DeMeco Ryans expects massive success from his first two selections of the NFL Draft as the Houston Texans head coach.
Ryans, a University of Alabama alumnus, took a Crimson Tide legend for Houston with the No. 3 overall pick. He selected Will Anderson, and Texans’ fans are excited to see what he does. Anderson looked impressive in rookie minicamp and continues to amaze coaches, teammates, and fans in off-season workouts. His ability to bend around the edge, convert speed to power, use his violent hands, and finish plays has the Texans organization believing its defense could return to the J.J. Watt era in Houston.
RELATED: Demeco Ryans detailed Will Anderson’s role for the Texans
After watching clips of Anderon in action, Houston fans feel like he could win the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Turn it up 🫡 pic.twitter.com/pMNJDvOFCu
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) June 20, 2023
Anderson, a former five-star recruit, totaled 34.5 sacks and 62 tackles for loss across three years at Alabama.
RELATED: Former NFL legend J.J. Watt heaps praise on Texans’ rookie LB Will Anderson Jr.
He became a Heisman finalist in 2021 after totaling 17.5 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss. Anderson battled double teams in 2022; however, he turned in double-digit numbers (ten) for sacks. He was a two-time Bronko Nagurski Award winner, two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year winner, and two-time Unanimous First-Team All-American. Anderson assisted the Crimson Tide to a College Football Playoff National Championship as a freshman in 2020. He helped the team to an SEC Championship in 2021.
It is going to be fun to see how he performs in the pros.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.