Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. was ‘jumping up and down’ after Danielle Hunter signed

No one was happier to see the Texans sign pass rusher Danielle Hunter more than reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr.

No one was more excited about the Houston Texans’ signing of edge rusher Danielle Hunter than his newest teammate: Will Anderson Jr.

The reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year told KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson he was “jumping up and down” with excitement after he heard the news.

“I was just jumping up and down. I was so excited because now teams gotta choose who they gotta double-team,” Anderson said. “He’s a great guy. He loves football. I can’t wait to learn from him and go out there and wreak havoc with him.”

Hunter brings eight years and 119 games of NFL experience to the Texans — information that could be critical for the development of Anderson in his second season.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans hopes the pair of Hunter and Anderson can create one of the most explosive defensive line units in the NFL. Anderson finished the 2023 season seven sacks and 22 quarterback hits, while Hunter hit a career-high mark with 16.5 sacks and tied his career-best with 22 quarterback hits.

Anderson and Hunter will be the centerpieces of Ryans’ defense moving forward, but they aren’t the only pieces on the line. Houston also added defensive lineman Denico Autry, Mario Edwards, Tim Settle, Foley Fatukasi and re-signed Derek Barnett. Jonathan Greenard left for the Minnesota Vikings, Sheldon Rankins signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and Maleik Collins was traded to the San Francisco 49ers.

TeX’s and O’s: Christian Wilkins would bring disruptive force to Texans’ interior

In our first iteration of “TeXs and Os,” a look at what Christian Wilkins would look like on the Houston Texans defensive line.

The interest has been brewing.

Ever since the Miami Dolphins chose not to franchise their star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, his interest with the Houston Texans has been well noted. ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler was first to report that Houston was a team to watch and then local reporter Aaron Wilson of KPRC later repeated that same sentiment.

It makes sense. Head coach DeMeco Ryans’ attacking 4-3 front would be a perfect fit for Wilkins and he’s the type of presence the team currently lacks. NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year winner Will Anderson Jr. looks like he could become a premier edge player, but outside of that, the defensive line is unclear. Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard is coming off a career season with 12.5 sacks and is an unrestricted free agent. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins is a solid, but unspectacular starter and his running mate Sheldon Rankins is also set to hit free agency.

Ryans preached that he wanted to improve the quality of the Front 7 after the team’s 34-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and Wilkins could play a huge part in doing just that if Houston was to splurge.

Since he was drafted in 2019, Wilkins has been one of the premier defensive tackles in the NFL. He has had at least 10 tackles for loss in each of the past three seasons and broke out in a huge way in the pass rushing department in 2023 with nine sacks.

He was one of Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded defensive tackles each of the past three years and has never had a rushing defense grade below 70 since 2019. His pass rush grade has also been over 70 since 2021 and peaked with a grade of 72.8 this past season.

It’s the perfect time for him to hit the market. The NFL more than ever values defensive lineman that can rush the passer and, in addition to his nine sacks, Wilkins generated 61 quarterback pressures per NextGen Stats in 2023. Not to mention his additional 26 quarterback hits.

What exactly does he bring to the Houston Texans that would encourage general manager Nick Caserio to engage in his first huge bidding war as general manager of the team?

The conversation likely begins with his availability. Wilkins played 80% of the Miami Dolphins’ defensive snaps in 2023 and represents a player that is capable of playing both the 1-technique and 3-technique defensive tackle spots in Ryans’ system. He would never need to come off the field and could be used interchangeably with multiple other players on the defensive line.

For a defense that preaches the importance of stopping the run, Wilkins more than satisfies that demand. He’s capable of occupying multiple blockers in the gap but also making explosive plays up-field to kill plays. His high motor also shows up on film chasing runs to the outside and making exceptional plays that are often not expected for players as large as Wilkins at defensive tackle.

This play against the New England Patriots stands out as representative. Wilkins not only starts out the play double-teamed — which frees up space for other defenders to attack the run — but he’s also able to come off the double team and chase the run to the outside. It’s the kind of athleticism and effort that every defensive coach covets.

That’s before you even discuss his ability to rush the quarterback.

