, and give it all for the team that I'm playing for."
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