HOUSTON — The Professional Football Writers of America announced its 2023 All Rookie team on Tuesday as the NFL heads into conference championship weekend.
The Crimson Tide is well represented as three former Alabama players were honored for their strong seasons. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, safety Jordan Battle and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.
Anderson Jr. had such a strong season that he was named 2023 PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft appeared in 15 games, starting in 13 of them. He made 29 tackles with 10 coming for a loss. Anderson Jr.'s main contribution came in passing situations as he was a menace to opposing quarterbacks. He tallied seven sacks, with 67 pressures and 22 quarterback hits, leading all rookies in pressures.
He's the second former Alabama player to earn the distinction, ironically following in his head coach's footsteps as DeMeco Ryans won the award in 2007. Anderson Jr.'s teammate C.J. Stroud was chosen as the PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Offense
QB – C.J. Stroud, Houston Texas
RB – Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
RB - Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
WR – Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings
WR - Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
TE – Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions
C – Joe Tippmann, New York Jets
G – Steve Avila, Los Angeles Rams
G - O’Cyrus Torrence, Buffalo Bills
T – Dawand Jones, Cleveland Brown
T - Darnell Wright, Chicago Bears
Defense
DL – Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans
DL - Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles
DL - Tuli Tuipulotu, Los Angeles Chargers
DL - Kobie Turner, Los Angeles Rams
LB – Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions
LB - Ivan Pace Jr., Minnesota Vikings
LB - Byron Young, Los Angeles Rams
CB – Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers
CB - Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks
S – Jordan Battle, Cincinnati Bengals
S - Ji’Ayir Brown, San Francisco 49ers
Special Teams
PK – Jake Moody, San Francisco 49ers
P – Bryce Baringer, New England Patriots
KR – Marvin Mims Jr., Denver Broncos
PR – Derius Davis, Los Angeles Chargers
ST – Jerrick Reed II, Seattle Seahawks