NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Betting: The Case for Will Anderson in 2023

Selected by the Houston Texans third overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, linebacker Will Anderson Jr. is projected to be the fiercest defender of the upcoming rookie class.

Anderson shined over three decorated seasons playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Overall, he amassed 58.5 tackles for loss with 34.5 quarterback sacks in his collegiate career.

Anderson seems to be headed toward a favorable situation in Houston. With the previous regime ousted, DeMeco Ryans will take over the head-coaching duties. Of course, Ryans was a talented NFL linebacker from Bama in his own right. Ryans should be an extremely relatable leader for Anderson and a new-look Texans defense

The NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds at FanDuel Sportsbook have Anderson listed at +400 to win the award, making him the favorite. Behind Anderson, Jalen Carter (+750) and Tyree Wilson (+900) hold the next shortest odds. The linebacker with the next best odds in the DROY market is Jack Campbell at +2200.

How to Build a DROY Season

Working in Anderson's favor, linebackers have historically won the DROY award more frequently than any other position.

Since 2011, five different linebackers have been named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. Starting with the most recent, they are as follows: Micah Parsons (2021), Shaq Leonard (2018), Kiko Alonso (2013), Luke Kuechly (2012), and Von Miller (2011). Of that group, I'd say Anderson's skillset is most similar to Parsons'.

Parsons had an incredible season two years ago and even received attention for Defensive Most Valuable Player as a rookie. Totaling 84 tackles, Parsons wrecked opposing offenses for 20 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. I believe Anderson can post rookie-year numbers that approach those lofty totals.

Leonard was the other pretty recent linebacker to win the award, but as a Mike linebacker, his stats aren't a good comparison for Anderson. Instead, let's take a look at Miller's rookie campaign.

After Miller was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2010, he immediately put the league on notice. As a rookie, he showcased 64 tackles with 11.5 sacks while forcing 2 fumbles. Those are very impressive numbers, but I believe they are within the realm of attainability for Anderson.

What Can Anderson Offer?

Like the aforementioned Parsons and Miller, Anderson is a natural 4-3 outside linebacker who will be able to do many different things for a defense. Anderson's 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine was clocked at 4.6 seconds, which is slower than Parsons' time of 4.39 seconds but is still quite explosive for the position -- as is his 1.61 10-yard split time.

Anderson absolutely has the right build to thrive in the NFL. Standing at 6-foot-4, he weighs in the neighborhood of 250 pounds.

His combination of size and burst should make him an extremely tough blocking assignment for just about any opposing lineman or tight end.

Will Anderson's 2023 Outlook

Seemingly, Anderson should fit in cohesively with Houston's rebuilt defense. We mentioned that Ryans is now leading the Texans, and he brought plenty of personnel over with him from the San Francisco 49ers, including veteran safety Jimmie Ward.

Anderson will likely be inserted along the left side of the defensive line. He can man the outside while Sheldon Rankins and Maliek Collins hold down the interior. Ourlads has Denzel Perryman and Cory Littleton as the starting stand-up linebackers.

NFL scouts and executives have been champing at the bit to draft Anderson since his astonishing sophomore season at Alabama, and he should have a standout Year 1 at a position that has had success winning the DPOY award.

All in all, it makes sense to list Anderson as the DROY favorite (+400) -- as FanDuel Sportsbook does. If he gets off to a hot start, this +400 number could shorten considerably.

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.