Headlined by future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt, the Houston Texans have a list of prominent defensive players in franchise history. Will Anderson Jr. has yet to play a down for the Texans, but the consensus believes the rookie prospect from Alabama will add his name to Houston's pristine list.
Anderson has impressed the Texans' coaching staff and veteran players since Day 1 of rookie minicamp. In June, defensive lineman Jerry Hughes became fond of Anderson during mandatory minicamp.
Hughes said Anderson has "all the physical tools to go out there and be a freak of nature and wreak havoc for four quarters." But it wasn't Anderson's talents that made him appealing.
Hughes grew an appreciation for Anderson due to his desire to learn the mental nuances of the league.
"His intelligence — not afraid to sit in the front of the classroom, ask questions, be repetitive so he can make sure he understands what the coaches are asking him to go out there and perform and do," Hughes said.
"When you’re at this level, it's about mental, how can you attack opponents, how can you keep them guessing what you're doing. Those are some of the best players in this league, is when people can’t really get a read or beat on what you're getting ready to do."
Anderson isn't naive about the lofty price the Texans paid to acquire his services on draft night. And the expense created high expectations for Anderson entering his rookie season.
Hughes said he has taken the initiative to help Anderson adjust to the NFL as a veteran leader. And for a rookie prospect who entered the draft as the best pass rusher of his class, learning from Hughes would create the best classroom experience for Anderson and the rest of their young corps.
"I try to be their big bro — whatever questions they have," Hughes said. "They've been here the entire off-season giving it their all, asking a lot of questions. That's what we want. We need them to win games this year, I'm excited."
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