2023 NFL Draft: Three Options for the Texans at No. 2 Overall

3. Draft Will Anderson Jr.

The final option is simply staying put and taking the best player available on the board, which I expect to be Alabama’s, Will Anderson. DeMeco Ryans prides himself on setting the tone with his defense, and although the Texans’ roster features some promising building blocks, nobody in the front seven brings the type of upside Anderson does.

The Crimson Tide superstar has been on NFL Draft radars since he arrived in Tuscaloosa. He excels at getting to the quarterback, showcasing an impressive array of pass-rushing moves and the motor to keep terrorizing the pocket deep into the game. Anderson could stand to add some more bulk to his frame, as there are a few instances of him lacking the punch necessary to move big-bodied offensive tackles.

Nevertheless, Anderson would become the best pass rusher the franchise has had since JJ Watt was still roaming the gridiron in Houston. The new head coach is a defensive specialist, and Anderson is undoubtedly a special talent. The allure could be too much to pass on, as Houston could still target a quarterback at No. 12, either by trading up or waiting for one of these names to fall down the board.

One thing is for certain… Will Anderson will not be available the next time Houston comes to the clock. If the front office wants him… it has to happen at No. 2 (or potentially No. 4 with a small trade-down with Indy).