The Houston Texans had an extremely successful 2023 campaign.
They cruised to a 10-7 record under new head coach DeMeco Ryans and captured several accolades along the way. They won the AFC South and won a playoff game for the first time since the 2019 season. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud won PFWA’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, rookie edge rusher Will Anderson won PFWA’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, and even Ryans took home hardware with PFWA’s Coach of the Year.
With a revamped team effort that led to dramatic improvements compared to both the 2021 and 2022 Texans, it’s worth examining who created that impact this past season and what their future projects moving forward.
This series has taken a look at defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, running back Devin Singletary, rookie receiver Tank Dell, and veteran tackle George Fant, and upstart linebacker Blake Cashman.
Entering the top 10, we took a closer look at cornerback Steven Nelson and linebacker Christian Harris, and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and budding shutdown cornerback Derek Stingley
Entering the top five, third year wideout Nico Collins received due praise for his breakout year alongside fourth year edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. Now, our attention turns to the trio of rookies that dominated for Houston — starting with Defensive Rookie of the Year, Will Anderson.
Background
Anderson was one of the best players in college football throughout his entire time at the University of Alabama, starting as a true freshman for Nick Saban’s powerhouse program. He was a two-time Bronko Nagurski award winner, two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and two-time unanimous All-American with the Crimson Tide.
The Texans, with former Alabama alumni DeMeco Ryans taking over as head coach, clearly coveted his skillset as a future franchise pass rusher during the draft process and paid as such. Houston traded the 12th overall pick, 33rd overall, and 2024 first- and third-round selections to move up to third overall in the 2023 NFL draft and select the dynamic edge rusher. It was a clear effort to jump start the franchise alongside second overall pick C.J. Stroud.
Will Anderson’s bend and strength on the sack 💯
Impressive to get to Lamar Jackson for the first of his career, all while being held! #WeAreTexans pic.twitter.com/XHp7QJZHWG
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) September 10, 2023
Anderson was expected to serve as the anchor of Houston’s defensive line and hopefully set a new tone for what had been one of the worst rushing defenses in the league over the past two seasons. It was a lofty trade up for Anderson to make worth it, with many pundits wondering if he could truly have an effect on the defense that justified the value surrendered.
2023 Performance
Somehow, some way, Anderson more than delivered on the Texans’ faith.
In 15 games, Anderson had 45 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks and led Houston in quarterback pressures. He ranked in the top five in the NFL for pass-rush win rate. The numbers may not have been overwhelming, but he was immediately one of the NFL’s most impactful edge players both on the ground and rushing opposing quarterbacks.
#Texans DE Will Anderson has been named the 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year! 😤
– 7 Sacks
– 1 Blocked FG
– 3rd in Pass Rush Win Rate with one of the highest double team rates
– 2nd in Run Stop Win Rate with the HIGHEST double team rateWill Anderson Jr played a huge… pic.twitter.com/w6gGG4N71W
— Patrick Storm (@PatrickStormHTX) February 9, 2024
His insane performance helped to vault the Texans into one of the better run defenses in the NFL and created a formidable pass rush duo with Jonathan Greenard. Individually, it led to national recognition for Anderson and helped make the Texans defense into a well known unit.
Anderson was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year for his efforts and has earned his place amongst the league’s most formidable edge players.
2024 Projection
Anderson will enter 2024 as a captain of the Texans and their premier defensive player. The team parted with a king’s ransom to secure his services, and he’s rewarded them with the caliber of player and person that all 32 NFL franchises are desperate to have on their team.
It is going to be so much fun watching J.J. Watt glow about Will Anderson on a weekly basis
“There are many, many more of those to come” #WeAreTexans pic.twitter.com/1PkBmc1UIr
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) September 14, 2023
It will be fascinating to see how Ryans utilizes Anderson in his second season and just what kind of leap the player can take in his second year, especially as potential turnover comes towards the defensive line as a whole.
It’s unclear whether it will be marquee free-agent additions or highly-drafted rookies alongside Anderson, but the team has made it known that they want to improve the front-seven and win through the trenches. Whoever the cast is, Anderson will be responsible for leading them as one of the newest faces of the franchise.
