Texans Rookie Will Anderson Jr. Living Up To Expectations In Mini Camp

Day 1 of Houston Texans mandatory minicamp showcased coach DeMeco Ryans' adoration for Will Anderson Jr. and his early development.

HOUSTON — Wide receiver Tank Dell and quarterback C.J. Stroud have dominated the conversation about the 2023 Houston Texans rookie class. But following Day 1 of mandatory minicamp inside the Houston Methodist Training Center, defensive end Will Anderson Jr. had been just as impressive as his teammates.  

"Will has been great throughout camp,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. "One thing about Will, he’s been the same guy we thought we were getting when we drafted him. He’s been on it every single day."

During Texans' rookie camp in May, Anderson revealed he was not oblivious to the high price Houston had to pay during round one of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

The Texans' decision to trade up to the No. 3 pick to acquire his services has motivated Anderson to build a stable foundation to lean upon throughout his pro career.

In his third camp leading up to the 2023 season, Anderson has brought the same effort, energy and tenacity that caught Ryans' attention as a junior prospect coming out of Alabama. 

He came into the draft as arguably the top-rated prospect after recording 205 tackles and 34.5 sacks in 114 career games for the Crimson Tide. Ryans has credited the time Anderson has spent with defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire for his premature development in camp.

"Doc has done a really good job of working with him, honing in on just those small fine details of his game," Ryans said. "Will has done a great job of absorbing coaching and being able to take it to the field and apply it; it’s been cool to watch."

Anderson will be under a microscope as critics continue to judge whether or not Houston made the right decision to trade up for the rookie linebacker. But Ryans' first impression of working with Anderson should be a prophecy the Texans will get maximum value for their investment in due time.

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