Tag: Will Anderson Jr.

Texans’ Will Anderson follows no-days-off approach ahead of second season

Will Anderson Jr. isn’t taking time off to better prepare for the upcoming NFL season with the Houston Texans

One year after pulling off the trade that shocked the NFL world on draft night, the Houston Texans appear to have little buyer’s remorse in acquiring Will Anderson Jr. 

Sure, the asking price to move up nine spots in the draft to the No. 3 pick to land the Alabama linebacker was rich. Fans and analysts weren’t going to understand the move and criticism was warranted at the time. 

But by the time the postseason came around, Anderson, a two-time Bronko Nagurski winner for the Crimson Tide, had put together one of the best rookie seasons for a defensive end in recent memory. Now, it’s all about doubling the production in Year 2. 

“I’m like, ‘Bro, what are you doing? Why were you doing that? Like, what were you thinking?’“ Anderson told NFL Network earlier this month. “I’m like, ‘Bro, I can’t watch this anymore.’ But really just working my pass rush, man, keeping half-a-man (drills), working the edge, working on getting extension at the top of my rush and just finishing on the quarterback with precision. Those are the top things I’ve really been working on and focusing on this offseason.”

Anderson, who won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after tying J.J. Watt’s franchise rookie sack record, has achievable goals he plans on reaching. Double-digit sacks are one. A spot past the AFC Divisional Round is another. 

Since the end of OTAs last month, Anderson has been training to maintain his speed and agility. An area he hopes to see improvement in is his consistency, which goes beyond winning multiple reps per drive. 

In an appearance in Team Whistle’s “No Days Off” series, Anderson detailed what his summer has been like working out while preparing for the start of training camp later this month. 

“What ‘no days off’ means to me, I would say, is every day is a productive day no matter what you’re doing,” Anderson said. “Every day is a day that you’re getting 1 percent better.”

It’s been a busy several weeks for the second-year defensive end. Last month, Anderson worked out with reigning Defensive Player of the Year, who taught him strategies to maximize his power when coming off the edge. 

He has also been spending time with new teammate and Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter. Signed a two-year deal worth up to $51 million, the Houstn native will replace Jonathan Greenard in hopes of helping the Texans build off their franchise record 46 sack season.

Ryans said earlier this offseason that he’s noticed a connection between Anderson and the four-time Pro Bowler. Hunter echoed a similar sentiment. 

“Technically, he’s still a rookie, but it doesn’t seem like it. It feels like he’s, like, in Year 4 or 5 or 6,” Hunter said back during OTAs. “How he plays, how he carries himself — you don’t see that much in players who are Year 1 going into Year 2.”

Hunter was one of three defensive linemen added during this offseason’s free agency period. The Texans stayed in the division to rebuild the defensive line, signing former Titans lineman Denico Autry to a two-year deal while agreeing to terms with Jaguars defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi on a one-year contract. 

The Texans also drafted USC’s Solomon Byrd and Auburn’s Marcus Harris in the later rounds for depth.

Autry, who totaled 11 sacks last season, can play multiple positions and should rotate at defensive tackle and pass rusher. Fatukasi, who started 16 games last season in Jacksonville, should replace Maliek Collins and Sheldon Rankins. 

Anderson thinks the Texans could have the league’s most dangerous pass rush in 2024 because of everyone’s willingness to work with another rather than take over a rep. 

“Nobody is selfish in that room, we’re going to go out there and do our jobs,” Anderson said. “So that’s just what I envision, is just we’re all back there eating, everybody just causing havoc.”

The Texans return to NRG Stadium for the first training camp practice on July 18. 

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr weighs in on new teammate Danielle Hunter

Will Anderson Jr. is ready to see new Houston Texans teammate Danielle Hunter in action this fall.

As Will Anderson Jr. blossomed from a standout first-round pick into the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, he always knew he’d have the guidance of veteran Jonathan Greenard.

That won’t be the case in 2024 as the Houston Texans look to build off their AFC South division title success, but the second-year defensive end will still be learning under a premier vet.

While Greenard inked a four-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings, the Texans turned to Minnesota for his replacement, agreeing to terms with Pro Bowl defensive end and Houston native Danielle Hunter on a two-year deal.

Anderson, who last season broke J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record en route to earning a Pro Bowl nod, has come away impressed with the surplus of knowledge Hunter brings to the defensive front.

“He is unreal — he has been so supportive already,” Anderson said last week on The Rich Eisen Show. “He is so smart. He knows a lot about the game and pass rush. He is very talented. His character speaks for itself. He is always willing to help the young guys. He has been teaching us so much stuff since he has been there. I am excited to play alongside him.”

