NFL Analyst Predicts Texans' Will Anderson Jr. to Win Defensive Rookie of the Year
Houston Texans rookie Will Anderson Jr. and coach DeMeco Ryans have a few things in common, most notably being that they are defensive products of the University of Alabama.
Ryans was selected by the Texans with the 33rd pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, but would later move from outside linebacker to middle. He won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award that season after logging the NFL's second-most total tackles (156) and the highest number of solo tackles (126).
Anderson, who was taken with the third overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, was far more recognized out of Alabama than Ryans. Good Morning Football panelist Jamie Erdahl believes Anderson will follow in Ryans' footsteps and "create history" in Houston once again.
"He could repeat his head coach's history of winning Defensive Rookie of the Year," Erdahl said on Monday's Good Morning Football broadcast. "Ryans may give Anderson the award himself at the NFL Honors in February...but (Anderson) needs an iron will this season."
Anderson is more than up for the task and his collegiate resume reflects that.
The two-time Consensus All-American, two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year and two-time Bronko Nagurski Award winner finished his 3-year career with 58.5 tackles for loss and 34.5 sacks. If he translates anything near these numbers on Sundays, he may earn recognition beyond Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The 6-foot-4, 253-pound rookie thinks a lot of teams will assume his speed is his main asset, but explained that's not the case.
"They sleep on my power," Anderson said in August. "They see me and say 'Oh, he's probably just a speed guy' and then BOOM I hit them with power to counter. It's good having that speed and power because a lot of people wouldn't think my body type would have that."
Nevertheless, Anderson is aiming for the award with the help of a Texans legend.
"Me and J.J. (Watt) had a really nice conversation," Anderson said in August. "We've talked a few times and he's been great at giving me advice, letting me know I could reach out so we can watch film together and stuff like that. He's been one guy that's been very supportive and helpful."
Due to being the first defensive player taken off of the draft board, Anderson is currently the consensus favorite to win the prestigious honor. However, the high status won't take him anywhere until he plays like it.
