Will Anderson wins NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

Former Alabama linebacker Will Anderson was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Thursday night.

Anderson, who was the No. 3 overall pick by the Houston Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft, recorded 45 total tackles, seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 15 games this season. He was also a major piece of a rookie class that included wide receiver Tank Dell and the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year CJ Stroud which rejuvenated the franchise.

Anderson helped lead the Texans to an AFC South division title and a victory in the wildcard round over the Cleveland Browns.