A former third-round pick out of LSU, Hunter zeroed in on Houston as his next destination early in free agency. Growing up at Katy and playing at Morton Ranch High School, the former Vikings star said he wanted to play in front of his family and friends.

The Texans aren’t expecting a drop-off from Hunter after a record-setting season in Minneapolis. Last season, the former All-Pro led the league with 23.5 tackles for losses and finished top-five in sacks with 16.5.

Anderson and Greenard were a promising duo en route to a 10-7 finish last season, totaling 19.5 combined sacks and 25 tackles for loss. As a unit, the Texans posted a franchise-best 46 sacks with the help of Jerry Hughes, Derek Barnett and a potent interior pass rush with Sheldon Rankins.

Houston plans on building off that even though Rankins, Hughes and Greenard are gone. On top of adding Greenard, the Texans signed veteran lineman Denico Autry to a two-year deal to play multiple spots. Last season, he totaled 11 sacks in his final year with the Titans.

Hunter, who’s racked up 87.5 sacks in nine seasons, knows how to pressure offensive tackles to get them off-balanced. Anderson, who could reach Hunter’s level of pass-rushing by the end of his sophomore season, is ready to stop talking about the season and actually play it.

“It’s going to be fun,” Anderson said. “I think we will be able to cause a lot of havoc. I am excited to go to war with him.”

Houston returns to NRG Stadium for the start of training camp on July 18.

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. praises Commanders’ hiring of Dylan Thompson

In an exclusive interview with Texans Wire, Will Anderson Jr. gave high praise to the Washington Commanders for hiring former Texans’ director of team development Dylan Thompson

When general manager Adam Peters hired Dylan Thompson away from the Houston Texans for a similar role with the Washington Commanders, he knew he was getting more than just an exceptional employee.

Thompson, who spent three seasons as the Texans’ director of team development, now looks to be the voice of maturity for young players in D.C., like Heisman winner Jayden Daniels and former first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes.

But Thompson was more than just a member of the Texans’ staff. He was a role model and leader who taught the next crop of young talent to better themselves in the pros.

Will Anderson Jr., the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, personally doesn’t know where he’d be career-wise entering his second season with Thompson’s guidance.

“You see me, there is no Will Anderson without Dylan Thompson, man,” Anderson told Texans Wire in an exclusive interview. “He took our whole rookie class, C.J. [Stroud] can attest to the same thing. He’ll say the same thing. Tank [Dell] would say the same thing. He helped this rookie class be able to do so many great things on and off the field.”

Anderson, who broke J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record en route to helping Houston clinch its first division title in four years, credits Thompson more for his off-the-field pep talks than on-field encouragement.

Anderson and Stroud each have pointed to their faith as inspiration on and off the field. Thompson invested in the young Texans’ players with bible study and focus on life away from the sport.

“For him, it was always just bigger than the football. He was like, ‘I can really care less about the football Will. I just want to know the person, the human Will. Like, who are you outside of football? ‘” Anderson said. “Spiritually, he was great. Like, he connected us even more with God, taught us how to be great leaders, how to change our mindset things like that.”

In his new role, Thompson will oversee all players, specifically first and second-year prospects, as they acclimate to the NFL. A former college quarterback at South Carolina who spent time with the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams following graduation, Thompson knows the struggles of transition from college practice to NFL days.

Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year after breaking every rookie quarterback record in franchise history, credited Thompson for his growth externally in Year 1.

“You talk about a brother like to somebody who loves you no matter what happens on that field, you can feel that,” Stroud said earlier this offseason. “I just appreciate that and now he’s going to be mad at me, but, man, he’s a great person, and really one of the reasons why I feel like we were very successful this year.”

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. praises Commanders’ hiring of Dylan Thompson

In an exclusive interview with Texans Wire, Will Anderson Jr. gave high praise to the Washington Commanders for hiring former Texans’ director of team development Dylan Thompson

When general manager Adam Peters hired Dylan Thompson away from the Houston Texans for a similar role with the Washington Commanders, he knew he was getting more than just an exceptional employee.

Thompson, who spent three seasons as the Texans’ director of team development, now looks to be the voice of maturity for young players in D.C., like Heisman winner Jayden Daniels and former first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes.

But Thompson was more than just a member of the Texans’ staff. He was a role model and leader who taught the next crop of young talent to better themselves in the pros.

