Texans: C.J. Stroud and the 2023 NFL Draft class are making fans forget about Deshaun

Texans: C.J. Stroud and the 2023 NFL Draft class are making fans forget about Deshaun Watson

The Houston Texans pushed all chips to the center of the table at the 2023 NFL Draft. In doing so, the franchise acquired its long-term quarterback, C.J. Stroud. How has the rest of the class fared in Year 1?

By Hunter Haas | Nov 10, 2023

Nov 5, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) walks off the field / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

2 of 4

But Don’t Forget About Will Anderson Jr.

Round 1, No. 3 — Will Anderson Jr., QB, Alabama

By far the most shocking moment at the 2023 NFL Draft came when the Houston Texans traded up from No. 12 overall to secure the third pick in the event. After taking Stroud at No. 2, general manager Nick Caserio took a major swing for his new, defensive-oriented head coach.

Will Anderson Jr., the consensus top player available, heard his name called when Commissioner Roger Goodell came to the podium. Since then, the Alabama alum has made Caserio and Co. look brilliant. As the No. 1 pass-rushing option in a DeMeco Ryans-led defense, Anderson Jr. has an absurd 28 total pressures.

According to PFF, he grades out as above average across the board. Few get off the snap the way Anderson Jr. does, and even fewer have the diversity he does with his expansive pass-rushing arsenal. If the Texans become a juggernaut in the AFC, it will be because of Stroud and Anderson Jr. It was a risky move for Houston, but it looks like a winning bet right now.

Home/NFL News