Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. cracks NFL top-50 ranking following Pro Bowl season
The list, which is voted on by the players themselves, has already included running back Joe Mixon (No. 56). It's also expected to have wide receiver Nico Collins and defensive end Danielle Hunter in the coming weeks after their successful seasons in H-Town. Now, the list features sophomore edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., who came in at No. 46 after a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2024 en route to a Pro Bowl nod.
"With the Texans offense's struggles last season, the team's defense played a key role in Houston making it back to the playoffs. Ranking No. 6 in total yards allowed under head coach DeMeco Ryans, the front line was particularly vicious, ranking fourth in sacks behind the dynamic duo of Anderson and Danielle Hunter," NFL media wrote. "Anderson was a Pro Bowler and Defensive Rookie of the Year in his opening campaign in Houston, and though he didn't return to the Pro Bowl in 2024, the defensive end was no less impactful. Topping his previous sack total by four, Anderson was efficient at getting into the backfield and finishing the job. The Texans have to be excited to see how the man they traded a haul of picks to draft will continue to grow and wreak havoc on offenses."
After winning the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year honor with his 7.5 sacks in 2023, Anderson proved he wasn't just a rookie sensation in 2024 with not only 11.5 sacks, but also a stellar 17 tackles for loss. Pressure wasn't on his side since the Hunter, who led the team with 12 sacks last season in his first year with the franchise, so the former No. 3 overall pick will remain the 1A pass-rusher to the former All-Pro with the Vikings.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Anderson converted 19.0% of his total pressures (58) into sacks (11.5) last season, nearly doubling his sack conversion rate from his rookie season in 2023 (10.9%). He'll be looking to double those numbers in 2025 as the Texans prepare for a chance to secure a higher seed and a third straight AFC South division title this fall.
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