Will Anderson Jr., the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, personally doesn’t know where he’d be career-wise entering his second season with Thompson’s guidance.

“You see me, there is no Will Anderson without Dylan Thompson, man,” Anderson told Texans Wire in an exclusive interview. “He took our whole rookie class, C.J. [Stroud] can attest to the same thing. He’ll say the same thing. Tank [Dell] would say the same thing. He helped this rookie class be able to do so many great things on and off the field.”

Anderson, who broke J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record en route to helping Houston clinch its first division title in four years, credits Thompson more for his off-the-field pep talks than on-field encouragement.

Anderson and Stroud each have pointed to their faith as inspiration on and off the field. Thompson invested in the young Texans’ players with bible study and focus on life away from the sport.

“For him, it was always just bigger than the football. He was like, ‘I can really care less about the football Will. I just want to know the person, the human Will. Like, who are you outside of football? ‘” Anderson said. “Spiritually, he was great. Like, he connected us even more with God, taught us how to be great leaders, how to change our mindset things like that.”

In his new role, Thompson will oversee all players, specifically first and second-year prospects, as they acclimate to the NFL. A former college quarterback at South Carolina who spent time with the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams following graduation, Thompson knows the struggles of transition from college practice to NFL days.

Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year after breaking every rookie quarterback record in franchise history, credited Thompson for his growth externally in Year 1.

“You talk about a brother like to somebody who loves you no matter what happens on that field, you can feel that,” Stroud said earlier this offseason. “I just appreciate that and now he’s going to be mad at me, but, man, he’s a great person, and really one of the reasons why I feel like we were very successful this year.”

Texans Wire Exclusive: Will Anderson reveals favorite sack, best games of 2023 season

In an exclusive interview with Texans Wire, Will Anderson Jr. reveals some of his highlights in the 2023 season.

It was a season to remember for Will Anderson Jr.

Pro Bowl nod? Check.

Defensive Rookie of the Year award? Check.

A rookie record that surpasses three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt’s first season? Yep, cross that off, too.

Essentially, Anderson was everything that the Houston Texans envisioned when they selected him out of Alabama with the third overall pick last April.

That doesn’t mean he is a finished product. In fact, Anderson would say he’s just getting started.

The second-year defensive end has been working with Pro Bowl teammate Laremy Tunsil and aggressively studying his film from last season to work to improve on his production.

Throughout studying, his weak points have been revealed. He’s also seen glimpses of the player of the upside in he hopes to consistently be in the NFL.

Of course, there were highlights throughout the 2023 season, including seven sacks. Which one was Anderson’s favorite?

“I would have to say my first sack against Lamar,” Anderson said in an exclusive interview with Texans Wire last week.

Let’s review Anderson’s first ‘Welcome to the NFL’ moment. Lined up on the right side working against Morgan Moses, Anderson showed an absurd bend to stay upright and come back to finish the play on the eventual 2023 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.

That was an early sign of Anderson’s coming pass-rush prowess at the professional level but the former Alabama star was quick to note that he can’t be defined by just one play.

“I like to attack the game in all aspects of everything, run, pass, everything,” Anderson said.

His attitude is one reason why Anderson nationally is already considered one of the league’s better run-stopping defensive ends. He also was quick to point out games where he felt comfortable working as a pass rusher.

“The Broncos [game], [I] thought all those players were really great,” Anderson said. “From a run standpoint, I would just say the Cardinals game, that’s what I want my game to be every game, something like that. So those are the plays for me that I feel like that’s who I am. I want to be able to attack the game from pass and run, and to be able to be effective in both of those.”

 

Anderson’s performance against Denver was among his best as a rookie. He posted two sacks, four quarterback hits and a batted pass while terrorizing quarterback Russell Wilson in a 22-17 win.

Against Arizona, he notched two tackles for loss while also frequenting the backfield with a sack against Kyler Murray.

Anderson, who enters his second season as one of the Texans’ captains, recognizes the greatness that happened in Year 1. This offseason, he’s putting in the requisite and studying the tape to live up to the Year 2 hype.

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This past weekend, Anderson partnered with USAA and their “Huddle Up for Hurricane Prep” initiative to raise awareness and educate the public on how to prepare, react and recover from Hurricanes.

He met with emergency responders from the U.S. Coast Guard as part of an important subject where Texas ranks in the Top 10 most hurricane-prone states.

Report: Texans director of team development Dylan Thompson hired by Commanders

Dylan Thompson, the Houston Texans director of team development, is headed to the NFC East after three seasons in the Lone Star State.

