Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (7) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Tank Dell (3) during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

Houston hit a home run in 2023 NFL Draft

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 9/26/23

The Houston Texans swung for the fences during the 2023 NFL Draft and hit a home run.

The Texans gambled by packaging their 2024 first- and third-round picks with the 12th and 33rd overall picks in 2023 to move up to select edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. at No. 3, but early returns suggest that move gave them the two best rookies in the 2023 class.

With quarterback C.J. Stroud (drafted second overall) rightfully garnering praise for his fantastic start, Anderson Jr. is flying somewhat under the radar despite an incredible start of his own.

In Houston's stunning 37-17 win at Jacksonville in Week 3, Anderson Jr. had a critical early play when he blocked a Brandon McManus field goal attempt.

Doing it on all cylinders:

Texans first-round rookie Will Anderson Jr. just blocked Brandon McManus’ kick. pic.twitter.com/Tu7dfbqfOi
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) September 24, 2023

Per ESPN's pass rush win rate rankings, which measures "how often a pass-rusher is able to beat his block within 2.5 seconds," Anderson Jr. ranks second in the NFL among edge rushers with a 32 percent win rate, trailing only Cowboys two-time All-Pro Micah Parsons (40 percent).

Among the top 20 edge defenders in pass rush win rate, Anderson Jr. has faced a double-team 27 percent of the time. Only Nick Bosa (37 percent) and Parsons (33 percent) face double teams at a higher rate.

As a team, Houston ranks first in pass rush win rate (62 percent), with edge Jonathan Greenard (24 percent) and defensive tackle Maliek Collins (19 percent) both ranking in the top 20 among players at their respective positions.

Meanwhile, Stroud has the third-most passing yards for a rookie to start his career and is one of two quarterbacks this season to throw for at least 900 yards with no interceptions.

As great as that is for Houston's future, it makes its present brighter, too. Its drubbing of the Jaguars was a statement that they aren't to be taken lightly this year.

It doesn't make them the favorite to win the division this year, especially not after the Colts (2-1) beat them 31-20 in Week 2 and had an impressive 22-19 road win at Baltimore in Week 3. Still, the exceptional play of Houston's top rookies validates its approach to the 2023 draft.

Houston has a quarterback and a dominant pass rush, two critical components of a championship contender.

The foundation is in place for the next Texans' playoff push. It might not happen this year, but it will be soon that Stroud and Anderson Jr. get them there.

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