Wilkins has improved every season rushing the passer as evidenced by both his statistics and PFF grades. It is also evident on film. He has good power to attack opposing guards and centers with ample athleticism to be used more creatively as well when called upon.

This stunt play is an excellent example of Wilkins using his athleticism to get to the quarterback. The opposing defensive tackle crashes the center and right guard leaving nobody to take Wilkins. He’s able to get to Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis before he has a chance to get rid of the ball. The Texans defense uses very similar concepts under Ryans and he would likely be tasked with assignments like this even more frequently.

Wilkins, in conjunction with a player like Anderson and any other pass rushers that Houston might add this offseason, would create headaches for offenses. It would be very difficult to allocate resources and call protections with two premier defensive linemen demanding attention. On the same side as Anderson, one of them would very likely see individual protection assignments. On stunts they both have the athleticism to torch offensive lineman and exploit protection rules.

In short, Wilkins effects every aspect of the defense. He is an every-down player that is impactful in both the rushing game and attacking the opposing quarterback. He would make life easier for linebackers to kill run plays and also open up pass rushing lanes for his teammates, all in addition to his own individual contributions.

This multi-level projected contribution for Wilkins makes paying him a little bit easier. The 28-year-old will likely demand the largest contract on the free agent market and will be paid even more after recent extensions for defensive tackles Justin Madubuike and Chris Jones from Baltimore and Kansas City respectively. As the league recognizes the impact of defensive tackle play, there will be very competitive bidding wars to secure that.

Still, when Houston spent the past two years clearing cap space after the blunders of the previous management under former general manager Bill O’Brien, this is the type of situation you dream of as a team-builder. Adding Wilkins represents a perfect fit from both a personnel and player perspective.

If the Texans want to take another step forward and their desire to swarm on defense, there should be no hesitation to take a swing on the defensive tackle.

15 Most Impactful Texans of 2023: No. 3 Will Anderson

Up next in our “15 Most Impactful Texans of 2023” series is Will Anderson, the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

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.

15 Most Impactful Texans of 2023 No. 4 Jonathan Greenard

Coming in at No. 4 on the countdown of the 15 most impactful Texans of 2023: edge rusher Jonathan Greenard.

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. Now, fourth year standout Jonathan Greenard and his lethal impact on the edge enters at No. 4.

Cardinals get Will Anderson in redraft of 2023 1st round

Instead of two trades and multiple picks for the No. 3 pick in 2023, this redraft has the Cardinals making the easy pick of Will Anderson.

The Arizona Cardinals had the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft and could have had pass rusher Will Anderson. Instead, they traded the pick to the Houston Texans, moving down to the 12th pick and then trading up to No. 6 overall to select tackle Paris Johnson.

With the trade, they landed Johnson and picks in 2024.

In a redraft of last year’s first round by Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy, the Cardinals do not make the trades. Instead, they go with Anderson.

The Cardinals originally got offensive tackle Paris Johnson but instead opted for edge defender Will Anderson Jr. who took the league by storm.

Taking Anderson wouldn’t have been a mistake by any means. He would have led the Cardinals in sacks. They desperately need edge rushing. He would have provided that.

However, is it better to have Anderson or to have Johnson protecting Kyler Murray and multiple other picks?

Johnson had a very solid rookie season, playing every snap at right tackle. He appears to be on track to be a cornerstone at tackle.

If the Cardinals turn that pick into Johnson and multiple impact players, going that route instead of Anderson will have made sense.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

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Texans Will Anderson Jr. Wins AP Defensive Rookie of the Year

Texans Will Anderson Jr. Wins AP Defensive Rookie of the Year

The Houston Texans find themselves rolling in the riches of their loaded 2023 NFL draft class. Having already claimed the offensive rookie of the year in quarterback C.J. Stroud, fellow rookie Will Anderson will take home the award on the other side of the ball with the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Anderson had a breakout season for the Texans and was a major part of their defensive jumpstart over the course of the season. Anderson was impressive as any other rookie defender and was one of the top edge rushers in the league, putting up 45 tackles, seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 22 quarterback hits in just 15 games under head coach and defensive guru DeMeco Ryans.