Dylan Thompson is getting his shot elsewhere.

Thompson, who spent the past three seasons as the Houston Texans director of team development, has been hired by the Washington Commanders for a similar role, according to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson.

Thompson has been regarded for his work ethic, passion and attentiveness with players since being hired by Houston. The South Carolina native was influential in Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud’s progression and maturation from rookie to rising star.

“Dylan is one of the best human beings that I’ve ever met in my life,” Stroud said of Thompson earlier this offseason. “There’s a ton of people, great people in this organization, but DT has been the main person.

“You talk about a brother like to somebody who loves you no matter what happens on that field, you can feel that. I just appreciate that and now he’s going to be mad at me, but, man, he’s a great person, and really one of the reasons why I feel like we were very successful this year.”

Thompson, 32, joined the Texans in 2021 under then-executive vice president of football operations Jack Easterby. He was known for developing player’s characteristics as they transitioned from college to the pros.

Before joining the Texans, Thompson served as the director of player development at Charleston Southern following stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams.

A two-year starter at South Carolina, Thompson led the SEC with 3,574 passing yards, and totaled 26 touchdowns in his senior season. For his career, he threw for 5,401 yards, 40 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

“There is no Will Anderson without Dylan Thompson,” defensive end Will Anderson recently told Texans Wire’s John Crumpler.”

DeMeco Ryans pleased with new pass-rushing duo’s dynamics

The Houston Texans’ new pass-rushing duo has caught DeMeco Ryans’ attention during practice this past week at minicamp.

Consider Will Anderson a sponge since he’s soaking up as much as possible during mandatory minicamp under Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter.

Knowing that the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year is still looking to better his craft while working with one of the top pass rushers in practice might be an even scarier thought for teams preparing to face the Houston Texans defensive duo.

“I’ve tried some of Danielle’s moves, and they are working,” Anderson told reporters on Wednesday. “I’ve learned how to take care of my body, how to do those things to help me turn a corner, how to help me get off blocks, how to escape, how to help me use the long arm and things like that.”

Anderson, the Texans’ future franchise pass rusher, built a close relationship with veteran Jonathan Greenard as a rookie. The two were a fixture in helping Houston secure its first division title in four years and the most sacks (46) in franchise history.

Grennard, who inked a four-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, notched 12.5. Anderson, a two-time All-American under Nick Saban at Alabama, broke J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record with 7.0.

While Greenard heads to Minneapolis, Hunter heads home. The Katy native signed a two-year, $49 million deal this offseason and looks poised to take over that mentorship role for the promising potential All-Pro.

“They instantly have this connection that you need for both of those ends and playing off of each other, picking off of each other’s brain,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Danielle is a veteran in the league, he has done it for a while, so Will being able to lean on him for advice on how he has seen it done, I think that is very important.”

Those in Houston hope that last season’s turnaround was the start of a new era rather than a one-year flash. The Texans were aggressive in adding Hunter and trading for Pro Bowlers Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon to help out C.J. Stroud on offense while signing multi-year deals with linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and defensive lineman Denico Autry.

Anderson said that last season he was trying to get acclimated to the system. This year, with three new starters on the defensive line, he wants to take over as a leader and live up to the captain designation.

Hunter, a third-round pick out of LSU in 2015, didn’t take long to establish himself as a rising star under Mike Zimmer. The veteran doesn’t see Anderson as a second-year standout.

“It feels like he’s in year four, five or six by how he plays and how he carries himself,” Hunter said of Anderson. “You don’t see that much in people and players in year one going into year two.”

Texans DE Will Anderson recalls funny moment with new LB Azeez Al-Shaair

Will Anderson Jr. isn’t used to being called out, but that changed last week when Azeez Al-Shaair mentioned something during practice.

Will Anderson is one of those players that remains self-aware. He knows how he’s acting on the field. He knows when he makes a mistake.

Anderson, the Houston Texans’ breakout first-round pick of last season, also isn’t fond of people calling him out when he already knows the problem. He’s willing to take the challenge head-on and correct the mistake internally.

That’s a philosophy new linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair isn’t accustomed to, nor will put with when on the field, and he made sure to call out Anderson for being down on himself.

“I jumped offsides and I got mad at myself,” Anderson recalled Wednesday following mandatory OTA practice.

Al-Shaair’s response to the upset Anderson?

“Stop f—— pouting!” the former Titans linebacker yelled.

It was the first time Anderson had been shocked on the field in ages.

