Houston Texans second-year pass-rusher Will Anderson said he added 15 pounds to his frame this offseason and is now at 263 pounds heading into the 2024 season. Anderson said he felt last year guys were tossing him around. Despite the added weight, he has maintained his speed. The 22-year-old third overall pick from a year ago out of Alabama was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 after recording 45 tackles (29 solo), seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 22 QB hits in 15 regular-season games in his first year in the league for the Texans. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues may be worried that the added weight will slow Anderson down, but last year's production alone makes him worthy as a top-10 fantasy defensive lineman in those formats for an up-and-coming Houston defense.
Will Anderson Wins Defensive Rookie Of The Year Award
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson was named the NFL's 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year on Thursday. The Texans hit a home run in last year's draft, as Anderson (the third overall pick) and quarterback C.J. Stroud (the second overall pick) took home the rookie awards this year. The 22-year-old Anderson had a total of 45 tackles (29 solo), seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 22 QB hits in 15 regular season games for Houston. With Stroud on offense and Anderson on defense, the Texans have building blocks on both sides of the ball that have extremely bright futures. Anderson should have a bigger role in his second NFL season in 2024 and will certainly be on the radar of fantasy managers in IDP formats after his strong rookie campaign.
Will Anderson Jr. Has A Favorable Matchup In Week 15
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. has a favorable matchup against the sack-prone Tennessee Titans in Week 15. The first-round rookie has had an up-and-down season. He has played over 500 snaps, two-thirds of the Texans' defensive snaps, but he only has 5.0 sacks. But four of his sacks have come in the past six games, including two against the Denver Broncos in Week 13. The Titans are one of the most favorable matchups for opposing IDP defensive ends because not only have they allowed the fifth-most sacks, they have also allowed the second-most QB hits, which is another way defensive players can score fantasy points. Based on his previous production, Anderson is a risky play, but it could pay off.
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. He had been listed as questionable and was expected to be a true game-time decision. Despite missing practice on Friday, the first-round defensive star will suit up against the team that traded away his draft pick, the Cardinals. Anderson has 31 tackles and two sacks so far this season.
Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. (knee) upgraded to a full participant on Friday and has been removed from the final injury report. He will be active for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, providing key support on defense as Houston attempts to slow down Joe Burrow and company. Through eight games this season, the 22-year-old first-round pick has totaled 30 tackles and two sacks.
Houston Texans rookie first-round defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (knee) is dealing with a soft-tissue injury in his knee after getting limping off the field in the second half in the Week 9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and his status for Week 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals is up in the air after he missed practice on Wednesday. We'll have a better idea of whether the 22-year-old pass-rusher will be able to suit up on Sunday after the team holds two more practices on Thursday and Friday. The third overall pick isn't relevant in IDP leagues in his first NFL campaign, as he has only two sacks and 30 tackles (20 solo) while recording three tackles for loss and nine QB hits in his first eight games for the Texans this year.
Will Anderson Jr. Will Play Full-Time Defensive End
Houston Texans rookie edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. will put his hand down in the dirt and line up as a defensive end during the 2023 season. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the position switch would be taking place. The No. 3 overall pick played outside linebacker at Alabama, where he made 204 tackles and 34.5 sacks in three years. He led the SEC in sacks in 2021 and 2022 while setting the conference record for sacks in a career. Anderson said, "I'm super excited, just to do anything they need from me for the team." It's not completely new for Anderson; he played defensive end in high school. Anderson retains dual positional eligibility at linebacker and defensive line in Sleeper IDP fantasy football.
Texans Acquire No. 3 Pick, Draft Will Anderson Jr.
The Texans acquired the No. 3 overall selection in the 2023 NFL from the Cardinals and drafted Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. Anderson had a fantastic career with the Crimson Tide, appearing in 41 games. During his time at Alabama, he totaled 204 total tackles (115 solo) and a massive 34.5 sacks. Without question, the 21-year-old has a chance to make an immediate impact in Houston, with the Texans finishing last in the league with 15 team sacks in 2022-23.
Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson's traits and upside have NFL teams intrigued ahead of the first round of this year's NFL draft on Thursday night, perhaps even enough to take him ahead of Alabama pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr. "A lot of people think Tyree Wilson's the best outside 'backer," an NFL assistant said. Wilson didn't jump out on scouting reports until 2022, but he has risen rapidly. Meanwhile, Anderson played more four-technique last year, which led to less impressive numbers than he had in 2021. However, a few teams are concerned about Wilson's foot injury causing him problems in the future. It's something to watch in case he tumbles at the beginning of the first round. Still, Wilson could go before Anderson. Many NFL front offices value upside and potential over the more polished player.
