Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. is Absolutely Living up to the Hype: Film Breakdown

In this film breakdown, we take a look at Houston Texans DE Will Anderson Jr., the rookie out of Alabama, that Houston took with the 3rd pick in the 2023 Draft. Through the first few weeks of the season, he looks like one of the best players from his draft class. Right now, he ranks 3rd in pass rush win rate, and 2nd in run stop win rate, for all players, not just rookies. Teams are already recognizing his ability too, which is why he is double teamed at the 2nd highest rate of any DL in the NFL. Anderson Jr. is a freakish athlete, especially for his size, he has all the traits of an elite pass rusher, and he is already looking like everything the Texans hoped he would be.
Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. is Absolutely Living up to the Hype: Film Breakdown
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[@chrisanders713]

Jalen Carter has been great so far but I truly believe Will Anderson was the best defensive player in this years draft!

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

Easily. Was the best defensive player in college for 3 years. The only reason he didn’t come in 2nd in Heisman voting in ‘21 was because he would’ve taken those regional votes away from Bryce Young. His sacks/TFL that year were basically double Aidan’s. Carter has a lot more help at Philly than Will Anderson Jr. in Houston. Give Anderson some players like Fletcher Cox (a future HoF’er) and Josh Sweat than Will be unstoppable. Been watching college football since DeMeco Ryans was killing it at Bama and the best season I’ve seen from an edge rusher/DE or DT in college was that ‘21 season. Ndamukong Suh’s ‘09 season prob 2nd.

[@miked5908]

I think eventually he will be the best. JALAN Carter has alot more help,ALOT more, I know he's a beast but Anderson has more upside. Atleast I think so,

[@MattMuas97]

If Will can develop more pass rush moves along with the quick first step he’ll be crazy good! He’s already making a impact for others

[@MildsandThatYac]

It’s his rookie I’m sure he will be great. JJ watt was the same dude wasn’t getting lots of sacks but took off the following season

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

I remember the year Bama landed him we had 3 five star LBers committed already. Chris Braswell was the #1 EDGE rusher in the class. On all recruiting sites Anderson Jr. shot from being a 4 star top250 player to a five star/#2 Edge rusher. 2 of those other LBers left, one end up being a 3rd round pick outta Ark as he wasn’t patient. Chris Braswell never played much but stayed and now he’s killing it this season, maybe playing his way into the 1st round but at least 2nd round. Just shows how nasty Will Anderson Jr. rlly was, starting from day 1 and having the best season from an edge rusher I’ve ever seen in college in ‘21. He’s gonna be great and I hope MLB Christian Harris is doing well for yall as well as Metchie once he gets into his grove.

[@lucuix9901]

Teammates all rave about too saying he isn't stat chasing. He is willing to take on more so his teammates can get better looks at getting to the QB. So alot of it is winning off the line and creating space for a LB to get through to run at the QB. He is everything you want.

[@jbrijalba]

WAJ took over a drive agaisnt the saints. 1st down: tackles kamara for a loss. 2nd down: idk who cares. 3rd down: quickly realizes its a rb screen to his side. He slides inside and causes carr to throw around him, straight into his RTs bum. Dude is a game wrecker

[@MildsandThatYac]

Man just look at all of these holding calls not being called sheesh

[@scottdavis3225]

Love this breakdown. I don't see as many for him from others

[@markustollefson1899]

Top 4 in pressures..... The sacks are coming

[@jpr2136]

TRILL WILL!!!!!!

[@AtoZSportsFilmRoom]

Will Anderson Jr. is already elite: atozsports.com/houston/texans-rookie-is-already-elite-in-one-category/

[@chrisanders713]

Absolutely!

[@lukenewman530]

Demeco Ryan's is using will like micha

[@maskedman5657]

I think Will Anderson would benefit from 3 things im looking that will make him a dominant pass rusher. For one yes I think his first step is very explosive but his first step imo is way too short. He needs to take a page out of Nick Bosa's book and extend his body at the line to propel his body more upfield so Lineman are forced to set wide and outside. Second I think there are alot of obvious plays that Anderson couldn't get to the QB because he was getting chipped however Anderson could benefit from keeping his hands up to get QBs to tuck or double clutch on that ball. Third i think sometimes he gets a little too high. I would see it as somewhat of advantage if favored more push and pull pass rush moves but he favors rips more often (Or more so a push rip combo). So he should be getting lower to get under those lineman punches

[@dcc70]

0:57 That QB's head got whipped to the ground HARD. Did he get a concussion from that?

[@zonehawkdee2980]

dat man plays with all heart, u can’t coach dat

[@gradystanley5812]

More like a jadaveon clowney von Miller hybrid

[@nabi4241]

He needs to stand up in the nfl.. he gonna get off faster

[@Drip.Yvhweh]

I watchd every snap, he has no moves and he little impact. Hype video.

[@3rdCoastSportsTV]

You clearly don’t know what you’re looking at

[@hugogetthebag9972]

Now if we went and traded for chase young what are other teams going to do? 😂 can't double them both

[@Aaron-wq3jz]

Shout out Houston’s GM

[@chrisanders713]

Nick Casserio knows how to cook!

[@4dwyn]

Reminds me of a smaller Dwight Freeney. Dwight was obviously bigger and more polished but both were speed guys who scared Tackles and QBs

[@whimsicalgecko_6968]

those kinds of players have always been a texans priority

[@Whaleindowed]

Add 2 more sacks!

[@alexmatthewsiv4310]

Now do jalen Carter