Texans Coach DeMeco Ryans 'Leaning Heavily' To Will Anderson At No. 2 - Source

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans is favoring Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. over the possibility of drafting C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, a source tells TexansDaily.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans are two weeks away from the 2023 NFL Draft. And after months of speculation, it appears that the Texans might divert from the idea of selecting quarterback C.J. Stroud if the Carolina Panthers draft Bryce Young with the top overall pick.

Amid questions about whether the Texans are sold on Stroud, a source tells TexansDaily that coach DeMeco Ryans is "leaning heavily" toward drafting Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. with the No. 2 pick. 

Alabama's star edge rusher publicized he met with the Texans and general manager Nick Caserio during the NFL Combine in March. Anderson originally expressed his excitement about getting drafted to the Texans, who held a Top-30 visit with the defensive prospect in early April.

Anderson is entering the draft as arguably the top-rated prospect and pass rusher. In three seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Anderson recorded 205 tackles and 34.5 sacks in 114 career games.

"What I bring to the table is consistency and being humble," Anderson said. "Whatever culture I am in; I will do things the right way. And that is what sets me apart. It shows that all of the hard work has paid off. The sacrifices, blood, sweat, and tears to get up to this moment — it's a blessing."

This is a time for "chum in the water'' and for "deception''; Houston would be wise to throw up smokescreens here. Additionally, Ryans' desires don't supersede those of GM Nick Caserio.

But we do believe that in addition to Stroud, the Texans may have some doubts about quarterbacks Will Levis or Anthony Richardson as high picks. And we do believe they do like Bryce Young. And, we're told, the head coach does like Will Anderson. A lot.

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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