Houston Texans mock draft: Will they really pass on a QB at no. 2?

Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama

Buzz around the Houston Texans has them making Will Anderson the No. 2 overall pick. One reason is that there aren’t any teams willing to trade a haul to move into the number two spot. Another reason is the team may feel like Will Levis is their pick. So, the plan is to wait until after they take Anderson, allow the draft to play out, and possibly trade up. That’s not a good draft strategy. If they don’t believe Levis is good enough to be the No. 2 overall pick, then he’s not their quarterback. With that said, Anderson is a great prospect, who is more of a lunch pail staple in a defense given his versatility, athletic end who plays with a high motor leader of a defense.

He’s a Khalil Mack type of prospect in his ability to pad the stat sheet given his ability to drop in coverage, blitz, and play the run. We’ve seen him play inside as a defensive tackle and take on the inside shoulder of the guards. He was used all across ‘Bama’s line on loops and stunts. Anderson was a Heisman trophy favorite, but he didn’t have the privilege of just pinning his ears back and getting after the quarterback. While he doesn’t have the Bosa’s refined hand technique or power, he does have the length.

He’s a clear-cut, most ready edge rusher in this class and it’s not even close. As a Texan, he’ll have Jerry Hughes to learn from, and given his set floor and high ceiling, he’s a safe pick. Tyree Wilson could be the pick if the Texans trade down with the Colts, who will take a quarterback for sure.