Will Anderson has been named the Associated Press’ 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The Texans traded up for the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft after taking C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 overall pick. Now, just as we saw in 2022 with the Jets, the Texans have players who will be taking home both OROY and DROY honors. Anderson narrowly beat out Eagles rookie Jalen Carter for the award, but the Alabama product was every bit deserving of the honor. After spending three seasons as one of the best pass rushers in the nation, Anderson turned in seven sacks in his rookie campaign and was also credited with 45 tackles and 10 TFLs. A massive second-year leap could be in store for Anderson, who should string together multiple double-digit sack seasons in the very near future.