The Houston Texans flexed their muscles Thursday night with a surprising NFL Draft trade that shocked football insiders and fans alike.
The Texans did what most draft experts expected with the No. 2 overall pick, selecting Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Then came the shocker. A couple of minutes later, the Texans were back on the clock, having traded with the Arizona Cardinals for the No. 3 pick in the draft. ESPN’s Adam Schefter seemed almost breathless announcing the move.
The Texans used that pick on Alabama Crimson Tide edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.
With that No. 3 pick, the Texans select Will Anderson.
Houston comes away with C.J. Stroud and Anderson at No. 2 and 3.
pic.twitter.com/zSZ47aHpge — Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 28, 2023
With two consecutive picks, Houston got their offensive leader and a defensive cornerstone.
The reaction by Anderson’s family to his selection is priceless.
Will Anderson's family reacts to him being drafted by the Houston Texans at the No. 3 pick (ABC broadcast).
#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/cDqNd2vlEg — Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 28, 2023
It’s worth noting that one NFL Draft analyst had predicted the Texans would do just that. NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah predicted Wednesday the Texans would not only make that trade, but would draft Anderson.
“It’s no secret that Arizona wants to trade out of No. 3, and it’s no secret that Houston is seriously considering an edge rusher with the second pick,” Jeremiah wrote on NFL.com. “Both teams get what they want in this scenario. Houston now has a pillar on each side of the ball.”
So while Jeremiah seemed to be plugged into the Texans draft room, the trade stunned the rest of the NFL world, who quickly reacted on Twitter.
What did we just watch?!
The Houston Texans trade up and get Will Anderson Jr. pic.twitter.com/8aj0pyo1ck
— NBC Sports Bet (@NBCSportsBet) April 28, 2023