Getty Image / David Eulitt
The NFL Draft is always full of surprises. Whether it’s Brady Quinn waiting in the green room seemingly all afternoon in 2007, or the Minesota Vikings letting time expire on their pick in 2003, it always creates memorable moments. This time, the first big moment was a trade between the Houston Texans and Ariz
And, we had one early on in this draft. Alabama Quarterback Bryce Young went first overall to the Carolina Panthers as expected. But, the fireworks started at the 2nd pick, where the Houston Texans had lots of options. They decided to go with Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback CJ Stroud.
CJ Stroud interview immediately after being drafted and putting the Houston Texans hat on for the first time.
Check out what the franchise has to say. pic.twitter.com/reHFp4jBR1
— V̷a̷t̷o̷r̷ (@Vator_H_Town) April 28, 2023
Many wondered what the Houston Texans would do with their second first-round pick, 12th overall, but they decided to trade with the Arizona Cardinals back into the third pick in a major surprise.
🚨TRADE DETAILS 🚨 pic.twitter.com/GiYaAZ6Cg1
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 28, 2023
Wow! What a move. They went with Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson. Anderson has been considered the best defensive player in college football in the last two seasons.
Another one: Arizona Cardinals are selecting Alabama LB Will Anderson Jr. at No. 3 overall, per sources.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 28, 2023
And, the NFL world was lit on fire by the trade.
Horrific trade. The #Texans still have a bottom-7 roster. They should not be giving up future R1s
Dysfunctional organization. Divided front office. HC wanted Will Anderson. Ownership wanted QB
Giving up basically 3 R1s for an EDGE defender is not getting the best of both worlds https://t.co/YhFGcKPRJ9
— Scott Barrett (@ScottBarrettDFB) April 28, 2023
Cardinals fleece the Texans in their trade down then make a reasonable move back up to get the guy they wanted all along in Paris Johnson Jr. Absolutely brilliant moves by GM Monti Ossenfort in his first draft at the helm.
— Jacob Wayne (@wayne_sports_) April 28, 2023
Seriously this is probably one of the worst draft day trades we've seen in the past decade, if not more. What are the Texans doing https://t.co/IH88DR97YI
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) April 28, 2023
So, it seems the trade is unpopular. But, if Will Anderson develops into one of the game’s best pass rushers as many believe he will, it will definitely be worth it.