Texans Trade for Will Anderson Jr. Labeled 'Worst Move' of NFL Offseason

Even before taking a single NFL snap, some analysts have dubbed Houston's trade for Will Anderson Jr. a bad move.

Generational pass rushers don't grow on trees, so when you have the opportunity to land one you have to jump at it. That thought process is exactly why the Houston Texans traded up from No. 12 overall to No. 3 with the Arizona Cardinals to select Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. 

On paper, it was a smart move for the Texans. They landed a potential game-changing pass rusher to a defense that severely needed help. Of course, games aren't played on paper and the move isn't universally loved. 

Rather, some analysts question where he was worth and just how much the Texans gave up to trade up - with the folks at SportsKeeda labeling the trade as the second-worst move of the offseason. 

"Will Anderson Jr. is a baller, and the edge rusher is one of the most talented players out of Alabama in the past decade," SportsKeeda wrote. 

"However, giving up the No. 12 and No. 33 picks in the 2023 NFL draft, a 2024 first-round selection and 2024 third-round pick for the No. 105 selection, and the No. 3 pick, used to trade for Anderson Jr., is a gross overpay."

In a vacuum, they do raise a good point. Houston gave up a hefty package to move up nine spots, and there is no telling how good the Texans will be this season. If they struggle once again, not having an extra first-round pick next year will undoubtedly hurt. 

Again, though, games aren't played on paper or in a vacuum and it is too early to tell how the trade will look. For the Texans, they believe it was a risk worth taking to climb their way out of the current rebuild. 

"The Texans are tired of mediocrity, but mortgaging that many picks better get you a generational talent," SportsKeeda wrote. "It's too early to see whether the Alabama Crimson Tide alum would turn out to be that, but at the moment, it's looking questionable."

Expectations are naturally high for the Alabama product, as one would expect after the trade-up to draft him. How he measures up to those expectations, of course, is yet to be seen. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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