Will Anderson is heading to Houston. The Alabama linebacker was selected by the Texans, shocking a live audience as they made him the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after trading back into the first round.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Arizona Cardinals sent their pick to Houston minutes after the Texans seemingly picked their future franchise quarterback. For the third pick and the No. 105 pick, the Cardinals received Houston’s No. 12 pick, No. 33, a first-rounder in 2024 and a third-rounder in 2024.

“It means they just see how special I am,” Anderson told ESPN after he dapped NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “I’m so appreciative of the coach, GM, coaching staff. I’m gonna work my butt off, you won’t regret it.

“They’re good guys. They’re smart. … Bama’s top-five that’s what we call it!”

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He was the first defender off the board after Alabama teammate Bryce Young and now future teammate CJ Stroud heard their names before Anderson on Thursday night. Anderson is now the Crimson Tide’s highest-drafted EDGE linebacker since Anfernee Jennings was a third-round selection in 2020.

Anderson was a five-star recruit out of Hampton, Georgia, in 2020 and once dreamt of an offer from his home-state Bulldogs. Anderson would go on to start all three of his seasons in Tuscaloosa. His dominating presence on the defensive line led to Anderson being nicknamed “The Terminator” and led not only to a national championship his freshman season but lofty expectations which Anderson largely met.

He ended his career with 34.5 sacks, second-most all-time behind Derrick Thomas (52.0). Anderson became the second-ever player to win the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given to the nation’s top defender, twice. He produced 62 tackles for loss across 41 games for 272 yards lost. Anderson also forced a fumble and deflected five passes, one of which led to his lone career interception. As a sophomore, Anderson finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy race.

Anderson’s dominating presence on the field paired well with his charisma. The 6-foot-3, 253-pounder wasn’t shy to flash a smile during interviews. He famously turned a quote about his hard work preventing him from signing NIL deals into a sponsorship with Porsche last summer.

Anderson figures to be a cornerstone of a rebuilding Texans roster on the defensive end. He’ll pair with Alabama-alum DeMeco Ryans, who was hired as Houston’s head coach in January after a stint as San Fransico’s defensive coordinator. Texas selected two Tide players in last year’s draft (John Metchie in the second round and Christian Harris in the third).

Anderson was a two-time Alabama captain and cemented his place in front of Denny Chimes this past weekend at A-Day.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].