“It was like, ‘Hold on now. Who you talking to?’ ” Anderson said. “And it changed my — I respected that. … Because as a man and as a player, I needed that.”

Al-Shaair, who joined Houston on a three-year, $34 million deal, is the extended mouthpiece of head coach and former Texans Pro Bowler DeMeco Ryans. The two have been apart once since the former undrafted free agent signed with San Fransico in 2019.

Like his coach, Al-Shaair isn’t one for putting up with hissy fits on the field. He’s willing to call out players, expect a response and then move forward with the drive.

To Anderson, that’s the mentality and type of player needed if the Texans expect to be more than yearly division winners.

“[We need] somebody that’s not scared to get on people when they do the wrong things,” Anderson said.

Al-Shaair has already gained the respect of his teammates from afar last season. Ryans, who returned to Houston after two seasons as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, often would use film of his defenses out in San Francisco to implement an identity last year.

Oftentimes, Al-Shaair was the standout playmaker and teacher on the tape. He’s been the same since reuniting with Ryans in March, continuing to help players get acclimated to what his head coach expects.

“He’s been helping me walk through the system and learning this defense,” former Tennessee teammate and defensive lineman Dencio Autry said.

Anderson, who broke J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record with 7.0 quarterback takedowns in 2023, is looking to emulate what Al-Shaair is already preaching. He expects more of himself in 2024.

That sentiment carries over to the rest of the defense, including newcomers on the line of Autry, Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter and Foley Fatukasi. Anderson might be the youngling of the group, but his attitude has made it seem like he’s a veteran.

“He always holds himself accountable,” Hunter said of Anderson.

C.J. Stroud discusses Jonathan Greenard and Dallas Turner

Texans quarterback has been very active in the media this offseason, his latest discussion came about the two pass rushers for the Vikings.

Texans quarterback has been very active in the media this offseason, his latest discussion came about the two newest pass rushers for the Vikings. Jonathan Greenard, who came to the team via free agency, and Dallas Turner, who the team drafted 17th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, have big expectations.

During his offseason work with Bleacher Report, C.J. Stroud discussed the Vikings pairing those two together. His main talking point came to the affect that Greenard last year in Houston helped shape Will Anderson Jr.’s development.

He wasn’t that bad of a teacher, evidently, as Anderson Jr. would go on to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.

“Jonathan Greenard helped groom Will (Anderson Jr.) into who he was last year. Now he gets to help Dallas (Turner) and that is huge for Dallas to learn from a veteran like JG. . .that long arm bull-rush, just being a complete defender. JG is one of the best rushers I have ever gone against. . .”

Stroud seems very bullish on the prospect of those two together, not to mention the individual praise given to Greenard. That excitement should be carried over to fans and media alike as it is most likely that the Vikings knew about the help Greenard gave Anderson Jr. when they drafted Turner.

The Xs and Os with Greg Cosell: Wrapping up NFL free agency for 2024

2024 NFL free agency is just about in the books, so it’s time for Greg Cosell and Doug Farrar to analyze the biggest transactions in the second wave.

Now that most of NFL free agency for the 2024 league year is in the bag — though there are a few helpful players still on the open market — it’s time for Greg Cosell of NFL Films and ESPN’s NFL Matchup, and Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire, to recap the biggest and most important moves in the second wave of this free agency phase. Greg and Doug covered the first day of free agency last week in the Xs and Os; here’s the conclusion.

Among the discussion points:

  • What does Brian Burns bring to a Giants defensive line that already has Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence?
  • Can Justin Fields become the best version of himself in the Steelers’ offense?
  • Conversely, can Kenny Pickett turn his career around with the Eagles?
  • How can Calvin Ridley use his true X-Iso skill set to ramp up the Titans’ offense?
  • Can the Texans’ addition of Danielle Hunter, along with Will Anderson Jr. and Denico Autry, make Houston’s defensive line a Super Bowl-level group?
  • What can Hollywood Brown do for the Chiefs?
  • Tyron Smith is a future Hall of Famer, but what will he be able to do for the Jets’ offensive line in the short term?
  • Chase Young has been an inconsistent pass-rusher throughout his NFL career; can he turn it around with the Saints?
  • The Lions made important additions to their defensive line and their secondary; can all that put them over the top?
  • The Falcons already have a ton of weapons for new quarterback Kirk Cousins. How will the addition of receiver Rondale Moore affect what looks like one of like the NFL’s most explosive offenses (in theory, at least)?

You can watch this week’s “Xs and Os” right here:

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You can also listen and subscribe to the “Xs and Os” podcast on Spotify…

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