Having already been one of the best sack artists in all of college football over the past few seasons, coming in and dominating year one bodes well for the Texans’ electric pass rusher, and he could be coming for the Defensive Player of the Year trophy very soon.

C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson become 3rd pair of teammates to win OROY and DROY

The Houston Texans cleaned up the NFL Rookie of the Year awards in 2023.

Houston Texans rookies C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. made history at NFL Honors this year.

The two became just the third pair of teammates to win both Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year. New York Jets wideout Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner both won in 2022, while New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara and cornerback Marshon Lattimore won in 2017.

Stroud was the overwhelming favorite to win his award, while Anderson edged out Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter. They were picked with sequential selections at the draft this past spring when the Texans took Stroud with the No. 2 over pick and then traded up to take Anderson at No. 3.

These awards are the biggest example of the drafting prowess of general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans. Stroud proved to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league and led his team all the way to AFC South title and a playoff win, while Anderson blew up games his pass-rushing prowess.

The future is bright in Houston for a lot of reasons, but Stroud and Anderson are the two key foundational pieces for the new-look Texans.

WATCH: Will Anderson Jr. accepts Defensive Rookie of the Year

Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. thanks the team for trading up to draft him No. 3 overall.

It’s a clean sweep for the Houston Texans rookies.

Will Anderson Jr. joined his 2023 draft classmate C.J. Stroud to as Defensive Rookie of the Year just a few minutes after Stroud took home Offensive Rookie of the Year. Anderson became the third player to win the award in franchise history after linebackers DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing.

Anderson took time to appreciate his family before turning his attention towards the Texans organization. He specifically thanked the team for showing faith to trade up for him in April’s draft and named every player in the defensive line room that helped him this season.

Anderson has established himself immediately as one of the cornerstone players of the Texans franchise. He was everything that was advertised after leaving the University of Alabama and saw recognition of those efforts from the entire league on Thursday.

Together, Anderson and Stroud repeat an effort that was done just last year by the New York Jets with Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner.

Eagles’ DT Jalen Carter finishes 2nd in AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter finished 2nd to Texans Will Anderson in AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting

Jalen Carter was the front runner for most of the season, but after fading down the stretch, Houston Texans pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. has been named the Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Anderson received 16 first-place votes, compared to Carter’s 14, and he received 151 votes compared to Carter’s 122.

Anderson Jr. is the first Houston Texans player to win the award since 2009 and the third in franchise history. Anderson’s first-year head coach, DeMeco Ryans, won the prize for the Texans in 2006, and Brian Cushing captured the award in 2009. The Texans swept the rookie awards, with quarterback C.J. Stroud winning Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Anderson logged 45 tackles, ten tackles for loss, 22 quarterback hits, 7.0 sacks, and a pass defensed in 15 games — leading a Texans defense that improved from 24.7 points per game allowed in 2022 to 20.8 points per game allowed in 2023.

Anderson registered 59 pressures on the season, the third-most by a rookie over the last five seasons — trailing only Nick Bosa (80 in 2009) and Micah Parsons (67 in 2021).

It’s a frustrating finish to a season that started utterly dominant for Carter.

Through the first nine weeks, Carter generated 29 pressures (tied for eighth in the league among interior defensive linemen), according to Pro Football Focus, including four sacks and 20 hurries.

During the first half of the season, Carter played 49% of the defensive snaps (despite missing Week 6 against the New York Jets with an injury), second among Eagles defensive tackles behind only Fletcher Cox.

His production fell off down the stretch.

Carter finished his rookie year with 6.0 sacks, 33 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery (which he returned for a touchdown) in 16 regular-season games.

Carter started just one game and played 51 percent of the Eagles’ defensive snaps, but the ninth overall pick in the 2023 Draft was third on the team in sacks and fifth among all rookies.

Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. among finalists for DROY

Could Joey Porter win Defensive Rookie of the Year?

The Associated Press released the list of five finalists for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Pittsburgh Steelers rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. used a strong final 11 games when he was inserted into the starting lineup. Here’s a full rundown of the finalists.