ESPN analyst Matt Miller explains high draft predictions for Will Anderson, makes Von Miller comparison

ESPN analyst Matt Miller spoke on Monday about the chances of Houston selecting Will Anderson with the second-overall pick of the draft. The former Alabama star is viewed by some as the best defensive player available in the 2023 NFL Draft — and Miller believes he could be as big a prospect as Von Miller at the next level.

Will Anderson’s draft comparisons

Most mock drafts predict that Carolina will be selecting either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud with their first overall pick after trading up for the privilege, but the picture becomes less clear behind their selection. The Houston Texans currently sit on the number two pick, but might be in the market for a quarterback or defensive star both.

According to Miller, if a trade doesn’t occur Houston will be selecting Anderson with the second pick of the draft — right behind former teammate Bryce Young.

“Everyone you talk to around the NFL right now — scouts, coaches, decision makers — all signs point to them perhaps going away from quarterbacks and going with Will Anderson,” explained Miller on SportsCenter. The pass rusher from Alabama who over the past two years was the best player in college football in my opinion. Not just defender, the best player in college football.

“There are times you watch what he’s able to do coming off the edge, it reminds me of Von Miller when he was coming out of Texas A&M. What he’s been able to do in the NFL with a smaller guy, right, 250 pounds with powerful arms. A very good first step. Now, no one has Von Miller’s twitch and bend, that’s why he’ll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

“But Will Anderson has a similar usage, a similar ability coming off the edge at around 250 pounds.”

The similarities between the two players are certainly there, right down to Anderson’s potential draft position. Miller was selected with the second overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, and has established himself as a future Hall of Fame talent over his career.

Since joining the league, Miller has racked up 123.5 sacks with his two Super Bowl victories. In addition, Miller has earned eight Pro Bowl nominations and has been on the NFL Top 100 team since 2012. Although the beginning of their careers could follow a similar trajectory, Anderson will have his work cut out for him if he’s going to live up to the loft comparison to Miller.