Fansided
Fansided

One 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate from each division

By Dave Adams

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 03: Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah #91 of the Kansas State Wildcats reacts after making a sack against the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half of the Big 12 Championship game at AT&T Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 03: Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah #91 of the Kansas State Wildcats reacts after making a sack against the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half of the Big 12 Championship game at AT&T Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 10
Next
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Will Anderson Jr.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Will Anderson Jr. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

AFC South: Will Anderson Jr, OLB/Edge, Houston Texans – Round 1, Pick 3

New Texans head coach and highly regarded defensive mind DeMeco Ryans used the third pick in the draft to land a defensive cornerstone in the 6’4″, 253-pound Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama.

Anderson was tremendously productive during his three seasons with the Tide. He leaves Tuscaloosa holding the following statistical rankings:

  • 2nd in Alabama career sacks (34.5)
  • 2nd in Alabama career tackles for loss (62)
  • 2nd in Alabama single-season tackles for loss (34.5, 2021)
  • 3rd in Alabama single-season sacks (17.5, 2021) per NCAA.com

It will be fun watching Anderson chase around fellow AFC South Rookie of the Year candidate QB Anthony Richardson of the Colts twice this season.

Home/NFL Draft