Will Anderson Jr., the Houston Texans’ defensive standout, is concluding the season on a high note, showcasing his potential as a franchise cornerstone. The Texans made a bold move in the 2023 draft by trading up to select Anderson from Alabama, foregoing their own first-round pick in 2024. Despite the perceived risk, Anderson’s recent performance justifies the team’s enthusiasm, placing him firmly in the conversation for Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY).
The consensus top edge rusher since his college sophomore year, Anderson’s selection came with a hefty price tag: multiple first-round picks, a second, and a third. Yet, his late-season surge has demonstrated why the Texans were willing to make such a significant investment in him.
Will Anderson Jr. in 11 pass-rushing snaps vs. the Titans:
6 QB pressures
2 sacks
45.5% win rate🤯 pic.twitter.com/4b2KxTD0yY
— PFF HOU Texans (@PFF_Texans) January 2, 2024
Amid the shadows of another impressive rookie, quarterback C.J. Stroud, Anderson’s contributions were initially overshadowed. The league’s emphasis on quarterbacks made it challenging to divert attention to other rookies, compounded by strong starts from fellow defenders like Jalen Carter and Devon Witherspoon. Despite relatively modest sack numbers early on, Anderson earned high praise for his performance, boasting one of the top PFF grades and pass rush win rates among all defenders, which is particularly remarkable for a rookie.
As the season progressed, Anderson shifted from being a subtle force to a game-changing presence. With five sacks in his last five games, he closed the season with seven sacks, 44 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 22 quarterback hits. ESPN ranks him third in pass rush win rate, trailing only Defensive Player of the Year candidates Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons. This suggests that Anderson’s lower sack totals are more a result of circumstances than a reflection of his performance.
Will Anderson Jr is your 2023 NFL DROY pic.twitter.com/kcC1zp9XR5
— James Roy (@n1texansfan) December 31, 2023
Opposing offenses have taken notice, evident in the 23% double-team rate Anderson has faced, the fifth-highest in the league. While some of his contemporaries experienced a dip in performance, Anderson’s late-season emergence has put him firmly in contention for DROY. Jalen Carter, who started strongly, has only managed 2.5 sacks in his last 10 games, and the Eagles’ defense, led by Devon Witherspoon, has struggled down the stretch.
While others, like the Patriots’ Christian Gonzalez and the Rams’ Kobie Turner, were strong contenders, injuries and late-season surges have reshaped the landscape. Anderson’s recent performance has elevated him to a realistic DROY candidate, though he still trails Carter by a noticeable margin.
The Texans, once in disarray after the Deshaun Watson saga, have become the feel-good story of the NFL season. Head coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud have received much credit, but Anderson’s impact on the defensive end has been pivotal. The Texans, now in the playoff race, have transformed from a three-win team to a formidable force, with cornerstones in Stroud and Anderson on both sides of the ball.
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