Will Anderson Jr. has already added a Defensive Rookie of the Year title to his mantle. Now, he’s going to a switch-up in 2024.
The difference? Change out “rookie” to “player” and expect double the results.
Anderson, the Houston Texans‘ first-round pick in 2023, broke J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record with 7.0 takedowns en route to helping the AFC South franchise win its first division title in four years. No, he wasn’t the only reason for Houston’s turnaround in 2023 under former Pro Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans, but did you see the Texans before his arrival?
Eleven wins in three years? No one externally considered Houston as a playoff sleeper before Anderson and C.J. Stroud touched down at NRG Stadium. Now, the duo feels like the foundation for winning a Super Bowl within five years.
While the Texans bring back Anderson, they lose sack leader Jonathan Greenard. To some teams, that would be a concern. For Houston, it led to a potential upgrade with the signing of Houston native Danielle Hunter.
Last season. Hunter proved he’s improving with age after leading the league in tackles for loss (23) while finishing fifth in sacks (16.5). The Texans also brought back No. 3 standout Derek Barnett, who totaled 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks after joining the squad from Philadelphia.
As a unit, Houston has arguably the best 1-2 combination of pass rushers in the division. It may have a top-three unit in the conference and a top-five tandem in the league.
But what about as a solo act? Where does Anderson rank? How high is Hunter among standout edge players?
Here’s how Texans Wire ranks the top 32 pure pass-rushers in the league entering June, including one potential breakout rookie.
Nov 27, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) warms up before the game between the Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (31) carries the ball as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) pursues during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2019; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates his forced fumble during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory…
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