CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco knows how to get people’s attention while simultaneously getting under their skin. The longtime NFL analyst has never been shy about being different regarding his annual Top 100 players list released before the start of the regular season.
In the past, the Houston Texans haven’t had many players to celebrate. Sure, Laremy Tunsil was always a lock to make the list, but everyone else was a mystery. Only Brandin Cooks made the cut during his tenure in Houston once amid a three-year losing streak.
That’s changed following an AFC South division title and playoff win behind the coaching of DeMeco Ryans and the heroics of rookie sensation C.J. Stroud. Entering 2024, Prisco has six Texans listed, with newcomer Danielle Hunter taking the top spot at No. 35.
He had 16 1/2 sacks for the Vikings last season, continuing to be a force off the edge. In Houston, he will team with Will Anderson Jr. to give the Texans a nice duo of pass rushers. – Prisco
After not making the list in 2023, Hunter, a native of Katy, led the league in tackles for loss and finished top-five in sacks. He inked a new two-year deal worth $49 million to play in front of his hometown crowd after eight seasons in Minneapolis.
Stroud appeared three spots last at No. 38 and was the highest player among those selected in the 2023 draft. Last season, the former Ohio State star became the fifth rookie in league history to throw for 4,000-plus yards in their first year.
He was special as a rookie, leading the Texans to the playoffs. Now comes the hard part: Doing it again. I don’t think that will be a problem because he has the look of being a star for a long time. – Prisco
Tunsil, who appeared at No. 50 last season, dropped seven spots after allowing five sacks in 15 games, yet still graded out by Pro Football Focus as one of the league’s top pass protectors.
He is one of the best in the league in pass protection, which is great news for C.J. Stroud. His ability to hold up in one-on-one situations is key to their offense. – Prisco
Nico Collins made his debut on the list, appearing at No. 77. No one benefitted more from Stroud’s arrival than Collins, who recently agreed to a new three-year extension after becoming the third receiver in franchise history to total 1,200 yards in a single season.
After having 70 catches in his first two seasons, he had his breakout season in 2023 with 80 catches and a 16.2 yard-per-catch average. He is truly a big-play threat who should continue to grow with quarterback C.J. Stroud – Prisco
Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. appeared at No. 80 after totaling five interceptions in Year 2. Much like Collins with Stroud’s arrival, no one on defense benefitted more in Ryans’ man-based coverage than the former No. 3 overall pick.
After a disappointing 2022 rookie season, he flashed star potential last year for the Texans. He is a long corner who is capable of matching up in coverage with the game’s best receivers. – Prisco
Finally, Will Anderson Jr. rounded out the list at No. 99. Hopeful to live up to the number. the Texans hope last year’s No. 3 overall pick will be the heir apparent to three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt.
He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year after getting seven sacks. But he was much more than those sack numbers and his talent shows a player who can take a big jump to 12-15 sacks this season. – Prisco
The only significant snub was recently acquired receiver Stefon Diggs. While the production took a dip following the firing of Ken Dorsey in Buffalo, Diggs has posted six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons dating back to his time in Minnesota.
The four-time Pro Bowler has also been the definition of consistent, racking up over 101 catches each season with the Bills. Since 2020, Diggs has led all active receivers in receptions with 445 catches.
The six top 100 players and the rest of the Texans’ roster return to NRG Stadium for the start of training camp on July 18.