Texans trade up to No. 3, draft Will Anderson Jr.

The Houston Texans traded up to select Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. with the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Houston sent the No. 12 and No. 33 selections to the Arizona Cardinals so it could select a premier pass-rusher one pick after taking Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud.

The Cardinals will also receive a 2024 first- and third-round pick in exchange for the No. 105 selection in this year's draft. The 2024 first-rounder is the Texans' original pick and not the Cleveland Browns', according to ESPN's Field Yates.

Houston was keen to improve its defensive line following its selection of Stroud. Anderson bolsters a Texans defensive group that surrendered 24.7 points and 379.5 yards per game in 2022.

The former Alabama standout is expected to play a key role in Houston's pass rush, which tallied 39 sacks last season.

Anderson is the first defensive player selected in the 2023 draft. This marks the second time in as many years that the Texans selected an offensive and defensive player in the first round - they added Derek Stingley and Kenyon Green in 2022.

Anderson will highlight a pass-rushing group that also features Sheldon Rankins, Jerry Hughes, and Jonathan Greenard.

Pre-draft profile

It's undeniable that Anderson is the top defensive prospect in this year's class. It's hard to pick out flaws in the Alabama product's game. Anderson's excelled at the highest level, producing 27.5 sacks in the SEC over the last two years, and he has all the physical tools necessary to replicate that production in the NFL. Anderson has various tactics to get to the quarterback as he flashes a strong bull rush, swipe, and rip move. His play speed is also mighty impressive, but his work against the run is what'll make him a Day 1 starter. Anderson's strong base and arms get him off blocks and set the edge on the outside. Thanks to his well-rounded profile, he should start and star in the league for years to come.