Could Alabama Edge Will Anderson Help 'Change The Culture' For Texans?
HOUSTON — Alabama's Edge Will Anderson Jr. will be one of the few players who will not have to wait long before hearing his name at the 2023 NFL Draft Thursday night. He is a consensus top-10 pick, who the Houston Texans could take at No. 2.
Anderson is entering 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.
He said it's a "huge blessing" being on the cusp of the NFL due to the time and sacrifices made throughout his prep and collegiate career. But in addition to his talents, Anderson believes any team that drafts him will be adding another leader to their locker room — a trait he credited his former teammates help established during his freshman year.
"Patrick Surtain II, DeVonta Smith, and Jalen Waddle, all of these guys had confidence and respect for me during my freshman year because of how hard I worked," Anderson said when speaking to ESPN's Sports Center. "I try to do everything the right way.
"The first time I had to get on someone and bring the defense together, they backed me up. I was grateful to have teammates who always respected me and helped push me through it."
Anderson said he was shy when he first got to Alabama. But felt it would be selfish for him not to help and share advice because he knew the culture and standards of the program.
Anderson's leadership trait illustrates one of the most significant attributes coach DeMeco Ryans seeks when improving and enhancing the Texans at the start of his tenure.
"I think you change the culture with the people," Ryans said. "It's bringing in guys who have been part of winning programs. Those guys establish how winners practice. How winners work in the weight room. And how winners handle themselves off the field.
"If we bring the right people in who have the right work ethic and mindset, that's how the culture starts to shift, and that's how we build a winning program."
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